06 November 2013 - 0 Comments

Kiwi band Supermodel’s lifelong dream has been realised.

World famous producer Reinhold Mack, who is responsible for producing some of history’s biggest bands including Queen, David Bowie, ELO, and The Rolling Stones, has mixed the second album of popular Wellington-based band Supermodel.

“It’s a dream come true”, says frontman Mark Hanify. “I’ve always aspired to work with a legendary producer who has worked with ‘the greats’ - like Freddie Mercury and Jeff Lynne - and learn some of their magic tricks.”

On 8 December, Supermodel will release the first hard-hitting single from their 12-track record Rimu and Roses, available to download for FREE. The Trial is a fresh, energetic song which shouts for freedom amidst a failing economy.    

Songwriter and guitarist Mark Hanify was thrilled that his songs impressed the world-class producer.

“It’s a huge privilege to work with Mack,” says Hanify. “He’s a great guy and an incredible producer who understands how to bring a song to life. It’s humbling that he was keen to work with a band from little old New Zealand… It’s all a little surreal to be honest.” 

This year the four-piece pop rock band, including Mark’s sister Rose on keys, Michael White on the bass, and drummer Tony Kemp, spent a few months at Quicksand Recording Studios in Christchurch before Hanify contacted the German genius, Mack. Following numerous inspiring musical chats via Skype, the rest they say is history… 

“It’s the best thing since sliced bread,” says Mack from Saka-Garden Studio in Munich.

Rimu and Roses, which is due for release in January 2014, harks back to the “golden days of ol’” with a modern edge. 

Musically, it pays homage to the 1950s era of gramophone records, with strong melodies, harmonies, and bold vocal performances, whilst maintaining a modern relevancy, with electronic drums, distorted guitar riffs, intricate synths, and lyrical themes about the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

This highly anticipated release follows in the footsteps of the popular 2011 Supermodel album To The Mountains, recorded by respected Welsh producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Mel C, OpShop). Within a day To The Mountains had hit the Number 1 spot on the iTunes rock charts. Within a week it was in the official RIANZ album charts top 40 in New Zealand and had entered the IMNZ charts at Number 4.

This chart success follows years of impressive live performances featuring Mark’s edgy vocals and tricky lead guitar riffs, Rose Hanify’s impressive vocals and keys, and a rock solid backline driven by Michael and Tony.

Since establishing themselves in 2008, Supermodel has scored slots for popular New Zealand music festivals including Rhythm ‘n’ Vines and Homegrown, packed out vineyards at Toast Martinborough, and played alongside Kimbra, Gin Wigmore, Dragon, Dane Rumble, and Herbs to name only a few. 

Now, they set their sights on the international world of music following a successful 2012 tour to Paris, Dublin, Edinburgh, Leeds and Liverpool, where they secured a slot at The Beatles former stomping ground The Cavern Club.

In 2010, they packed out London’s historic 100 Club after their three-week recording stint at Modern World Studios in the Cotswolds.

Supermodel will showcase their new record around New Zealand in early 2014 following the release of Rimu and Roses (tour dates below). Supermodel plans to play at international festivals around Europe in 2014/15.

“Best thing since sliced bread.” - Reinhold Mack, Producer (Queen, David Bowie, ELO, The Rolling Stones)

“Totally brilliant production… It was a great pleasure and honour to work for it.” - Eroc, Mastering (The Yardbirds, The Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, The Animals)

“It’s the colour and punch of this debut album that sets this band apart from other bands on the Wellington landscape... Loud, feisty and tightly packaged melodies that evoke the tight, bright pant brigades of the late 60s and the chunky riffs of the 80s and 90s. A mover and shaker of a release.” - Jacqueline Smith, NZ Herald (4 stars), 2011

“Eye-catching, well put together, confident…” - Martyn Pepperell, NZ Musician Magazine, 2011

SUPERMODEL LINKS

http://www.thesupermodelband.co.nz/
www.facebook.com/thesupermodelband
www.youtube.com/SupermodelNZ

RIMU AND ROSES NZ TOUR DATES

January 17, 2014: Summer Concert Series – Aotea Lagoon
January 24, 2014: The Dux Live, Christchurch
January 25, 2014: Wunderbar, Lyttelton, Christchurch
February 6, 2014: The Yot Club, Raglan
February 7, 2014: Lucha Lounge, Auckland
February 8, 2014: Baylys Beach, Dargaville
Wellington date and venue tbc

Photo courtesy of David Read.

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