Thursday, July 31, 2014

RIP Idris Muhammad



Via NOLA: Idris Muhammad, legendary New Orleans drummer, is dead at 74

"Idris Muhammad, whose drumming crossed over several musical styles including funk, jazz, and rhythm and blues, died Tuesday (July 29). He was 74.

[Muhammad, born as] Leo Morris was born in New Orleans on Nov. 13, 1939. He was friends with the famed Neville family, and as Keith Spera noted in a 2007 article, helped Aaron meet his beloved wife, Joel Roux (now deceased), when the boys were "bippity-bopping" down Valence Street one day in 1957. By the time he was 16, he had played the drums for Fats Domino's 1956 hit, "Blueberry Hill," and later played with the Hawketts (led by Art Neville) on their iconic anthem, "Mardi Gras Mambo."

Writing in 2010, Spera said, "Leo Morris was mesmerized by the chants and rhythms of the Mardi Gras Indians. Years later, he moved to New York and then Europe, changed his name to Idris Muhammad and deployed those rhythms as a prolific drummer for hire.

Over five decades, he logged hundreds of recordings and thousands of performances with Sam Cooke, Jerry Butler, Roberta Flack, avant-jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, jazz funk saxophonist Lou Donaldson, guitarist Melvin Sparks, pianist Ahmad Jamal, New York tenor star Joe Lovano and many more. In recent years, Muhammad has returned to his hometown to mask Indian with saxophonist Big Chief Donald Harrison's tribe."

ADDED: Read Egon's interview with Idris Muhummad, originally published in Wax Poetics issue #1, way back in 2001.




Team Dynamite: Coconut lime feat Che Fu



This video is hilarious. Team Dynamite are touring round NZ starting in early August with Ladi6, go check em out.

Shuko soul



Shuko and Henry Hemingway, drop a free EP of swinging modern soul (think Mayer Hawthorne/Aloe Blacc+Truth and Soul), give it a spin.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Digging discovery: Charles Jackson



Had a dig at Real Groovy this afternoon and came up with this 1978 LP by South Carolina-born Charles 'Chuck' Jackson. Got a stellar funk groove on it called Ooh Child, with bass by James Brown (not the James Brown, I'm picking).

In an August 1978 interview Jackson talked about the album title, saying it was something of a self-description. "I'm quiet, private, I feel things deeply, I'm passionate in what I believe and how I believe. And you know how a breeze has a certain element of melancholy about it - well, that's there too."




Bit of researching came up with this, via a listing on Dusty Grooves... "Passionate Breezes – a smoking solo debut from Chicago's Charles Jackson – a hell of a great singer, songwriter, and producer – who'd already had great fame in the Independents, and was working hard at Capitol Records with Marvin Yancy to help shape the early years of Natalie Cole [Yancy was married to Cole. The songwriting team recorded her early material at Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Studios in Chicago].

"During that time, Jackson stepped into the studio, and really stunned us with this sublime set of his own – a wonderfully mature batch of soul tunes that really reflects the great changes for male singers in the 70s – a mode that was particularly helped along by Windy City contemporaries Jerry Butler and Walter Jackson.

"Yet Charles has a warmth here that's all his own – gently stepping along grooves arranged by Mark Davis and Gene Barge – the latter of whom helped co-produce the record with Yancy. Yancy also wrote most of the cuts with Jackson – and titles include "Love Of You", "I Really Want You", "The Train", "Get On Down", "Passionate Breezes", and a remake of "Ooh Child".





Source: "... the set is best and rightly remembered for the title song. 'Passionate Breezes' is a classic Quiet Storm ballad... indeed it helped define the genre and it still sounds great today. Testament to its beauty is the fact the Dells (who knew a thing or two about decent ballads) cut a version of it too. Other highlights include a medley of Jackson's own 'I'm In Heaven' with Billy Preston's 'You Are So Beautiful'.

Surprisingly – considering Jackson was such an acclaimed writer – there's also a cover of Rod Stewart's 'Tonight's The Night'... odd, but odder is the fact that on the follow up LP, 'Gonna Getcha Love' there's only one Charles Jackson song, the gently insinuating 'I Really Want You'. 

Most of the other tunes are down to producer Gavin Christopher (must've needed the royalties). His 'Just For Your Lovin'' is worth checking out though – a decent, sophisticated, sedate dancer. There's also a great Sam Dees' number – the mournful 'For The Sake Of The Memories'.

Neither album fared particularly well and for reasons never fully explained Jackson faded as an artist and went back to writing – achieving notable success with songs he pitched at Whitney Houston. Apparently he now lives in comfortable retirement in Los Angeles..."

His songwriting partner Yancy died of a heart attack in 1985, aged 34.

Charles Jackson: AllMusic biography

The vinyl revival: Is it a victim of its own success?

Graphic: Pitchfork

The ongoing vinyl revival sees 2014 serve up Lorde with one of the top ten biggest selling LPs in the US - but the revival has one downside for record labels - now pressing plants can't keep up with demand.

Ian Henderson of Dunedin based label Fishrider Records reports via Twitter that the current turnaround for pressing vinyl for his label via "UK/ Europe is 5 months from masters to LPs. 8-10 weeks from test pressing approval to LPs. Some plants imposing 500 minimum [quantity]." He adds "I'm dreaming up ideas to make CDs as cool as Jack White is making vinyl now."

There are similar reports on the lengthening time around pressing up vinyl in this story below...

From Pitchfork:

“You used to be able to turn over a record in four weeks,” says John Beeler, project manager at Asthmatic Kitty, the label home of Sufjan Stevens. “But I’m now telling my artists that we need at least three months from the time they turn it in to the time we get it back.”

Across the board, lengthy lead times that were once anomalies are now the norm. “They’ve been longer this year than they were even nine months ago,” says Nick Blandford, managing director of the Secretly Label Group, which includes prominent indie imprints Secretly Canadian, Jagjaguwar, and Dead Oceans, and artists including Bon Iver and the War on Drugs.

“We crossed our fingers and hoped that turn times would improve after Record Store Day in April, but they’re still about the same. We’ve just accepted this as the reality.”

The Pitchfork story goes on to mention that " ... in 2014, the trickiest part for record stores is keeping those LPs in stock. One of the dirty secrets of music retail is that most distributors allow record stores to return unsold CDs—but usually not vinyl." This was why some Record Store Day releases are so hard to find this year, and stores only carry RSD releases they are sure will move.

" ... The decision to purchase LPs now is an aesthetic choice as much, if not more, than a sound preference ... So if it’s less about sound, then vinyl is a badge as much as a format—a way listeners can self-identify as true music fans. And when assessing the current state of vinyl, perhaps the harbinger of its eventual decline or plateau is the durability of that badge status:

If enough music fans decide vinyl’s perceived authenticity has been compromised, will it become a hollow gimmick? And if vinyl fatigue sets in, will consumers be satisfied to stream or download? If they still crave something physical, will they revert to CDs? Or cassettes?"

The story also discounts some chatter that the major labels are solely to blame, by hogging the pressing plants with endless reissues. "Everyone is competing with everyone to get their records made and, at this rate, there won’t be enough presses to meet demand for some time, if ever."


There's some great background behind the scenes at pressing plants in there too - Read it in full:
Wax and wane- the tough realities behind vinyls comeback

Tropical Disco Hustle



This is a great compilation... via Wax Poetics: "Our friends at Cultures of Soul have recently released Tropical Disco Hustle, a very tasty compilation of Caribbean disco and funk that’s fitting perfectly in our summer soundtrack. Sourced via a bevy of the deepest diggers around, the rarities made available here are many and all pack plenty of dance-floor heat.

Favorites include Mavis John’s slinky “Use My Body,” the punchy Trinidadian disco burner “Got to Have You” by Joanne Wilson, Merchant’s jazzy “Instant Funk” and a pair from the rare groove stalwarts Wild Fire. The set, available as a single compact disc or a pair of vinyl LPs, also includes reworks by the Whiskey Barons, disco evangelist Al Kent. and Waxist Selecta."




"Highlights of the 13 tracks included on this compilation are: the under-the-radar cosmic disco tune “Got To Have You” by Joanne Wilson, a rare P&P Records-influenced track “Dance With Me” by Odessey One, the icy cool synth-trenched “Living On A String” by Wild Fire, the incredible dance floor-friendly “Instant Funk” by Merchant, and the disco reggae cover of “Rapper’s Delight” by Prince Blackman masterfully edited by Waxist Selecta.

This compilation was compiled and researched by Deano Sounds and includes edits by Al Kent, the Whiskey Barons, and Waxist Selecta." Out now on CD and 2LP gatefold. All of the tracks here were officially licensed and reissued for the first time ever.

MORE READING: compiler Deano Sounds on The 12 Best Caribbean Disco Records

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Brand new song from Hallelujah Picassos out now




It's out now! The new Hallelujah Picassos single Salvadore is on Bandcamp, name your price. For a free copy, just enter '0' - we'd like your email address tho, so we can keep you up to date with our plans and future releases. Go have a listen!

Monday, July 28, 2014

'Land of Plenty' stoush continues for Pauly Fuemana's widow

Kirstine Fuemana with her children Imogen, Santos and Salvador.
Photo : Doug Sherring, Herald on Sunday

In September last year, car manufacturer Audi got in hot water over their sound-a-like use of a song very similar to Land Of Plenty by OMC (Pauly Fuemana). Audi got LA-based Kiwi Greg Johnson to create a song for their ad.

I have it on good authority that the agency who made the Audi ad tried to licence the original but decided it was too expensive.

At that time, Fuemana's widow Kirstine heard the ad on tv, saying "The thing that upset me the most is that the kids were watching TV and saw the ad and they yelled out, ‘hey Mum, they're playing Dad's song'," she said. "I rang Pauly's publishing company because they usually run these kinds of things by me and asked them what was going on. They told me it might sound like it but it wasn't Pauly's song." She was left to raise the couple's six children when Fuemana died in 2010.

Land of Plenty's co-author Alan Jansson said he "felt sick" when he heard the commercial. "It was hideous because it just sounds so much like Land of Plenty. I've produced commercials so I understand how songs can be played around with in the studio and tweaked but it just sucks."

... Lawyers for Kirstine Fuemana and Universal Music have written to Audi, pointing out what they claim are "noticeable similarities" between the soundtrack for its "Land of Plenty. Land of Quattro" advert and OMC's 1996 hit single Land of Plenty. The song featured on OMC's multi-platinum chart-topping album How Bizarre.

Yesterday's Herald On Sunday has a story that suggests the matter was not fully resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. See Pauly's widow chasing Audi over ad

The story says "[Mrs] Fuemana, 45, and copyright-holder Universal Music NZ, launched legal action against Audi over the 1996 song Land of Plenty last year, saying there were "noticeable similarities" with a "Land of Plenty. Land of Quattro" commercial.

Audi admitted it had considered using Pauly's songs, but denied copying one.

Fuemana said yesterday [Saturday] the first legal claim had petered out, but she has a new lawyer and will file a personal damages claim, including a request for compensation of an amount yet to be decided.

"Just because Paul's passed away doesn't mean that you can just go and use whatever you like."

Universal Music NZ managing director Adam Holt would not comment yesterday. Land of Plenty co-writer Alan Jansson said Audi was "disrespectful", but he would not take legal action."

The story says there are plans to make a movie based on Pauly's life, and "A documentary on Pauly, titled How Bizarre, after OMC's breakout 1995 multi-platinum album of the same name, will screen on Maori TV next month. The How Bizarre album will be re-released too." The How Bizarre album is also being remastered. Tiki Taane is also involved in helping finish an album of previously unreleased OMC tunes.

ADDED Sept 29, 2104: Dear Audi, Thanks for Stealing My Music. Sincerely, Sohn.

Pauly Fuemana. Via Audioculture

Reggae reworks from Grant Phabao



More reworks of Jurassic 5, Big Daddy Kane, Lyrics Born, over here.... all name your price DLs

Sunday, July 27, 2014

New Hallelujah Picassos single out Tues, cover art....



Press release
Salvadore - New song from Hallelujah Picassos, and it's free! Out July 29

The insanely catchy new single Salvadore (Miles Away From You) represents Hallelujah Picassos first new recording from the recently reunited lineup. The band’s legendary frontman, Roland Rorschach says the song is “A pensive, wistful tale describing a period between defeat and triumph.“

The band came together in 2012 to follow up on their reissues (Rewind The Hateman, Picasso Core Jukebox) with a handful of live shows with the likes of Drab Doo Riffs, Bloodbags, and Labretta Suede and the Motel 6.

The lads enjoyed playing together again immensely, so they continued on their merry way, blasting through old tunes and mixing up some new gems. This is the first fruits of their labours. Their last recorded outing was 18 years ago. It’s been a minute.

Salvadore (Miles Away From You) is a jaunty pop ditty, with a melancholy vocal and skiffle drum shuffle bouncing along over electronic beats, and some fruity skanking guitar chops over the top. Soak it up! Best feedback so far - “It sounds like nothing you guys have done before, but it definitely sounds like the Picassos.”

The current lineup of the band features the original members – Roland on vocals, Bobbylon on drums and vocals, Peter McLennan on guitars, with Darryn Harkness on bass (Loud Ghost / New Telepathics / Braintree), and original bass player John Pain, shifting to keyboards – his original instrument before joining the Picassos.

Salvadore (Miles Away From You) is available via Bandcamp as a free download, and serves as a taster for an EP of more new recordings the band plan to release in mid September.

The song was recorded and produced by John Pain and Hallelujah Picassos at the Institute for Telepathic Research, and mastered by Angus McNaughton. Cover art image by Erin Forsyth. Released on Loopy Fruit Recordings, July 29, 2014.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Ring The Alarm playlist, July 26




MAW - Zoe
Ikebe shakedown - Tujunga
Mulatu and Heliocentrics - Dewel
Jim Brown - Cure for the fever
Devon Russell - Thanks and praise
Adrian Sherwood and Lee Scratch Perry - Kingston tower
African head charge - Throw it away
General Levy - The wig
Bohannon - South African man
Sheila B Devotion - Spacer - Greg Wilson edit
Gil Scott Heron - B Movie
Marc Rapson - The kalimba
LCD soundsystem - 45/33 - Padded cell remix
Shreikback - All lined up - disco mix
Bernard Wright - Bread sandwiches
The Capprells with the Sul Bros - Close your eyes
Gladys Knight and the Pips - Who is she and what is she to you\
Bahama soul stew - Funky Nassau
Machito - Knock on wood
Richie and his PS54 schoolyard - Listen to Louie
The Notations - Take it slow
Gwen McCrae -Funky sensation
Driza bone - Real love
Bomb the bass - Braindead
Jackson 5 - Get it together - 4Hero remix
James Brown  -Funky drummer

Friday, July 25, 2014

James Brown biopic - 1st trailer out



This trailer makes the film look like it might be halfway good. Love the moment when they say to Mr Brown "They want the Rolling Stones to close the show," and he says they haven't had a hit in America,  then Mr Brown goes out and plays a blinding show, then walks offstage and says "Welcome to America" in the direction of Mick and co, standing side of stage watching.

I've seen the footage of the actual TV show this event is taken from, the TAMI Show, and Mick Jagger and co come on after Mr Brown, and poor lil Jagger shimmys, shakes and flails around, trying to outdance James Brown - doesn't happen. It's hilarious. Watch it below....





Do Not Sell at Any Price: book on 78 collectors



Coveting Vintage Discs in a Digital Universe
New York Times book reviews on ‘Do Not Sell at Any Price’ and ‘Dust & Grooves’

Snip: "Something unexpected happened to Amanda Petrusich when she set out to explore the “oddball fraternity” of fanatical collectors of 78 r.p.m. records, the increasingly hard-to-find shellac discs that circulated before World War II. At first she was almost repulsed by the avidity of their passion. But when she heard the music of Skip James, Charley Patton, Blind Uncle Gaspard and Geeshie Wiley played in its original format, she fell under its spell, just as the collectors had.

“Eventually, I started to want what they wanted,” she writes. “For me, the modern marketing cycle and the endless gifts of the Web had begun to feel toxic,” its surfeit of always-available music leading to a response that surprised her: “I missed pining for things. I missed the ecstasy of acquisition.” ...

.... “Collectors of 78s, maybe more than any other curators of music or music memorabilia,” she writes, “are doing essential preservationist work, chasing after tiny bits of art that would otherwise be lost.”

Ms. Petrusich’s collectors of 78s view themselves as a breed apart from — and superior to — the people who focus on LPs and 45s, which are vastly more plentiful. For one of her collectors, she reports, “the distinction is acute, comparable to collecting pebbles versus collecting diamonds.” ...

... "The difference between the Petrusich and Paz approaches can be gauged by the way they portray the one collector who appears in both their books, Joe Bussard of Frederick, Md., whose collection of about 25,000 discs is the product of six decades of what Ms. Petrusich calls “boots-on-the ground grunt work, pointedly removed from the estate-sale lurking most contemporary collectors indulge in.” She provides excerpts from a daylong conversation with him and tells us that “watching Joe Bussard listen to records is a spiritually rousing experience” in which he “sticks his tongue out, squeezes his eyes shut and bounces in his seat, waving his arms around like a weather vane.”

Mr. Paz’s photographs, in contrast, let the reader actually see the delight Mr. Bussard feels in listening to his collection, and instead of interpreting what Mr. Bussard says, uses a question-and-answer exchange that allows his clipped and cranky voice to be heard clearly. Here is Mr. Bussard on why he hates rock ’n’ roll: “Don’t like the sound of it, the meaning of it ... doesn’t promote anything meaningful. Idiotic noise, in my opinion.”

Nana Love - Disco Documentary Full Of Funk



Out August 11 on BBE, who say "Nana Love - A “Disco Documentary Full Of Funk” proves that it stands the test of time by sounding as fresh and original as any other sought-after Disco / Soul Funk LP from the West coast of Africa in the late 70s.

BBE went on another crate-digging journey and found the original producer Reindorf Nana Oppong and the original master tapes were dusted off, transferred to digital. In the process of this, even unreleased material was discovered on the tapes, which makes this a rather special package.

“Nana Love - Disco Documentary Full Of Funk” is one special journey through Afro Disco & Boogie in the late 70s, and we at BBE can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed."


Thursday, July 24, 2014

Wild Style Breakbeats 7x7" Vinyl + Book from Kenny Dope



Described as "Kenny Dope revisits and edits the Wild Style soundtrack" - how good is that?

This includes 28 page book featuring new interviews and vintage photos from Wild Style archives. The Book doubles as a 7" vinyl holder ("Kay-Dee Casebook"). It features (7) 7" singles (13 songs total) featuring Kenny Dope edit versions from the Wild Style soundtrack.

Ships Early-Mid August. Link: Kenny Dope -Wildstyle vinyl/book at Turntable lab

ADDED: So what were the Wildstyle breakbeats? Here's the story [source]...

Kenny Dope: ”When it comes to “Wild Style”, it’s a movie that I have loved since I was a kid, because of what it stood for and how it showed real hip-hop culture to the world. As I became a producer in the late 1980s and into the 90s, when I listened close to the breakbeats that the DJs used in the film, I could tell that they were done in a studio....but I never knew the actual story behind them. It was always a mysterious thing, and no one seemed to know much about it.”

Wildstyle director Charlie Ahearn: “We didn't want to be dependent on the hit of the month but, more importantly, I was afraid of (filming) MCs rhyming off a pile of records that I wouldn't be able to clear”

And so, with a vision about the movie’s backbone: instrumentals that would replace breakbeats that DJs in New York were using at the time, Ahearn enlisted Fab 5 Freddy to oversee the production of material specifically for the film.

Freddy comments, “It was very smart on Charlie’s part...he said we should create our own, so I went and did that.” Using the “Orchestra” from the public access show “TV Party” (where Freddy was the camera man) original recordings were made for the film. That orchestra consisted of Leonardo “Lenny Ferrari” Ferraro on drums and Blondie’s Chris Stein.

Kenny Dope: “From an audio perspective, I got the 2 track mixdown tapes of the final breakbeats from Charlie. I went in and re-EQed everything and did re-edits, to make all of the originals-which were only about a minute each- longer. I didn’t want to put in anything that wasn’t there originally, so I didn’t add kicks or snares. I just wanted to enhance what they already had.”

The story of the breakbeats, the backbone of “Wild Style” has never been told so thoroughly and colorfully (in both words and glorious pictures) as you’ll find in this collection spearheaded by Kenny Dope. This is more than a collection of audio, this is documentation of an integral part of hip-hop history!

“Wild Style Breakbeats” not only features a 7” single including each of the breaks from the film, it also tells the story of those breakbeats in words and pictures. The 14 page hardcover book is written by Brian Coleman with reminiscences from Charlie Ahearn, DJ GrandWizzard Theodore, Fab 5 Freddie, Leonardo “Lenny Ferrari” Ferraro, Chris Stein and many more.

Mind The Curb (Remixed & Reworked)




"Kerbside Collection's debut jazz funk and rare groove LP "Mind the Curb" (released May 2013 on Légère Recordings) gets the remix, rework and re-use treatment with a variety of interpretations from fellow Aussie and international friends with everything from dubby pacific nu disco, analogue breaks and beats to balearic Japanese nu jazz."

Remixers include Ennio Styles, Billy Hoyle, Two Dee, Blunted Stylus, Chikashi Nishiwaki, and Kerbside Collection's drummer Paprika. Out now on digital, ltd 12" vinyl. 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Disco Demolition rally II



The Disco Demolition Rally in 1979 marked a low point in American cultural history  - that sad moment when middle America (read: white majority) rose up against the supposed  evils of disco and said 'enough'. The event was initiated by a radio DJ named Steve Dahl  who said it had nothing to do with race or sexuality (even tho disco had its origins in the black, gay community), but it sure doesn't read like that.

Now, the idea has been revived, and aimed at artists who have nothing to do with disco...

via Digital Music News: "Minor league baseball team Charleston RiverDogs hosted “Disco Demolition 2: You Better Belieb It” on Saturday, July 19th. Fans were invited to bring Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus music and merchandise. The items were put in a boombox and blown up on the field.

This was a followup to the Disco Demolition of 1979, where a crate of disco records was blown up between a double header between the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers.

The original Disco Demolition event was a disaster (depending on how you look at the situation). The audience rushed the field and the White Sox had to forfeit.

Mike Veeck was the promotions director of the White Sox in 1979, and he is now President of the Charleston RiverDogs.

RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols gave a statement prior to the July 19th game:

“‘Disco Demolition 2′ is dedicated to the eradication of their dread musical disease, like the original Disco Demolition attempted to do. We are going to take Bieber and Cyrus’s merchandise and memorabilia, put it in a giant box, and blow it to smithereens. It is all in good fun, and we guarantee there won’t be a forfeit of a game…”

Disco Demolition 2 seems harmless, despite the confusing and pointless uproar over Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber. However, continuing the tradition of the first Disco Demolition is a little concerning.

Disco Demolition 1 was organized by white men who wanted to “eradicate” disco, music that bubbled up from African American and gay clubs. 

After Disco Demolition, Dave Marsh wrote this in Rolling Stone:

“It was your most paranoid fantasy about where the ethnic cleansing of the rock radio could ultimately lead… white males, eighteen to thirty-four are the most likely to see disco as the product of homosexuals, blacks, and Latins, and therefore they’re the most likely to respond to appeals to wipe out such threats to their security. It goes almost without saying that such appeals are racist and sexist, but broadcasting has never been an especially civil-libertarian medium.”

Jet Jaguar - Hoops



New EP, name your price. Very tasty electronica from the capital.

It's the culture, stupid!

Beyonce is shocked at Bob's suggestion that most people
don't know her new music. It's on the interwebz!

Bob Lefsetz on culture, some fascinating observations... excerpt from Modern Life, read it in full here...

"... So what we're experiencing is a winnowing out process. Everybody can play, but only a few can win. If you think the Huffington Post is for tomorrow, you only live in today. The "New York Times" has nothing to worry about, because they're the only company that features real, in depth reporting, and he who controls information wins in the end.

But the "New York Times" is laboring under the conceit that it's bigger than its writers, which is completely topsy-turvy. Today we believe in the individual, whether it be Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Ezra Klein or Rupert Murdoch. You hitch your star to the star. Otherwise you descend. 

Because people don't trust institutions, they don't trust corporations, they only trust individuals. So if you're building an enterprise, focus on the talent. We can all identify with the talent. We believe Nate Silver has authority when it comes to data, the new people writing in the "New York Times" Upshot...WHO ARE THEY?

So you've got two sides to the equation, the seller and the buyer, and what's even worse, so many are both. Very few are passive today. People may be surfing the headlines, but they're also embellishing their personal brand, they want you to stop by at their Facebook page, check out their Twitter feed, when we ran out of time eons ago. 

So we gravitate to that which is in our face all day every day. Which is why if you want to be a famous musician, you've got to dominate the news cycle. This is what the Kardashians do so well and the bands do so poorly.

Or else you could make a song so good that it dominates the discussion. But we can't even agree on a song of the summer this summer. Is that because one's not good enough or because there's no consensus, because we're all scurrying off in our own direction.

So there are some who sit home self-satisfied, saying they know what's going on, when that's damn near impossible.

And then there are those who not only yearn for the days of yore, they keep bitching about what is lost in the new era.

And then there are those who do their best to keep up. And they're the majority of the population. They're trying to cobble together a life. Trying to decide what is necessary. Whether to look for love online or in real life. Whether to turn off their devices to enrich the experience or be fearful of missing out.

It's the culture stupid!

You might think it's about money and quality and marketing, but the truth is the culture has changed, and those who do not adopt their companies and their products to the new culture are bound to be forgotten.

Today you can truly be famous for fifteen minutes and forgotten shortly thereafter.

The key is to sustain.

And you do this by being in front of everybody with a quality product on a regular basis.

And that's damn hard to do. That's why Luke Bryan puts out two albums a year, why his label keeps pushing singles to the top of the chart, and most Americans still have no idea who he is!

Beyonce may be famous, but few know her new music.

And "Orange Is the New Black" may get great reviews, but who's got 25 hours to dedicate to the show when there's so much else to experience? Or, if you do, what else are you sacrificing?

So stop bitching and start figuring out how to play the new game.

Everybody else is."

Matariki on the Waterfront

"Matariki on the Waterfront returns for 2014 with a full weekend of activity for Matariki, including art, music, the Mighty Matariki Markets, food and entertainment. Featuring performance by The Modern Maori Quartet, Whenua Patuwai, emerging artists from Pao Pao Pao 2014 and Dudley Benson, DJ sets from King Kapisi and Che Fu, street food, artisan producers and more.


Friday July 25th 5:00pm: Art and Sound at Silo Park

Artists will take over the outdoor Silo Park space with light-based artworks, projection mapping and moving images. Works from Tracey Tawhiao, Jon Baxter, Angus Muir Design, Jade du Preez, Onesian and more - with a street food market and the Silo Park bar.
DJ sets all night from King Kapisi and Che Fu.


Saturday July 26th and Sunday July 27th 12:00pm-5:00pm: The Mighty Matariki Market

More than 50 stalls come together in Silo Park to present the largest market to hit the space. Spanning food, beverage, art, craft, fashion, accessories, experiences and gifts these vendors represent the very best makers and collectors in Auckland.


Sunday July 27th 12:00-5:00pm: Silo Sessions for Matariki

Silo Park will be filled with the sounds of Aotearoa's finest Māori musicians, including Modern Māori Quartet, Whenua Patuwai, Dudley Benson, emerging artists from Pao Pao Pao 2014 Showcase and DJs Dylan C and Lo Key (Māori Hifi). Soak up the tunes all afternoon with food and drinks from the Mighty Matariki Market."

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Vinyl revival: Philippines edition



From BusinessWorld, Manila: From vinyl survival to vinyl revival.

" ...Why should a young person brought up on Spotify and Pandora and accustomed to wearing headphones everywhere want to go back to analog? It’s certainly not because of convenience - as we have already seen, records don’t travel well, and they are a pain to store and keep clean. 

"They’re also expensive -- in the Philippines LPs cost thousands of pesos, as against P500 or so for a CD or about a dollar for a legal music download. Whatever factors are behind the revival, they aren’t likely to be economically rational.

So let’s speculate about what the irrational reasons might be. Nostalgia is one. The nostalgia business happens to be huge, and vinyl might just be riding that wave. A closely-related reason might be a search for “authenticity,” a preference for an age when musicians knew their craft and needed no digital aids. Yet another might be a desire for things that you can have and hold, a reaction to the intangibility of many digital products... "

Kasbah Rockers with Bill Laswell



Trip hop, dub, electronica from Morocco. Listen to more at Barraka El Farnatshi Prod Soundcloud. Tune below is a free download too....


Monday, July 21, 2014

Ogiyy: Nostalgia




Cascade say: Nostalgia is Ogiyy's new album for [northern] summer! Ogiyy is a beatmaker / DJ born in 1987. From Kyoto, Japan, Ogiyy started DJing at the age of 16. He started making music from the age of 18. He moved his base to Tokyo when he was 20. Rooted in the hiphop, beats, R&B and soul. He has been involved in Sonar Tokyo in 2013.

“I'm producing tracks based on hip-hop. And I consider I always want to update it. This album is inspired by soul, funk, r&b. And I made it up by my new interpretation. Have the funk and keep the beat alive, a tempo of real life !"

Out August 4 on cassette/digital thru Cascade Records

Big Mean Sound Machine new album



Check the tune below too, free download...


Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens - new video



Directed by Derick Crucius. Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens new album "Cold World" available July 29th on Daptone Records.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Ring The Alarm playlist, July 19



Tom Browne - Funkin for Jamaica
Bohannon - Think of me
Cornelius brothers and sister Rose -Too late to turn back now
Bamboos -You aint no good
Soulful illusion - Soulful illusion
Betty Wright - Babysitter
Lee Fields - You just can't win
Skatalites - Malcolm X
Andy and Joey  -You're wondering now
Jackie Mittoo -Wall street
Karl Bryan and the Afrokats - Money generator
Ernest Ranglin - 54-46 was my number
Joe Bataan - Subway Joe
Sergio Mendes - Mas que nada - Shinichi Osawa re-edit
Cal Tjader - Soul sauce
Willie Bobo - Fried neckbones - Dan the Automator remix
New swing sextet - Monkey see, monkey do
Billy Preston and Syreeta - Go for it inst
Dennis Mobley and fresh taste - Superstition
Hypnotic brass ensemble - Spottie
Bobby Womack - You're welcome stop on by - Beaten space probe edit
Hairy Diamond - Givin up
Dutch rhythm steel and show band - Funky stuff
Talking heads - Born under punches
Pete Shelley - Homosapien - elongated dancepartydubmix
Che Fu - Random - Submariner remix
Nextmen vs Joe Dukie - Hold me now
Urban disturbance - Figure this kids
IQU - Witchcraft

Friday, July 18, 2014

Kiwi musicians no royals

The weekend's Sunday Star Times carried an interesting piece on the state of NZ music last weekend, focussing on the struggles musicians face here. See Kiwi musicians no royals

The journalist, Jess McAllen, talked to several local musicians and promoters, including Ian Blink Jorgensen.

Blink's replied to the article, via FB (republished here with Blink's permission): " Thanks Jess for taking the time to write a piece for the SST. Was nice to see Liam and Carl getting some deserved props. There were just some really bad interview misquotes and I'm not even sure you read the book that you quoting....

Do APRA really spend "millions" on the silver scrolls. Haha. I think APRA will be pretty angry about that call, even angrier than I made them

"the biggest gripe of all is the way music is funded in NZ"
- not sure how that came across, it's just one of the various issues I raised.

"The book laments the way NZOA chooses who to fund"
- I have no problem at all with the way in which NZOA choose WHO to fund. My entire essay simply reflects on other ideas to build an infrastructure so we don't need funding and tries to stimulate new ideas around better ways to fund music and explore different funding models.

"venue hire, a common practice used to help pay off licensing fees to APRA"
- in my book I say "some" venues collect APRA money from the bands on the night. Quite different from a "common practice".

"To cover fees payable to APRA he increased the entry fee from $5 to $10"
- This is just weird. Even a cursory glance over one of the shortest essays in the book explains why I don't think $5 shows should exist. My reasoning for raising the minimum charge to $10 (other than a few exceptions) had nothing to do with APRA, at all.

"Artists were provided a backstage toaster and duvets"
- Really. Haha, of all the stuff I did at Puppies, and this was the only thing highlighted? No mention of advertised and enforced playing times and everything else I talk about in the book ahead of a toaster? haha, I feel the last two years of my life was just spent promoting the use of a toaster in green rooms.

"The bar also sported a pop-up barbershop, courtesy of doorman Brett who gave customers free trims"
- ? Brett didn't cut the hair, and they weren't free. Haha, where did this bizzare information come from?

"Anthony Healey called for a meeting with Jorgensen and various Kiwis in the industry..."
- Nope. He just wanted to meet me. I organised for everyone else to come along.

"Blink is wrong on many points" (Quoting Anthony Healey)
- Such as? Haha, I don't disagree, just would be nice to hear what they were.

"Part of the problem is all music venues get charged the same amount regardless of if they're open for 10 hours a week or 100"
- There are different amounts charged dependent on the size of the venue, this is made very clear in the book - and the crux of it, being charged on your "potential" audience because of the size of your space, not the actual audience or the amount of time you can broadcast to that audience.

"The per-day rate is a result of a discussion with many venues" (Quoting Anthony Healey)
- curious this, given that I spoke to most of the active live music venues in the country when researching for the book and NONE of them mentioned ever being involved in a discussion from APRA - again, would have been nice for him to elaborate on this.

(in reference to Chronophonium) "Tickets cost around $60 and include accommodation"
- haha, I want my money back chronies..I slept in my car last year. What is this "accom" I'm hearing about now!!

I'm continuely dissappointed at how mainstream media so often try to paint a "sad" angle on everything. The book I released has quite a positive feel, its meant to be inspiring, and though pointing out problems, it also highlights how simple some things would be to fix.

Just like how I couldn't get one feature in the Dom Post promoting any of the shows I had at the bar until I announced the closing of the bar, then they were jumping to do something and even though I made it very clear it closing was a positive thing for wellington and my intention from the beginning - still it painted it as doom and gloom, as you have in a way here.

To have the finish of Camp get lumped in to the hiatus (note: HIATUS, not "end") of Big Day Out is a very clear illustration of that. Big Day Out is taking a break due to massive internal and financial issues in Australia, nothing to do with event in NZ and I ended Camp for many reasons, none of which were due to depressing reasons or a reflection of a scene, one of the most important reasons being that I am doing another project which I couldn't do at the same time as Camp.

PS. Was disappointed to see no mention of Great Job opening in Palmy, even though you hinted you were going to mention, this might have helped put a positive spin on things. Also, was disappointed that you made it appear as though I took aim at Ben Howe in the book. Though yes, I talk about alcohol and the music industry, I never singled Ben out and have a massive respect for him. I just spent two years running a bar....shit, If anyone should be criticised...

PPS. If I were Big Day Out, I would come back in 2016 as Lollapalooza (the new owners), seems like all they need is a rebrand. Makes sense to me...

PPS. I appreciate the final editing of this piece was probably out of jess's hands"


In the comments on Blink's FB post, NZOA's Brendan Smyth adds that Outward Sound is not a NZOA program, as stated in the print version of the article (now corrected online).

Former Amplifer staffer Stephen O'Hoy commented to me via Twitter that "That social media criteria for NZOA funding isn't mandatory, it's 1 of 22 criteria from which a band needs 10. Also the article overlooks the positive changes Making Tracks made to funding. Muzai Records gets funding now."


Blink wrote about APRA in his book...here's Blink interviewed by Noisey's Sally Beaver, excerpt...

"The chapter, 'APRA and PPNZ Are Ripping Off New Zealand Businesses In The Name Of Songwriters Who Have No Idea This Is Going On' was scary.
I just wanted to get other people talking about it. And even in the last couple of days since it’s been out, it’s really resonated. Big articles in newspapers, meetings with APRA and a whole bunch of really high profile NZ acts coming out to talk to me and wanting to be involved with reformatting and making sure APRA become more transparent.

So you’re the man who took down APRA?

Not quite. The idea of APRA is great, but thinking that a band would chase every single radio station and shop that is playing their music is insane. It’s great that we have a company that does this, but the company assumes too much. Music gets played that isn’t on the radio."

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Over 750 indie labels sign the Fair Digital Deals declaration

Via Digital Music News: "The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has launched a Fair Digital Deals Declaration.

WIN has been heading the battle against YouTube’s streaming service contract for indie labels. Most recently, The British Academy of Songwriters voiced their support, speaking out against YouTube. The Fair Digital Deals Declaration is the next logical step.

Indie labels that sign the declaration are pledging to treat their artists fairly in regard to digital agreements with third parties.


These are the declaration’s five key points:


We will ensure that artists’ share of download and streaming revenues is clearly explained in recording agreements and royalty statements in reasonable summary form.

We will account to artists a good-faith pro-rata share of any revenues and other compensation from digital services that stem from the monetization of recordings but are not attributed to specific recordings or performances.

We will encourage better standards of information from digital services on the usage and monetisation of music.

We will support artists who choose to oppose, including publicly, unauthorized uses of their music.

We will support the collective position of the global independent record company sector as outlined in the Global Independent Manifesto.


Over 750 independent labels from more than 21 countries have already signed the declaration, and more due to sign on July 16th."

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Orchestra of Spheres new video



I had the pleasure of seeing this fabulous Wellington act last year, when my band Hallelujah Picassos played on a bill with them and the Drab Doo Riffs, which was a great night.They have a delightfully bent approach to their music.

Off their latest album Vibration Animal Brain Sex Music, recorded onto 24-track tape at Outside Inside Studio, Montebelluna, Italy.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Ring The Alarm playlist, July 12



Marvin Gaye - Father father  - Bigga Bush mashup
Zilverzurf - Moment is gone -7 Samurai remix
Hypnotic brass ensemble - Balliki bone
Bronx river parkway - Aqua con sol
Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto - Girl from Ipanema
Ray Barretto - Hard hands
Willie Bobo - La descarga del Bobo - MAW remix
Uncle Louie - Full tilt boogie
Myron and E - Do it do it disco - Tom Noble remix
Grover Washington Jr - Inner city blues
Freebass feat Urban Disturbance - Up to bat
Brass roots - Good life
Gwen Guthrie - Seventh heaven
REdefinition - Bahia affair inst
Marc Rapson - Return to Dilla suite
Hopetoun Brown live in studio  - go see them live at Leigh Sawmill tomorrow, Sunday, from 4pmPhillip Cohran - New frankiphone blues
Salah Ragab - Egypt strut
Takuya Kuroda - Rising son
Clarke/Duke project - Lets get started
Trouble funk - Drop the bomb
Cornelius brothers and Sister Rose - Treat her like a lady
Bergendy - Tramp-Rezlet - Peter Mac re-edit
Impressions -Woman's got soul
Darrell Banks - Angel baby

Friday, July 11, 2014

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings live in Akld, Sept 4




Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings return to Auckland for one show - Thursday 4th September, at the Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland. Absolutely unmissable soul excitement.

PRESS RELEASE:

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings Return to New Zealand

Billions, Daptone Records and Whitepaper are delighted to announce Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings will be gracing New Zealand once again for one show in Auckland this September.

After facing a brave battle with cancer, this is a triumphant return to the stage for Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings’ and comes off the back of a very well-received release of Give the People What They Want earlier this year.

New Zealand fans can expect a stellar show from this prolific band, as Give the People What They Want is poised to become not only an iconic album, but a fixture in the canon of Soul Music. With the album offering up "an up-tempo stomper with ominous, thundering arrangements, and marches directly into the pulsing Detroit-flavoured soul” through to mellow feel-good anthems, their new work delivers every bit of the unbridled soul and studio acumen that defines this bands’ universally loved sound.

Expect a captivating and energetic show from Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings. Don’t miss out. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster on 15 July 2014.

Orlando Julius, Sun Ra joints coming in September

Some exciting news from Strut Records...

"We're very proud to announce the first ever internationally released new studio album by one of the all-time legends of Nigerian music, Orlando Julius, in a mouth-watering new collaboration with London super-group The Heliocentrics.

With Jaiyede Afro, Julius takes us back to his roots, revisiting several compositions from his early years which have never previously been recorded. The album is released 9th September and will be supported by a full European touring schedule.

The album is available now for pre-order from iTunes, with the lead track "Buje Buje" available for instant download. Stream "Buje Buje" below.



Another big one for September as Strut and Art Yard join forces for a special release to mark what would have been Sun Ra's 100th birthday in 2014. In The Orbit Of Ra invites long-serving Arkestra bandleader Marshall Allen to curate a new collection, bringing together highlights and rarities from over 25 years of music.

The release features previously unreleased versions of Ra classics "Island In The Sun" and "Reflects Motion" as well as an unreleased track, "Trying To Put The Blame On Me," recorded live in Rome in 1977. The album will be released 23rd September."

Sheridan House Records mixtape




"Enjoy this hour-long preview/mix by Shane "DJ Sureshot" Hunt of our upcoming Luv N’Haight release “Catch Action: The Sophisiticated Boogie Funk of Sheridan House Records.” Painstakingly compiled and researched by Shane, with a total of 27 tracks allocated over 6 x 12”s along with a booklet and housed in a slipcase, the boxset compilation provides a comprehensive story of Kent Harris’ Los Angeles-based label releasing obscure yet timeless gems from the golden-era of modern soul, boogie and funk."

WahWah versiontastic!




Some ripping covers on this collection, check Richie Phoe dubbing out MJ's Thriller, and Hackney Colliery Band blasting out Africa...

"Wah Wah 45s celebrate the joy of the cover version! The label has always had a keen ear for a re-working of a classic piece of music, whether it be an unexpected brass take of a soft rock or hip hop cut from Hackney Colliery Band, or a sultry rendition of a soul nugget from Stac, with the only conditions being that the cover takes the original piece of music somewhere new, fresh and exciting.

The label's 15th anniversary seemed like a good time to not only re-visit a number of very canny covers from over the years, but to throw in a couple of new and exclusive ones for good measure too and as a way of saying thank you for all your support over the last decade and a half.

So, as well as well loved renditions of Bill Withers' The Same Love That Made Me Laugh from Ashley Thomas and Part-Time Heroes' gorgeous re-imagining of The Boss' Dancing In The Dark, you get a spine-tingling, pitch shifting, electronica flavoured take of Rose Royce's ballad Wishing On A Star from Stac x Blue Daisy and The Gene Dudley Group's fierce dance floor funk version of Richard "Groove" Holmes No Trouble On The Mountain (itself a Wah Wah 45s release back in the day!) featuring the rasping vocals of Annie Frankenstein.

Add to that Lea Lea's recent cover of Talking Heads' Psycho Killer, Scrimshire's updating of Tammi Terrell's version of All I Do, with Stac on vocal duties, as well as club classics from Henri-Pierre Noel, Bev Lee Harling, Alister Johnson and a couple of big hitters from Hackney Colliery Band and you've got one heavyweight haul of version excursions on your hands. Out July 14.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Don Cheadle / Miles Davis pic

First pic of Don Cheadle as Miles Davis, via Aintitcool

Don Cheadle is set to star and direct a film about legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, scored by Robert Glasper. Cheadle talked to Downbeat Mag recently about the film, starting shooting in July.

"The actor, 50, has admired Davis’ music since he first heard his parents’ LPs of Porgy And Bess and Kind Of Blue at the age of 11. But he hadn’t seriously entertained the notion of portraying the “Prince of Darkness” until something odd happened at the 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. While accepting a posthumous honor for Davis, the trumpeter’s nephew, drummer Vince Wilburn Jr., surprised everyone—including Cheadle—by announcing that the family would produce a feature film about the late jazz icon and that Cheadle would be their leading man.

Once a promising high school sax player who had been offered a jazz studies scholarship, Cheadle is learning to play trumpet for the role. He has hired Robert Glasper to score the music, with Herbie Hancock—who won an Oscar for his 1986 score for the film ’Round Midnight—helping to supervise the soundtrack.

On his fundraising site, Cheadle says the story focuses on a few days in 1979 when Davis confronted “his relationship with his muse, his voice, his fears and challenges to come out of his silent period and return to the music.” Actors Ewan McGregor (Big Fish) and Michael Stuhlbarg (Boardwalk Empire) have been signed to play key roles as a music journalist and a record company executive."

Cheadle is running an Indieagogo campaign to assist with funding the film, see below


#MILESAHEAD NOW ON INDIEGOGO from Miles Movie on Vimeo.

Wednesday, July 09, 2014

Gregory Porter x Stevie Wonder, live



Gregory Porter and band joined by Stevie Wonder, from a live show earlier this week. Average video quality but check out that groove. One word - daaammmnnn!

Northern Bass 1st lineup announcement




"FuZen Entertainment is proud to announce the first selection of top international and local artists to take to the stages at this year’s Northern Bass New Years Festival.

To ring in 2015, the Northern Bass team has once again chosen a truly global mix by selecting an incredible blend of talented international and local artists – all guaranteed to give revelers an unforgettable New Years Eve experience.

So appearing at Northern Bass 14/15 are….drum roll…..

* NOISIA * ANDY C * FAT FREDDYS DROP * PHAROAHE MONCH * DOC SCOTT * DJ VADIM * OM UNIT * MAD PROFESSOR * THE UPBEATS * CONCORD DAWN * OPTIMUS GRYME * DYLAN C * AROHA * EAVESDROP * ESTÉRE * DEEP FRIED DUB* DIAZ GRIMM * CTFD * SCIZZORHANDS * BEAT MAFIA * KNIGHTS OF THE DUB TABLE*

On-top of these great artists, expect more of what has made Northern Bass not just the freshest kid on the festival block but one of the best! 

This year there is a redesigned site layout; a new performance zone; improved access for campers; and yes, even more bass.

DEC 30th & DEC 31st, Worsfold Farm, Settlement Road, Mangawhai

Tickets are on-sale now from Real Groovy Records, Conch Records and iTicket: http://www.iticket.co.nz/go-to/northern-bass-2014

New Souleance ep



On Souleance, First Word say "Last year's 'Brotha EP' solidified the French duo's status as producers who know how to create dance floor dynamite. This time Soulist (DJ behind the legendary Paris party What The Funk?) and Fulgeance (Musique Large label boss & producer) have reached into the extensive Brasilian collection of Alice Dufay, the lady behind the fresh and distinctive artwork of all Souleance releases, to bring us the 'Jogar EP'. With the World Cup in full swing, the sounds of South America are a natural choice for summer 2014 and Souleance's offering is as funky as you'd expect.

'Segrados do Samba' is their take on the classic Samba rhythm with a gentle rolling break nuanced with percussive licks and subtle keys. 'Vem Jogar' adds some trademark Souleance synth bass to the party taking it into darker club territory whilst still retaining a summery lightness. 'Novo Mundo' rounds off the 7" with hip hop drums added to a lazy keys break and catchy vocal hook. 

The digital version of the EP comes with a bonus track 'Dum Dum' - imagine the soundtrack to a Sao Paulo carnival chopped and twisted through an MPC and you're halfway there!"

Tuesday, July 08, 2014

Nardwuar vs. The Wu-Tang Clan



This is hilarious. Narduwar busts out a ton of kung fu movie posters for RZA to vibe on. RZA also talks about sampling, and mentions how they sent Syl Johnson a cheque for $60,000 after they sampled him.

King Kapisi vs L&P: TV ad, 1992 styles



King Kapisi, then known as Bran Muffin, with Mara Finau (The Holdaymakers) and friends, reworks a Dragon tune for L&P, singing on the steps at the bottom of St Kevins Arcade. Wonder who did the graff art behind them?

Kapisi says on Facebook that "This was the first Ad (in Aotearoa) me and my family Mara Finau, Martha and Sharon Samasoni was in back in the day....Brings back some awesome memories...We are all from Wellington...I remember when they flew us up to Auckland  and I was in awe cos Auckland was so big compared to Wellington.LOL..seems crazy now, as I've living here for yonks...

I remember having "Dreaded" my hair like Jazzy B from "Soul to SouL/UK and a Bro called Kos163 from back in Welli"..the top all used to be dreaded until i kept on shaving the back of my head* yes I cut my own hair back in the day*..and it all ended up being just being at the front cos the flat top ended up being just at the front of my head. LOL.*hair mistakes.hehe*.."

Kapisi says he still drinks L&P. Shot, son.

Monday, July 07, 2014

RIP Peter Dawkins

Peter Dawkins at HMV Studios, Wellington. Photo: Audioculture

Peter Dawkins passed away Wednesday July 2, aged 68. Via Audioculture's FB page: "It's with great sadness that AudioCulture marks the passing of Peter Dawkins, a man who probably produced more hit records that any other New Zealander, from his days at HMV in the late 60s, to his world beating smashes for the likes of Mi-Sex and Dragon. Peter truly helped define the times he was working in.

To quote Gordon Spittle: "With more than 20 No.1 singles in national and regional charts, and 50-plus gold and platinum sellers, Peter Dawkins helped set the standard during a new era of producers. A Downunder Phil Spector, he could transform three chords into a mini epic. During a few decades when recording technology and pop music styles changed dramatically, Dawkins could hear timeless hits."

Audioculture: Tributes to Peter Dawkins included:

"Very sad news to hear of Pete's demise. I worked with him for our first two albums and I don't mind admitting I borrowed an idea or two off him in the other 100 or so albums I produced here and in England since. My sincerest condolences to his loving wife whom I know was the driving force and entire support network for Pete. I'll miss being able to go and see him when I'm in Sydney, but he has been VERY ill for a long time now. I have one anecdote I always use when in conversation about him.

When Mi-Sex were launching our first album 'Graffitti Crimes' live from the Musicians Club in Surrey Hills or Redfern (my memory about this area of Sydney area has dimmed a little) we were to be hooked up to do the first EVER live broadcast Nationwide through the ABC Network - of course tensions were running high and everyone was very nervous, technicians running everywhere - because it had never been done before! 

We went on and played our set complete with 'Computer Games' a song I had only just written within the last few weeks. When we came off stage, Peter ran up to me (being the songwriter) and he actually grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and yelled in my face "THAT SONG - COMPUTER GAMES - WHY DIDN'T YOU PLAY IT IN THE DEMOS SO WE COULD HAVE RECORDED IT FOR THE ALBUM - IT'S A NUMBER ONE SMASH HIT!!!!!" My humble response was "Sorry Peter, but I hadn't written it yet....."

- Kevin Stanton (Mi-Sex)

"Peter was inspirational. He helped me have more than my fair share of hit records. He had a huge impact on my life and my recording career. His guidance in those early days at HMV was invaluable. Without him there would never have been a St Paul, Lady Samantha or Natural Man record nor a Cuddly Toy one for that matter!! In short he was a real gentleman and a real talent, an awesome combination not found often. My condolences to family and friends. R.I.P. Peter, love Shane.

- Shane Hales

MORE: Peter Dawkins, profiled on Audioculture by Gordon Spittle
Noise11.com: Vale Peter Dawkins, Legendary Producer Dies Aged 68 (details his career in Australia)
NZ Herald (July 9) April Sun in Cuba producer Peter Dawkins dies after fall

Aaradhna to record with Truth and Soul


Exciting news from singer Aaradhna, she announced via Twitter last night that she is "Heading back to States to work on new album with Truth & Soul - cant wait for that!"

Truth and Soul have successfully collaborated previously with the likes of Adele,  Aloe Blacc, helping the latter produce his breakthrough album Good Things, back in 2010, for LA label Stonesthrow Records.

Ayebro.co.nz reports that Aaradhna departs for the US today to start work on her new album, due out before the end of 2014.


Saturday, July 05, 2014

Ring The Alarm playlist, BaseFM, July 5



Bill Withers - Harlem
D'Angelo  -Devils pie - 45King remix
Blue in green - Groovin high (free download)
Fred Wesley - House party - dL edit (free download)
Gladys Knight and the Pips - On and on
Dee Dee Bridgewater - Sweet rain
Harlem river drive - Idle hands
Bronx river parkway - Donde
James Brown  -Stone to the bone
Flirtations - Nothing but a heartache
Barbara Lynn - This is the thanks I get
Joanie Summers - Don't pity me
Esther Phillips - Just say goodbye
The Moments - La la la
James Bong - I don't fell well - Mr Scruff remix
Mr Scruff feat Robert Owens - He don't
Bosq - Getting there
Junior Murvin - Bad weed
Devon Russell - Thanks and praise
Lone Ranger - Noah in the ark
DJ Vadim feat Governor Tiggy - Consignment
Joe Dukie and DJ Fitchie - Midnight marauders - El head version feat Farda P
Pavlov and Mishkin - Brothers
Love unlimited orchestra - Strange games and things
David T Walker - Lay lady lay
Eartha Kitt - I want to be evil
Hank Marvin - Sunday for seven days


Friday, July 04, 2014

Vadim -Dubcatcher




This will be familiar to those of you who copped Vadim's Dubcatcher tour ep taster earlier this year, when he played on our shores in March. Out July 4 on Loop. Spot the appearances by Rio Hemopo of Trinity Roots.

"A relentless creative spirit and modern reggae don, Vadim plays tribute to a legacy of roots & reggae, adding the 16-track bass-heavy stormer ‘Dubcatcher’ to his inspiring repertoire.

Dubcatcher takes a twist from the hip-hop infused breaks and beats we know him for, to delve deep into reggae, dub, and dancehall. This is not the first reggae excursion for Daddy Vad, but it’s the first time the whole skanks from start to finish in true reggae style fashion including inspiring collaborations from the likes of; Dynamite MC, Govenor Tiggy, Katrina Blackstone and the vocals of New Zealand’s own Rio Hemopo on ‘Rise’ and ‘Hope’

High Tea



Charming, oddball, acoustic guitars, wafting vocals and lowfi electronic hiphop/bossa nova beats, from Melbourne Aust. Name your price.

Thursday, July 03, 2014

Marbecks Queens Arcade expands, My Generation Music for sale, Everyman Records shuts


Marbecks new counter. Photo via Marbecks Twitter

Marbecks' Queens Arcade store was saved from closure when Roger Marbeck bought the business back in April this year, and relocated across Queens Arcade to a smaller store. This past weekend he shifted back to the original space, expanding his store. Great news! They say they now have the biggest selection of classical in Australasia.

The new/old store. Photo via Marbecks Twitter

ADDED: While Marbecks is expanding, My Generation Music in Browns Bay, Auckland (a former Marbecks franchise) is up for sale. The business is listed on TradeMe, for $65,000. 



And in Nelson, Everyman Records is shutting down, after 39 years. The owner is placing the business in voluntary liquidation.

ADDED 21 July: Sunday Star Times writer and Nelson resident Grant Smithies on the closure of Everyman Records; When the music stops. 

Electric Wire Hustle - new video



Off their new EP, a taster for the forthcoming album out Sept 8. Read my interview with Tay Ninh from Electric Wire Hustle over here.

Raggamuffin Akld move on, lineup incls UB40, Ice Cube

Ragamuffin Festival has confirmed its move to Auckland, signalled last month, after the promoter cited declining support from Rotorua locals. The event has also shifted from February, and will be held on Saturday December 13th. No venue has been announced, as yet.

NZ Herald reports that "It will be headlined by UB40 and Ice Cube, with Fiji, Etana, Gappy Ranks & P-Money, Katchafire, Aaradhna, Sammy Johnson, Brownhill, House of Shem, Chronixx and Tomorrow People all included on the bass-friendly bill."

This lineup of UB40 is headed by Ali Campbell, who has played here previously as Ali Campbell's UB40, due there being two versions of the band touring under that name. They will be playing their hits and some new material, apparently. Check their latest recording below, a cover of Prince's Purple Rain.

Promoter Andew McManus says "We've given Rotorua a good go. But we feel the event would be better served in a city with a greater population base. We're delighted to be bringing Raggamuffin to Auckland and we hope our fans will continue to support the event and that we will be encouraging new fans to come along."

There was some talk of this happening back in January prior to the latest Raggamuffin, with the event director Jackie Sanders urging Rotorua residents to support the event or lose it to Auckland, saying that locals accounted for 20 % of attendees, and she was expecting about 60% of attendees to come from Auckland.

The 8th Raggamuffin Festival will be co-presented with Dawn Raid, and a number of their artists are on the bill. There will be a 2nd lineup announcement in August.



Previous posts: Herbs vs Raggamuffin (March 26 2011), Raggamuffin rumblings (Dec 8 2010), Ali Campbell owed $ by Raggamuffin (2012), Andrew McManus says he used crew to sneak cash out of NZ (2014)

Henri-Pierre Noel reissue



"On moving to Canada from his original home of Haïti, pianist and singer/songwriter Henri-Pierre Noel brought with him much of the tropical island’s influences. The Kompa Funk sounds of his homeland, alongside contemporary North American jazz and disco ran throughout Henri’s 1979 album "Piano", re-released by Wah Wah 45s in 2012, and now it’s time for a second helping with the reissue of 1980s dancefloor friendly "One More Step", both albums having been originally released on very limited private presses and since become holy grails of black music.

Henri-Pierre Noel is an incredibly versatile musician who uses the piano in a very percussive and syncopated way, almost like a drum. This particular technique naturally brings disco and afro-funk elements into his unique brand of dance floor fusion.

Re-mastered from the original multi-track tapes by Kevin Moonstarr in Canada, and featuring seriously foot friendly cuts like "Afro-Funk Groove", "Funky Spider Dance" and"Latin Feeling", as well as firing female vocals and a plethora of percussion, Henri-Pierre Noel’s sophomore LP is finally available to all on heavyweight vinyl, CD and digital formats, including full sleeve notes from Reveal Records boss, Peter Riden."  Out 21st July.


Wednesday, July 02, 2014

Raggamuffin's McManus and $700k in cash

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on June 27 that "A police investigation to find the owner of a $702,000 bag of cash has revealed that well-known concert promoter Andrew McManus has been avoiding tax, paying footballers under the table, using convicted drug dealers to deliver large sums of cash, withholding funds from bands including Fleetwood Mac and borrowing money from establishment figures such as Michael Kroger and David Lowy."

McManus was in the news in NZ recently with the suggestion that Rotorua was about to lose the annual Raggamuffin Festival to Auckland, after poor turnout from locals in February this year. 

The SMH says that "During his police interview, Mr McManus made extraordinary admissions. The promoter said he had been "under suspicion by the NRL for making player payments to rugby league players".

He was referring to the Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal in which his company was used to channel illegal payments to players ...

Mr McManus also volunteered to the police that he used 20 or 30 crew members to each bring under $10,000 cash when he did concerts in New Zealand. "We'll bring back $150,000 to $200,000 each year … I then sneak that back through the crew," he said.

"This is not going anywhere?" asked Mr McManus, adding: "What I’m saying to you is, if this went to the ATO, I'd be cooked again."

He also said he regularly sold concert tickets to friends and associates and kept the proceeds himself: "I'm not sharing it with the band … the cash stays in Andrew McManus' pocket."

ADDED July 9 2014: McManus recently told the Sunday Herald Sun (July 5) the interview with Police was at a time when “I was on a lot of morphine, I was drinking, and I was not in a good place.” He talks about losing his wife and son, and physical and mental health problems, and financial troubles he was suffering from.

Previous posts: Herbs vs Raggamuffin (March 26 2011), Raggamuffin rumblings (Dec 8 2010),Raggamuffin cancels Aust shows (2012) Ali Campbell owed $ by Raggamuffin (2012)