Shapeshifter is a live drum and bass act formed in 1999.
History
Shapeshifter formed in 1999 after the four founding members met at music school. Dub, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Metal, Funk and Electronic music backgrounds were brought together to create Drum n Bass live. The track was a hit on the BNet radio network and secured the group recognition as a fresh innovative act.
Realtime
2001 saw the release of debut LP Realtime, the produce of a steep learning curve, hard work and inspiration. Highlights included collaboration with sublime vocalist Ladi 6, on the track Move With Me. Realtime was awarded the 'Best Electronic Release' title at the 2002 BNet NZ Music Awards, and was also nominated at the RIANZ NZ Music Awards for 'Best Electronic Album'. In 2002 Shapeshifter relocated to Melbourne. They toured extensively, playing to sell out crowds with reactions from audiences reaching fever pitch. The group performed at events such as the 10,000 attendance 4ZZZ market day festival in Brisbane, and the Bellingen Global Carnival, as well as sold out shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Byron Bay.
In mid-2003, vocalist Paora Apera (aka P Digsss) joined Shapeshifter's live line-up, making the group an even more formidable and soulful 5-piece with a stronger stage presence. The new line-up was road tested on Salmonella Dub's One Drop East album release tour of Australia in August/September. Shapeshifter played 12 shows in various cities to an overwhelming crowd response. Musically the group evolved rapidly to include the new vocal elements in old and new tracks, resulting in a fresh, universal sound communicating to a wider audience.
Other highlights included dates in Edinburgh and Rotterdam.
Soulstice
The band's third album Soulstice was released in August 2006, with lead single Bring Change receiving extensive video and radio play. The album quickly went gold; the success gave Shapeshifter the opportunity to appear with the Auckland and Christchurch Symphony Orchestras in two special live shows. The band had major media coverage, both due to these shows (previously reserved for major, mainstream-pop acts such as Bic Runga) and Soulstice's success.
Shapeshifter Live Album
Shapeshifter Live is to be released on 20 August 2007, Shapeshifter Live was recorded on 29 September Christchurch Town Hall the final show of their orchestra tour & in the band’s hometown – with all the strings on the tracks arranged by the legendary Victoria Kelly & performed with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Marc Taddei. The recording on the night was captured by Andre Upston & then mixed by longtime Shapeshifter associate/soundman & Salmonella Dub frontman Tiki Taane, Shapeshifter’s Sam Trevethick & Andre Upston.
Trivia
Due to name similarities with American hip hop group Shape Shifter and UK dance music group The Shapeshifters, the group plans to release music overseas under the name The Kiwi Shape Shifter Experience.
Band Members
- Nick Robinson (bass, keyboards)
- Sam Trevethick (keyboards, guitar, percussion)
- Devin Abrams (synths, saxophone)
- Redford Grenell (drums)
- Paora Apera - Aka (P Digsss)(vocals)
Discography
Studio Albums
Live Albums
Singles
Related Links
Shapeshifter Forum
Official Site
Myspace
Jan 1999
