Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Check your antenna
"Pagan and its sister label, Antenna, is the often unsung hero, and major player of the New Zealand post-punk indie scene. Whilst Propeller and Ripper may have set the scene, and Flying Nun garnered the reputation (and released far more records), Pagan was far and away the most successful independent label, and had a massive influence. And its influence goes beyond its own catalogue.

It was Pagan that discovered Bic Runga and passed her on to Sony. Indeed the list of Pagan signed acts is quite incredible as this list, of the singles on the labels up to 2000, is clear evidence. Think Shihad, The Warratahs, Hallelujah Picassos, Strawpeople, Shona Laing, Ardijah, Tadpole, Greg Johnson, Relaxomatic Project, Pluto, Eye TV and many others.

Indeed it can reasonably be argued that Trevor Reekie has the best set of A&R ears since the golden NZ pop days of the sixties. Perhaps ever."

Simon Grigg has compiled a top list of releases from Pagan Records and Antenna Recordings, with additional notes from Mr Reekie. Well worth a read. There's even a link to a video I did for Reekie's band Trip to the Moon buried in there. LINK.

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