Yeah, is that what the song is called? Definitely Groove Armada:
"If you're fond of sand-dunes and sal-ty air..."
Nice, but not very NZMusic.
Oh dear. So called "Sage", can't you remember where the whole manufactured popstars idea came from? If we are to claim our victories, we have to claim our travesties too, no matter how embarassing.
Anyone in Chch central area can listen in to special shows of N.Zealectronica on PulzarFM88.4 on Sundays at 7pm (repeated Tuesdays 1am). Specials include Denver McCarthy, Fabel Music, and Involve records. Also, all next week (14th-20th) there will be at least one NZ track per hour, with introduction and background on the artists. ------
On another note, it's sad to hear that this month, of any, Loop has collapsed. They were the best thing to happen to NZ Music in a long time. They will be missed.
Latest news is that the album is in post-production. Apparently the producer (can't remember the name) has done albums for the Pixies and Foo Fighters. Should be some pretty wicked rock and roll then.
Hmmm, perhaps it is just rock-pigs who get all weak-kneed at the prospect of the big-bad USA. On the other hand, electronic artists, on a per capita basis, seem to be making the international transition quite well. Check, e.g., Denver McCarthy whose latest album came out on NY based label Statra. Also the Involve records crew who have been making waves in the US, and have collaborations and releases going on over there. Mark de Clive Lowe's Six Degree's crew is appearing on the mainstage/firstnight of the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, after only one year already the second biggest music festival in the world. Cyanide is an example of NZ talent breaking out in a big way in the UK DnB scene, which has got to be one of the most intimidating musical cliques around. It makes me think that the anonymous nature of these sorts of music makes it a bit easier to break into international acclaim. With no worries about trying to compete against filty-rich image-centred rock/pop video gods, these artists have been able to let their music speak for itself. Sadly, I think the world of popular mainstream music is simply too shallow to let talent alone lead New Zealanders to world-wide attention, that is unless these kiwi's look good and have a fatty major label contract to pay for those damn expensive videos.
Bulletproof - The klink. And mels, this is NZ music tag, is it not, so am I missing something when you used Sebadoh (aren't they american)?
Well, looking at the 35 or so replies so far, nothing purely electronic has been mooted, and even though i can't argue with "counting the beat" or "not given lightly" my vote goes to Mechanism's "This reign will fall". Good on Kog for re-releasing Morningstar. If you haven't heard it and want to appreciate the roots of NZelectronica, go out and pick up a copy, wait until very late at night when things are starting to get really bent, turn the lights down and volume up and prepare to be assaulted. If you'all think Shihad rocks try this stuff out for size.
Wicked stuff, pleased to get some great replies. I'd have to agree with Chris and Mingo, that the exclusive nature of sites like this, un-chart-ed, my radio show, NZ music week etc. is justified as a form of self defense against the cultural imperialism that is propogated in America and pertpetuated by the mainstream media here. In fact I'd have to point the finger closer to home, at programme directors in the New Zealand media, for allowing the floodgates of mass-produced foreign culture to infiltrate and dilute our own. That said, I am really stoked to feel like I'm part of a huge wave of proud kiwis, a new young culture of immense creative power that is just exploding all over the place. Is Aotearoa coming of age, leaving the awkward teenage years behind?
I host N.Zealectronica on PulzarFM, and it, like this site, is exclusively focused on New Zealand Music. We've also got NZ Music Month coming up and so I've been thinking about this whole nationalistic approach. Its a bit of a dilemma really. If we heard that some radio stations in America were going to play ONLY US-produced music for a month (so, they proably do anyway, but if they were going to be explicicty exclusive..) we'd all be sickened, I imagine. So what makes us so proud to be so damn patriotic. I have my own ideas, but I'd be interested to hear what anyone else has to say on this topic. The microphone is yours.....
wowee, I think I've found the biggest of them all, a truly bloated information megahub, drawing in links and spewing forth all manners of musical knowledge, 9617 links in all, or so they say.
Yo dust. www.epitonic.com this may not be a portal, but they've got some great obscure indie rock mp3s and bios
For things electronic:
www.hyperreal.org <-this is the biggy
www.epitonic.com <-good free mp3s, also some rock too
www.obscure.co.nz <- for a wellycentric lowdown on urban culture
yeah, Tiki was at Destination, a two day dance party high in the southern alps. And he went off. If you get a chance to hear him as MC Rizla, do.
My complaint is: where the hell are awards for electronic music???? The Jews Brothers Band get nominated for best folk act, but such luminaries as Denver McCarthy are ignored. No justice I tell ya.
Getting back to the point, I think. (keep your vulgar spam off the list eh?) I have started a weekly show of NZ electronic music on Pulzar FM in Christchurch, and contacted NZonAir to see if they could spare any money to help me out. I thought this a reasonable request as I will be promoting NZ artists on a "commerical" (not quite yet, but getting there) radio station. There has definitely been a major surge in production quality and levels in electronic music in New Zealand in the last couple of years, as evidenced by the awesome Loop CD series, and also a corresponding surge in the audience for such music.
However, to my disappointment NZonAir could not even spare $30 for a new CD for the station, their reason being that the audience is too small; "...get in touch when the show is broadcast on at least 10 stations nationwide" (or words to that effect). Fair enough that they are directed at commerical success for NZ artists, but all those artists have to have come from the underground at some stage, unless of course you are True Bliss, but then "artist" may not apply. I think that NZonAir could be a bit more flexible in giving funding to those producing for and promoting the underground, for that is the fertile ground from which commerical success springs forth it leafy growth of international mullah. Aaiii!
Well, as someone a little closer to the horse's mouth than most I might be able to fill everyone in a bit more. I believe that the songs for the new album have been written, but it was quite an arduous process with the band's ideas not quite matching the record company's ideas of what a "hit" sounds like. Same old story I guess. Since then they have had a reasonable break with, yes, some travel to europe etc, but should be getting into the studio soon to record. I wouldn't have a clue as to when the release date is, probably much later in the year, or even next year.
Yeah, they rule. Its actually an old old song. I remember seeing them singing it live with Salmonella Dub up at Quadrophenia in Christchurch back in '94 or '95, probably at one of the gigs that some tracks off s.dub's debut CD was recorded. Urgh, I'm showing my age.
I'm starting a new show on Pulzar FM (88.4 Christchurch) called N.Zealectronica. Its a weekly 1 hour 100% Aotearoa electronic music celebration. I'm looking for new music to play so get in touch if you are making stuff. Also if you are involved in any labels/promotions/anything else to do with NZ made electronica let me know and we could perhaps do interviews or give shouts out etc. choice one bro's and sisses.
I'm ON fire - HLAH