26 April 2024 - 0 Comments

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Following on from 2002’s Jaded EP and 2003’s Otautahi Allstars self-titled LP, Grenell had teamed up with music manager and visual artist Hayley Dingwall to create and continue releasing original music on their independent label Central Records. Formed in Christchurch, Central Records would continue to release an album annually for the following 8 years, keeping them extremely busy with recording sessions, video production, tours, press releases, artwork and world domination. . . . (jokes)!

Grenell had graduated with a performance scholarship from The Christchurch Jazz School after he composed and performed his final hour-long concert. He then turned his sights to the UK where he moved in 2003, forming relationships and collaborating with some of UK’s finest including Dynamite MC (of DnB Roni Size / Full Cycle fame) on the underground hip-hop smash Bahm Bahm, and the Jungle inspired Sirens featuring Raggadon (videos were released for both). This LP also featured the talents of locals Ladi6 on the RnB styled Change For The better, Tiki Taane (AKA MC Rizla) with a nod to the 2 Step genre on Smoove Chew and Jennine Bailey on Limited Time and Oceans Apart.

This album had the masterful ears of Mike Petrie on mixing and co-production duties. It was mastered by Grammy award winner George Lambert (Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, Tribe Called Quest) from Massive Master UK whom Grenell met at a BBC Radio 1 music weekend in Brighton.

Kiwi Zane Lowe even aired Bamh Bahm to millions of listeners on his Radio 1 show the same year.

New single Drop on Em feat. Max Shotta is out on Central Records in June 2024.

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