Posted on
May 10, 2014
by
Irene Hundleby
10 MAY 2014 ~ NZ ARTIST OF THE DAY
TICKET
AWAKE
"During the period of 1972, Ticket were New Zealand's ultimate acid band."
It is quite amazing to us just how many people walk in the door and tell us that they used to have this album... soon after, most of them are kicking themselves when they see the price tag on AWAKE.
TICKET were incredibly popular in their time (1970s), and this album IS an early example of a NZ album that today is HIGHLY collectible, and very rare.
"Ticket's reputation for fiery live performances made them a major draw at clubs, campuses and concerts all over New Zealand. They preceded Elton John at Western Springs Stadium and Black Sabbath at the Great Ngaruawahia Music Festival, headlined several local festivals and shared stages with Jerry Lee Lewis and Daddy Cool, before shifting to Australia, where they established a new and equally ardent following. They were the only band to have two songs featured in the soundtrack of Morning Of The Earth, the biggest surf movie ever from Australasia."
http://nzmusic.org.nz/artists/rock/ticket/
In a time that preceded NZ on AIR funding, youtube and TV videos, the live music scene was pretty much THE way to build a loyal following... and these guys got out there and did just that. They did reunite for a couple of 30 year reunion shows last year, and there is talk of more... in the meantime here's a live clip from back in the day that TICKET have uploaded on youtube...
Posted in
May is NZ music month,
NZ music,
Ticket
Posted on
May 09, 2014
by
Irene Hundleby
9 MAY 2014 ~ NZ ARTIST OF THE DAY
THE EASTERN
HOPE AND WIRE
"The Eastern are a string band that roars like a punk band, that swings like a gospel band, that drinks like a country band, that works like a bar band, that hopes like folk singers, and sings love songs like union songs, and writes union songs like love songs, and wants to slow dance and stand on tables, all at the same time. Whether roaring as their big six piece string band or swinging the loud lonesome sound as a two piece and averaging over 200 shows a year, The Eastern can hold it down in all settings for all comers."
Live these guys and gals are raucous and rockin'...
At the very least they will definitely get your feet toe tapping!
Check em out !
Posted in
Lyttleton,
May is NZ music month,
NZ music,
The Eastern
Posted on
May 08, 2014
by
Irene Hundleby
8 MAY 2014 ~ NZ ARTIST OF THE DAY
THE SUBLIMINALS
UNITED STATE
"The Subliminals were long-time fans of Flying Nun artists who had come before them and made great sounds out of difficult and shoddy circumstances. ‘The Crystal Chain’ CDEP was recorded by Dale Cotton, audio wizard, out in a country woolshed in the middle of winter 1999. Yes, the band had to sweep out the shed first, removing all debris and uh, droppings, before they could begin recording. Not a bad finished recording either, full of vim and vigour – the floorboards were definitely bouncing."
Dave wants me to point out that this is one of his favourite FLYING NUN bands... a band that we both feel are highly underrated and a little less known. Want to hear for yourself? ...
In 2011 as part of the Flying Nun record label 30th anniversary Nunvember celebrations, the Subliminals played at Dunedin's iconic venue - Sammy's ... here is a live clip from that show...
Posted in
Flying Nun,
May is NZ music month,
NZ music,
Subliminals
Posted on
May 07, 2014
by
Irene Hundleby
7 MAY 2014 ~ NZ ARTIST OF THE DAY
MAISEY RIKA
WHITIORA
Maori singer/songwriter Maisey Rika, has one of Aotearoa's (New Zealand's) most impressive lead vocal style, fused with her honest and thought invoking messages.
Some have described her sound similar to Tracey Chapman or Sade, with a splash of India Arie. Her spine tingling vocals and fusion of English and Maori (Te Reo) lyrics is capturing the hearts of soul seekers both in New Zealand and abroad.
It is always surprising to me how many New Zealanders do not know of this talented woman! Her voice is without a doubt stunningly beautiful, heartfelt and honest. Amongst other awards, Maisey was awarded 'Best Maori Female Solo Artist Award' at the 2009 and 2010 Waiata Maori Music Awards. Check her out...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYHfRTKK3cM&index=6&list=PL70596441961C6A91
Posted in
Maisey Rika,
May is NZ music month,
NZ music,
te reo
Posted on
May 06, 2014
by
Irene Hundleby
6 MAY 2014 ~ NZ ARTIST OF THE DAY
SJD
SONGS FROM A DICTAPHONE (2007)
"With past whimsical electronic pop classics like Southern Lights and Lost Soul Music, SJD sure is a unique Kiwi music-maker. You might remember the magical Superman, You're Crying and the cruisy ad jingle-like mantra of Tree People from those respective records? ... Donnelly has never done a dud album, and he's not about to start now, even when he's come up with something quite different from what he's created before. Elastic Wasteland is bold and unique, yet effortless, charming and masterfully crafted."
Scott Kara, NZ Herald review 22 Nov 2012
Auckland based SJD describe's his music as "Organic/electronic pop music with tunes and stuff..." and the only other words I have to add to that are... SJD is great ... and GO SEE THEM LIVE! Have a listen for yourself...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adGxuPO65B4&list=PLC66B5F5946E4F0D9
SJD members - Sean James Donnelly, Paul McLaney, Dominic Blaazer, James Duncan, Chris O'Connor and Sandy Mill.
More info & events see: SJD facebook page
SJD music available at RELICS
Posted in
May is NZ music month,
NZ music,
SJD
Posted on
May 05, 2014
by
Irene Hundleby
5 MAY 2014 ~ NZ ARTIST OF THE DAY
JOHN PSATHAS
Music from the motion picture: WHITE LIES
"One of NZ's most prominent contemporary composers, Psathas is also internationally acclaimed. His impressive CV includes scoring the Athens Olympics' opening ceremony (and the work which the NZSO performed recently at the Olympic Cultural Festival in Beijing), two Best Classical Album Tui awards and two SOUNZ Contemporary Music Silver Scroll awards".
Lydia Jenkin - NZ Musician Magazine
John Psathas is an incredibly diverse and prolific New Zealand composer. His compositions range from the music for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games to the White Lies soundtrack and collaborations with Little Bushmen. Through some of his works you can clearly hear elements of his Greek heritage, music spiked with an energetic greek folk flavour!
There is no doubt that this man steps outside the square of what might be expected for a classical composer - and people from all walks of life and tastes recognise this in his music! Check out this clip, but keep in mind his works are incredibly varied... and there are plenty more works that may appeal to you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJv04gUN5GI
Strike Percussion & John Psathas (NZ)
For more info: John Psathas facebook page
John Psathas biography
JOHN PSATHAS music available at RELICS
JOHN PSATHAS CORYBAS CD HAS JUST ARRIVED!
New Zealand Chamber Soloists NZCS
New Zealand Chamber Soloists complete music for piano trio and quintet.
This new album from the NZCS features all of renown New Zealand composer, John Psathas' works for chamber ensemble that include piano - most originally commissioned for the ensemble.
Featuring works up to quintet formation, the performers are
Katherine Austin (piano) James Tennant (cello), Lara Hall (violin),
with
Amalia Hall (violin) Robert Ashworth (viola)
Posted in
Classical,
John Psathas,
May is NZ music month,
NZ music,
Soundtrack,
western art music
Posted on
May 04, 2014
by
Irene Hundleby
4 MAY 2014 ~ NZ ARTIST OF THE DAY:
CORNERSTONE ROOTS
SOUL REVOLUTION
"Although their music is deeply rooted in the Jamaican reggae they put their own spin - a salt water flava on the traditional sound and give it a distinctly NZ feel. Their sound has been described as being organic and is laced with references to 1970s style roots n culture."
Before I moved to Dunedin, my home base for many years was Raglan/Whaingaroa - land of roots reggae, surf and sun, and also home to New Zealand band Cornerstone Roots. This band formed in 2001, and I was lucky enough to experience many of their early shows... usually held within intimate cafe settings. The mix of charisma and energetic grooves stirred audiences to get moving and within very little time, these shows became local town events. During the mid 2000s, the Soundsplash Reggae Festival - based in Raglan, also became a popular event. This live music festival was held within a beautiful natural amphitheatre, with performances from bands such as Fat Freddys Drop, The Black Seeds and Trinity Roots (before they were well known!) as well as some amazing international and NZ acts. Brian Ruawai & Naomi Tuao (Motherland Collective & Cornerstone Roots) were the hard working organisers behind this festival.
These days Cornerstone tour extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand.
If you love roots, Jamaican-Aotearoa style... check them out!
CORNERSTONE ROOTS music available at RELICS
Posted in
Cornerstone Roots,
May is NZ music month,
NZ music,
Reggae
