LOCKED ON THE HOMEFRONT

Max Marx & Friedrich Calloway EP.

2010-11-19T13:42:00.003+13:00

These dudes just sent me their new EP. It's dope....they must've got Norway mixed up with Niue but they just hooked me up! Shot homies. They left this note too:

A lot of people don't know this, but I actually spent the last five years of my life studying 19th century philosophy in East Norway. Over that time I worked with the Norwegian Rick Rubbin (Chris Macro) on an EP based around the teachings of Friedrich Nietzsche and Max Roach. The EP was recorded live on two track at Carnegie Hall and mastered in Albany. It features guest appearances from Scratch 22, Rachel Fraser, Ester Stevens, Mutsa Murare and Tourettes

* Warning to potential listeners. (Themes of alcohol induced polygamy, crystal meth abuse and songs named after chinese food may be absent from this work)

I think this dude is one of the dopest on delivery (not to mention lyrically) How he constructs a verse keeps you wanting to listen cause he switches up tone, flow, vocal doubles & expression on almost every verse and it's all clear.

Anyway, I'll shut up and you download and listen. Sounds like a plan.

Download: Max Marx and Friedrich Calloway at Carnegie Hall

I'M START WRITING SHIT AGAIN. IF ANYONE'S STILL OUT THERE HAHA

2010-11-19T13:17:00.000+13:00

I just got some new shit in the mail. It made me wanna write again.

Native Noise 2010 - Bringin The Rukus!

2010-06-14T19:48:00.000+12:00

You know it. This is already the event of July! KORA is NZ's own Wu Tang Clan. Like The Wu, they go right against the grain with their sound while still keeping it real to NZ with their hearty/soulful fuckin vocals and combine their powers to bring the rukus with their metal ninja/skank rock style both in the studio but more on stage. They even made cartoons of themselves from elements of Japanese steez like Wu did with Shaolin & the chambers.

KORA is the dopest fuckin band alive!

I fuckin missed the Mangawhai gig which I heard from a few people was one of their best shows so I'm mos def gonna be at this one! new shirt I hope! But six 60 and 1814 are dope too and gonna be a nice build up to an epic ending! I'ma spark the encore up by myself and get the most outta these guys cause they been in hibernation and probably be out for a while (album no 2 on that shiiiieet!)

So for 30 bux, you best secure your seat homie!

July 9th, Auckland Town Hall, $30

Haz & Ta-ku - Beatin The Fuck Outta June!

2010-06-13T14:20:00.000+12:00

I know I'm late, but everyone already knows this, mayne! But Otahuhu residing beatmaker Haz is teaming up with NZ Rooted (Whakatane WAT!) Perth based beatmaker Ta-ku to drop a beat a day in June that'll eventually be chucked all into a mediafire link for FREE download! I think this tape is gonna be good enough for a lil charge but these 2 are putting it down like always lol

There's nothing else you need to know except jump on to this link Haz & Ta-ku - That's Us.

Beats are songs. They make you think and have an effect just like one with lyrics, you just gotta understand the art of beatmaking.

Big ups Haz & Ta-ku. Ripping shit up!

Latest tracks by Haz&Taku

Breakin Wreckwordz - On Some Good Shit!

2010-06-11T20:17:00.001+12:00

Breakin Wreckwordz - Unreleased Tracks From The Bad Old Days

Just giving some more props, where props are due.

Breakin Wreck is my favourite NZ label, Urban Pasifika brought out a dope compilation back in the day but as a whole, Breakin Wreck takes top spot. Why? Simply the concept. As a label, they give freedom to the artist to express THEIR sound which is manufactured by them with no preset criteria, focusing on creativity and not how much money you'll bring in. From that (if you know BW music) they created some good quality Hip Hop tracks, a lot actually. I know I'mma newbie to the BW click but as soon as I got schooled up on em, it was an easy decision to make.

Because of their real concept, they are not earning millions or have worldwide acclaim but if you do music, for music, you wouldn't either. It's just how it goes. Last 2 months I've been buying and listening to BW music and I can listen to all the tracks. Each one has a different steez, flow & feel while at the same time you can get a good idea of the artist and their style where as for commercial musc shit goes everywhere with an artist, it's not entirely self directed and you lose track of the artist and what they stand for.

I've become a fan. No, not just the one who yells BW in the club and stuff, but genuinely into their music and what they stand for and I let that be known when talking music with people when on the label topic. Definitely would be the click of choice if I was a good rapper. As a label, they represent NZ Hip Hop on a real level. The make a foundation for musicians, let them find themselves so they transition into artists and from their, it's their choice. I suggest you buy you some BW music!

I don't give a fuck if I get called a dick rider and shit cause if you know me & my passion for music and even more the NZ, it's pretty crazy. If I won lotto, I'd definitely do my part for NZ music!

Blue jeans cover the kneez, Breakin Wreck on the tee!

Big Ups LADI 6! - 50 Shows Through Europe!

2010-06-11T11:04:00.001+12:00

I'm just giving props to my favourite female artist Ladi6! She (and Parks!) are teaming up and putting it down in Europe with almost 50 shows. That's putting in work! She's moved over to Berlin for 6 months to live it up, rip it up & represent the NZ! I heard Julien Dyne went over for a little too, shot bro!

She's top billing over there with the likes of Mos Def, Gil Scott Heron & doing this killer festival alongside The Wu Click & too many other dope artists! She's even touring Japan & Australia before heading back home & signed her album to BBE! Deeehooo!

Props Ladi6 & Parks! if I could, I would've come to a show but I'll just wait for the NZ Tour in November!!!!!!

This taken from Amplifier

Ladi6 has signed her debut solo album Time Is Not Much to Berlin-based label BBE (the home of Madlib, DJ Vadim and Julien Dyne) which will be released throughout Europe and the United Kingdom on July 20 2010.

She's Gone Til November....but you know it's on then!

LOCAL EVENT: The Feel Good Buzz, July 3rd!

2010-06-11T09:45:00.002+12:00

Firstly, this is NOT a social. These are (aiming) to be on-going events held at the club in hopes to re-build interest in local Rugby League, atmosphere & culture because it should be 100% better than it is.

Simple concept. The more support we get from you guys, the better these events can get & in a bigger picture have more than just these night time events and do day events for kids etc and a whole other range of things that we've definitely got in mind but need foundation like anything to build.

A league club shouldn't just be soley to train & play Rugby League then go home. Even though that is the main purpose, clubs should have extra stuff like being able to go for a feed during the week, fun events & really a community base which will all help to lift the profile of Rugby League as a whole.

The last one was success and people definitely were on the Feel Good Buzz and no doubt it's waiting to happen again. So rock down, spread the word & support local Rugby League while having a solid night at the same time.

Solid!

The Feel Good Boys

THE LOCALS: INF, TMG & Gray - Own Steez Chap

2010-06-09T14:06:00.001+12:00

Sup world. I been sick of computers (except facebook) and enjoyed a hearty NZ Music Month! Went to gigs every week and got on it every weekend to! Pretty dope! I mean I jammed at Rakinos for my 21st with all fams & friends there. Shit was solid!!!!!!!!

Big ups too: FGBz, The BOMB Squad, O.N.E crew, Oui Groove & All other musicians, producers & artists who put on for NZ during music month!

Anyway, In my blogging absence apart from kicking back, playing sequence and eating I was lucky enough to make a track with a couple of my bros INF & Gray. I'm a poet but I thought i'd jam rapping. Still trying to find a flow without losing breath lol But anyway, here's the track. Downloads on!

INF, TMG & Gray - Own Steez Chap

Brown Jesus by Sam Tanielu

2010-05-25T10:19:00.003+12:00

Take a break from the Rhyme, beat & doof doof boom bap stuff for a minute. Lock yourself onto some poetry (which is under-rated) pieced together by Sam of The Usual Suspects. It's dope and on point, shot bro! Shout outs to The Suspects! You rarely catch them out doing sets so you best be going to the Team Dynamite Release Party where they will give you a Profile and see you to the Balcony if you don't come. Somebody say Amen...

-----

I’m looking for Jesus, I’m looking for the Brown Jesus

Its been 23 years

and i’ve convincingly outgrown my white sunday suits

Bible study bookbags are so 1997

and the gold spray-painted coating on my crucifix

is almost completely faded

I’m looking for the brown Jesus

I feel like i’m living on vending machine faith

I pray every night before I sleep

but one glittery glove doesn’t make you Michael Jackson

(can somebody in the church say Amen)

I’m looking for Jesus

Yeah i’ve got pictures of him in my house

but he seems

too photoshopped

too airbrushed

too mimesis manufactured for my liking

Yeah i’ve got pictures of him in my house

but they’re just a collage of facial verisimilitudes

compacted into a caucasion man

with dreamy blue eyes and wavey hair

(Somebody say Amen)

‘Make-up on empty space’

Hegemonic interpretations inposed onto its blindfolded faithfuls

’m looking for the brown Jesus

They sell us Heaven and the idea of God like

drug dealers and crack

but i guess the concept of afterlife security

is marketable in any language

‘Heaven for the highest bidder’

Downloadable religions at down low prices

All you have to do is hand over your soul

and your credit card details

Order in the next 10 minutes and you’ll receive a stainless steel toaster

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…

Order now and the first 3 months are free

after that, you’re gonna be

livingonnothingbutbreadandwaterandofcoursefaithitselfandthebeliefthatyourlifehasapurposewheninactualityyou’renotsure

at these prices, ITS A STEAL!

(Amen)

In some neo-platonic way

We’re all looking for the Brown Jesus

We baptise ourselves every weekend

over indulging in the holy communion wine

Slow dancing in Lucifer’s ballroom

The Sunday Morning hymns are a mixture of

house

techno

R&B

and Hip Hop

‘Born again Judas Kisses’

The Sunday sermon screams at me

‘We NEED someone to project our insecurities onto

We NEED a scapegoat for our mistakes and misfortunes

We NEED to have daily reassurance our lives are not without purpose’

He preaches, but he’s just another man

trying to get to heaven

Just like me.

I’m looking for the Brown Jesus

I’m looking for the way

looking for the truth

looking for the life.

Amen

Sorry Blog....Be Back June (Soon, get it?)

2010-05-20T11:28:00.000+12:00

Last half of April was shit...couldn't do anything from home or work.

I'm taking May off cause it's my birthday month & the official month dedicated to NZ music. Most of my time has been dedicated to that so far, been fuckin awesome. I'll do a wrap up of May when it ends & get back into talkin smack, music, mind, body & blog.

In the meantime, some good shit to do:

- Tune in every Wednesdays on George FM from 10pm -Midnight for Urbanology. A Hip Hip show done by DJ Substance..been something like million years on air, so it's got the shit, that dope shiiieeeeett! Shot Substance!

- To extend your Hip Hopperism, lock into the True School Hip Hop Radio Show with Penfold & Mouli every Thursday from 9pm-11pm. Steal a couple dope rhymes to steal a dope chick! Radios under-rated so to save your "man i'm broke" statement, save cash, turn it up & party at home!

- Aucklanders, get up and into - Rakinos, Khuja, Sales St, Ponsonby Social Club, Longroom, Juice Bar, Galatos, 4:20, Totos, King Arms & other solid spots to get you dosage of live NZ music!

- KORA, the best band ever..is playing June 5th @ Mangawhai. Anyone gotta spare seat let me know!

- Fat Freddys Show...why not get a drop of Fat Freddys?!

- Get yourself a NZ album! (if you're smart, diggin at Real Groovy will give you a fuckin good deal!)

- Check the local blogs, they're fuckin mean!

Haz & His Bucky Of Beats - On Soundcloud!

2010-04-28T14:05:00.004+12:00

Just some stuff which Haz been filtered through the Goonie Hodges bucky to produce some dope shit. Check it. The Front 2 Back mix is gangsta.

Wordz from the Haz:

besides knowing me for my production work with my 2 crews Home Brew & Team Dynamite, Im always working on other things with other people, remixing songs & just tryna keep bizy everyday while jobless & still at home with my parents. Its the only way I keep myself from going crazy.
Anyways..I made myself a soundcloud page 2day & uploaded afew songs, demo's & remixes from the achives for your listening pleasure.

David Dallas - Front2Back (Goonie Hodges Remix)byHaz'Beats is GoonieHodges

Haz' & Tony Tz - Yesterday (Demo) by Haz'Beats is GoonieHodges

Haz is on The Hip Drop, so keep an eye on him there too lol

Hip Hop Your NZ Music Month!

2010-04-27T14:10:00.002+12:00

I'm pretty proud of this bill Niue is well represented in all 3 Hip Hop Groups. Shot boys!

Anyway, start off NZ Music Month with some feel good Hip Hop (that doesn't get radio play) that'll get you on the buzz for the month to represent the NZ! Everyone knows Home Brew & Dynamite & Oui got some Grooves for you & with all 3 on in one night, you're gonna hate 96.1 & 88.6 with a passion.

ROCK down!

Check samples of the crews below

Team Dynamite
Home Brew
Oui Groove

Just Showing Off.....

2010-04-22T13:52:00.008+12:00

Sup guys. Really I'm just showing off my picture with Hollie Smith. It's/She's dope.

I went to her concert lastweek with a couple mates...the venue could've been better, but herself, was amazing. I know Hollies music is not that shit you go clubbing for but when you see her in a nice smallish/intimate venue where you can sit so close, chill & watch her perform, then you will feel why Hollie is the shhhiiieeeet!

First off, there were too many dudes/chicks talking and laughin while Hollie was playing. Fair enough they wanted to socialise and try get in the opposite sex but do it outside where your game can't be heard.

Her band was all good, simple dudes, not doing shit too outrageous and just jammin out the groove. I thought Gooch was gonna drum, but then the man jumped on Keys! Her back up vocalists were tight. Bella Kalolo on side even...that chick has some powerful vocals kinda on that Jill Scott tip but still with NZ steez! Then there was Hollie...oh shit. She needs a grand piano on stage to match her vocals, but the way she sings and dances all on stage, you can feel the realness.

Not only amazingly beautiful but her voice and style is too. Just watch how she expresses herself, she's 100% in the zone from start of song to the end and it's in the break between songs that you realise she only musical because she doesn't know what the fuck to say on stage between songs lol I was gonna ask her out for a smoke after the show, but had none, and anyway I was trippin when I met her, you can't tell but my heartrate was fucked. What can you do when you meet one of 3 favourite female vocalists? If I was more of a somebody I'd ask her if she wants to jam, cause dates are shit.

You don't spark up a dancefloor and sweat and shit (some songs you can though) to her music, you just soak in the Hollie Smith experience. It's intimate/honest music, especially with her new album, you can feel she just wanted to get shit out that she couldn't before (plus she's got the Gooch on her team!). I love her steez, it's fuckin bad ass...and that's real.

NZ female musicians are on some next level shit, it's got me locked for sure.

Below is my NZ Earth, Wind & Fire:

Earth: Hollie Smith

Wind: Iva Lamkum

Fire: Ladi6

NZ MUSIC - REPRESENT THAT SHIT!

R.I.P GURU (Gang Starr)

2010-04-22T09:54:00.000+12:00

Rap In Peace GURU, respect.

We all know who this dude was....If you didn't, you better switch that 96.1 shit off and get digging. Listened to Urbanology tribute show (shot Substance) while rolling the bucky & one thing was evident that todays "Hip Hop" is lacking. The feel of Hip Hop. If you listen to any of this dudes tracks, you can feel that shit in every aspect of the song & from the get go your in the zone and don't come back till the track stops.

Shot GURU, I was a bit young and just missed out on the full effect/culture & everything of your music, but I came to learn enough about your music and how solid it is.

Young Islanders - Follow The Leader, Leader, Leader....

2010-04-21T17:14:00.001+12:00

Just jumping off the music for a bit to our Pacific Island people...

I don't know about you but I'm pretty sick of seeing the same shit everyday I flick through the paper of Pacific Islanders getting up to no good and really just doing dumb shit (more of recent generations). We all know the media and how they operate. They love negative stuff, but a lot of us have done no favours to ourselves in trying to help stop this and be known as the beautiful islands like displayed in this picture. Which brings me to the point of this post.

I strongly believe that Pacific Island people have for so long be guilty of not pursuing the things that we are evidently good at but I'm more talking about the recent generations because even though old school cats did the same, they still had enough brain to to survive and have success by way of turning nothing into something. I think is due to a lot of PI people at a young age (and in this new age) being forced into thinking that having a degree in streetlife is the best thing to have. Much of it is to do with the comfort that these type of "families" provide but maybe a bit too much comfort/influence is given so that they actually believe that it's what they are supposed to be, then becoming all they know, then become institutionalised and all downhill from there. Don't get me wrong, some values of the streetlife are good but at the end of the day, their place in society is negative, fair enough too. But what's making it worse it that these values were from the old school take on how things worked but now the younger generation honestly don't have near as much brains as to "how to run a gang" so to speak, so from the get-go of all these new crews, what they value is really setting them up for jail because fame, rolling in numbers, who's the toughest & street respect (acceptance) is their only "values" which are total bullshit and you can't get through to them because they think society doesn't accept them.

I'm sort of not 100% on the suggestion that in the Home is where this problem can be solved because to be honest, homes aren't what they used to be like back in the day. Homes used to have a mum & dad (who honestly loved each other & their kids), many kids (so that you became tight with your brothers & sisters) and the concept of family was fully understood, "child abuse" actually worked & people listened.

Today you've got every combination but the right one & influences have changed so much (in the wrong direction) it's fucking insane. You can do everything by the book as a parent but still fail because your child is more influenced by society and what they think but in saying that, the home can still help in so many ways. The strong/direct ways that Islanders operate doesn't help anyone either. If you don't do this, you're that, that, that & everything but cool and they stay persistent on that sort of shit and don't give up until you give in which sometimes is the only way to stop it. To follow.

This thing can go on and I think you's get my point. We as Islanders (the majority) don't encourage the real shit in life and what people are actually good at which is probably why we laugh and hate on "white" peoples success but it's a no brainer, they did what they were good at. Sorry if I went all over the place, it ain't a essay though, just a blog....but honestly...How much of us know people that were the meanest at something so much they could've made success no sweat out of it but ended up living the streetlife? I got a lot of the dome.

But yeah, I love my people, they're good dudes underneath that thick skin but fact is we need to start doing what we are actually good at. Not to prove a point, not so papers don't right about us negatively but just for yourself, because you can & it'll be easier for you to do what you're good to get that success which in reality isn't that far away.

Now back to the music....

SUPPORT OTAHUHU RUGBY LEAGUE! - The Good Buzz

2010-04-19T00:29:00.005+12:00

My (if not The) dopest night of Hip Hop ever.

2010-04-18T15:57:00.017+12:00

Ok, first off. This might be a long as post, simply because what happened lastnight was the dopest Hip Hop event I've ever experienced! Dream come true. Also, BIGGEST UPS to the FGBz & BRIDGE BOYS for coming & supporting Oui Groove. Appreciated hard! Now, let the story begin...........

Big fuckin ups, downs, sideways angles, streetfighter caps & respect to Home Brew Crew & their event team for doing the hard yards making this night one for the history books!...and all the musicians that put it down, couldn't of done it without you.

THE EVENT

What went down lastnight relit the hip hop flame on the homefront! Downstairs had bands/DJs & Rooftop had emcee acts with DJs, both filled with fuckin hearty as crowds buying out the bar, having a mean time & was a place where J Boog (who made an appearance) meant nothing. It was (to me) a hip hop heaven.

You had Home Brew, Usual Suspects, Money Mike, Koru Licks, Oui Groove & too many other dope NZ musicians just rollin' round like they were apart of the crowd, kickin it and joining in the vibe not being too cool dryball guys. There was no status...only this girl who had a BEEP BEEP, nice ass, Nek Lev bruv. Cheap liquor, good people, beautiful bartender with a smile so dope I got high & fuckin good music. It represented NZ Hip Hop to the fullest.

Hip Hop gigs were starting to get same old, same ol, but lastnight just fuckin inspired the musical souls of everyone that rocked up. Start of something awesome & it's nek lev stuff from here on. If you went Bacio or other commercial clubs, go jump off the balcony...you missed out!

THE CROWD

The crowd played the meanest role of the night & a fuckin mean one they were. Shot to all the support who came, feels mean playing for people (FGBz/Bridge Boys)! There was a solid mix of a crowd. Your usual white homies/chicks who get horsed and have heaps of money and just go crazy, foreign looking half-cast chicks that floss themselves, yung shottaz & their supporters, the Pacific Islands were well represented too, so were the stoners & just heaps of other good cunts. But everyone I saw was getting live whether it was nodding your head or full on MC Zumba moves, no one being dryballs or trying to prove points (well way less than K Rd) and people giving it up hard when people were performing & when that happens, the band or emcee performing feeds off the solid energy and puts more confidence into their performance. So being a good crowd helps & lastnight was a good fuckin crowd. Respect.

THE MUSICIANS/GREENROOM

What can I say. A dream come true. Always told people at school I was going to be in a band with my bros and to play on the bill of musicians that I love, was pretty fuckin amazing!

It was an endless night of good music, one after another. You never wanted to sit down or else you'd get told to get the fuck up from the crazyhorses to get in the groove. The rooftop was illest for emcees. It was pretty intimate & gave off a feel like you were in the hood just having the homies off the ave setting up on the street & getting live. Not to mention the crowd, they helped as said before. Interactive as, good shit! The atmosphere just seemed like the perfect comfort zone to rip it. When emcees ripped out acapellaz, it was the dopest shit, it's all about you when you do that & for those who did, carved it.

Downstairs where the band & bar was, ended up on point. The place wasn't packed like a Khuja gig where you feel the sweat of other hardcore fans but there was plenty of room to move, groove & conversate. All the bands were dope. Full of energy, full of feel & you could feel the heart in that shit! Jennifer Zea is insanely hot (killer vocals too). The bar was full like a fiend on crack, people were on that shit, helps when $20bux gets you a good deal! Watching different musicians and how they make love to their instruments is dope and just the level of enthusiasm was nek lev. Just on nek lev, I think it was the word most used in the whole night!

Then there was the greenroom. My first time, & I soaked it up, gotta say. I "drank like a kings" and probably annoyed the fuck outta every other musician just talking music for fuckin ages, my bad, I was living for right now. Drinking, just chillin & then you say wassup to the guy next to you & find out it's oh fuck..Scratch 22, oh fuck, Legal Money Mike...oh shit, Mt Eden Dubsteb! The night was full of them moments & it all just added to the reason why this night was Top Notch! If theres a greenroom, Koru Licks will reside there for the night haha but with all the brews, good cunts & random hot chicks that rocked through, you couldn't help but soaking up the atmosphere. FYI - I cleaned up because that's just what we do at home. Help make the mess, help clean up. It's just how it is. Big ups to the Greenroom, goooooood tiiimes!

The underground musicians on the homefront are dope. Kick back, chill, keep it real kinda dudes.

OTHER GOOD SHIT

I met this guy who had a stein-fro and a top hat. Truent I think. This guy is a top notch nek lev toast maker. How the toastmaking start, I don't know, but this guy had toast talent. He knew the routine of how to keep the toast rollin to minimise waiting time, knew the setting in which toast comes out crunchy but not too hard & knew all the good shit that could go on toast. I think hes in the wrong industry.Ever heard of Red Shoe Diaries? That's gonna be his next project name, or Sky1 lol

The beers in the greenroom were nek lev. Who has a beer that you can close & take away to consume at a later time? WTF. But I ain't complaining, it made me happy. Shot to all the people who kicked it in the greenroom for ages just chillin, it helped the tired dude that I was, out.

You're always gonna get some people who go against the flow, but lastnight it was about 5% if that. 5% don't have nothing on 95% down for the cause, in the groove gettin live good dudes.

To that chick in the kitchen, shot for that. It was mean hard. lol

Shot Chris Graham! He was in there haha Being Paparazzi & kicking it in the crowd like he's just some random dude. Solid

Lastly, to my band of brothers, Tonga & Rescue. Shot for the jam, I thought we were fuckin tight! If we played later, we would've got the crowd live! Shot brothers & homies.

Fuckin mean night bro, shoulda been there....and that night right there, was the best night of Hip Hop ever.

PS: Maybe I'm a bit bias because I love the underground more than commercial music but I could easily school you on why it was without a doubt (from what others & I experienced) the dopest night of hip hop ever. (excluding old school shit, they were pretty dope back then but that's what lastnight was...) Underneath The Shade Video Clip, coming soon......& we all chipped in.

To Be Continued........

Home Brew In Wellington

2010-04-11T19:50:00.001+12:00

I think they went to the wrong part of the country for this street fighter battle lol South Aucklands where the fanatics at haha

Home Brew Fundraiser Day 3

2010-04-11T19:40:00.003+12:00

Shot Ridgey haha

THE LOCALS: Hollie Smith & Bulletproof - If You Fall (Radio Edit)

2010-04-09T16:49:00.000+12:00

Hollie Smith is beautiful, if I was more of a somebody in the music scene, I'd ask her out for a smoke cause askin out on a date is cheesy and gay lol But anyway, I'm a fan of her new album & the fact it was analogue, music was felt more than planned & Riki Gooch was up in the mix on production and it all sounds good.

Here's a dope as drum n bass mix of a track called "If You Fall" and I think local Bulletproof (aka Jay Cyanide) was in on this. Fuckin mean as mix of two worlds colliding to make something explosive, I like it hardout. I think she needs to do a colab with Shapeshifter already. Cop the cut by registering with Rip It Up magazine & there's a Young Sid, Dane Rumble & P Money track free too.

Rip It Up Official Website

THE LOCALS: Koru Licks - The Koru Licks EP

2010-04-09T09:47:00.009+12:00

.....Now that you're all energetic & in music in-haling mode, check this new sly soundin slice of freshness from The Koru Licks with their debut self-titled EP described as.....

"A collection of tracks we made within the first few months of playing together as a band. It was recorded a while ago at The Kitchen Studios in Greenlane. A nice sampler of our sound that is going to evolve and grow with each new release."

I think it's a "sly sample" aka teaser of their sound. No doubt after listening from Intro to Outro your left wanting to here more from the band. Don't know why but the words Sly Jazz come to mind when saying what this sounds like. I mean from the band name & band members names like Truento, B Mynor, Miso Shiru, doesn't that sound pretty sly (my bad if I'm on my own buzz) not to mention their sound; Sly fusion of Jazz, soul, funk & young musical NZineering. I can picture the bro B Mynor n Truento with sly smiles randomly through live sets lol

Favourites would have to be One Take (with a nice upbeat bassline & Jennifer Zea!) & Riosynth (with Lisa Preston layin some hearty/mature vocals & solid switch up on the beat) The sound is cool & for the meantime (while we wait for more) just rotate this slice of vinyl viagra as the groove of The Koru Licks makes your head nod & get up to other sly activity.

It's mean as seeing homies your age that you know steppin onto the NZ Music scene, dope as (and gives us not down for town usually guys a chance to get outta the garage for a bit). Check the bros live @ Rakinos this Sunday

Ben Trinick - Drums

Abe Pai - Bass

B Mynor - Guitar / Keys

Truent - Turntable

Miso Shiru - MPC

Mikey Rockwell - Vocals / Percussion

Shout out to the Licks & big ups for the EP!

NZ Music.......The Real Shit.

The Koru Licks EP (Band Page)

The Koru Licks EP (MediaFire)

The Koru Licks EP (Rapidshare)

THE LOCALS: Koru Licks - Got That

2010-04-08T20:15:00.002+12:00

Check out these tricky undercover dudes humbly droppin grooves round camp haha tricky trickstas. It's a lil bundle they got for you that's said to be "more in the direction of their 2nd EP". Nice groove brothers. Got That on some D'angelo type steez.

But anyway, I think these guys are gettin their sound established. That mellow tip with a rhythmic chicken love head nod, givin you enough love to hit up that chick across the room. I heard their EP is droppin soon, anytime soon, like real soon, just have a bucky, eat some Mangere Fried Chicken (see the Licks there sometimes haha), make love, wake up & it'll be up.

Koru Licks - Got That (Band Page)
Koru Licks - Got That (MediaFire)
Koru Licks - Got That (Rapidshare)

Home Brew, David Dallas & Other Good Shit!

2010-04-08T19:25:00.002+12:00

Get down to the Funky-Watusi. Bet you can't wear a nintendo controller on the night. Free piss if you do, just ask David Dallas lol

In Further Brews News.........

2010-04-08T19:18:00.007+12:00

            Looking at the plans, shits gonna be dope.
Watch $10, an extension lead skipping rope & noughts & crosses
                turn into somethin outta the barney bag

A Little Boy Waits - HOMEBREW Video Fundraiser

2010-04-07T17:13:00.016+12:00

Last month Avondale's biggest selling boyband, Home Brew had their hopes of a music video grant for their song 'Underneath The Shade' crushed into tiny little pieces by the harsh hands of New Zealand On Air. However, like the brave solders they are, they swallowed their Boh Runga bitterness and began on a mission to independently raise the funds themselves.

They convinced local director Chris Graham (Trinity Roots' 'Little Things', and 'Sione's Wedding') to direct free of charge and then, after 17 hours of Chinese water torture, they convinced Auckland's best underground musicians to play free at a party on the 17th of April at Plaything Gallery

The event will be from 6pm to Midnight with DJ’s downstairs and live acts on the roof top. Alcohol will be cheap as piss and the venue is neck lev. (the old luggage dude who used to run it has gaped) So please come through, get blato, sing dance and canoodle and help these failing musicians make a video to make thriller look like poi e.

Tickets available @ iticket, conch and beat merchants

(Cop one so you don't wait like the little boy)

Venue: Plaything Gallery (opposite The Kings Arms)

Address: 21 Dacre Street, Auckland

Time: 6pm - Midnight

In the true Keepin It Real tradition, they freestyled some work for you. cop it below you spoilt dudes!

Live Drunken Mixtape Of Exclusive & Rare Stuff From All The Artists Playing At The Gig.

Keep updated at: http://www.homebrewcrew.co.nz/

Hollie Smith Tour!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-06T17:32:00.005+12:00

I'm going, if you are, txt up lol I don't wanna drive. Hoping to get my picha that'll complete the 3 charmed ones haha

Cop her new album in stores NOW!

THE LOCALS: Team Dynamite - The Demo Tape

2010-04-06T16:16:00.001+12:00

Team Dynamite - The Demo Tape

Finally! lol

If you don't know Team Dynamite, the Producer Haz' lets you know what they're like HERE

These guys know where to get the good beats!!!! So they just gotta lace it up with their style of lyricism which is chill most times but they can switch it up & VIBE ON!

It's really just that feel good music that you've been waiting on having to put up with Ludacris' shit with Justin Bieber and other shit 88.6 times a day! Goon, I mean Good music explains itself, so download & get lifted. It's got lyrics too, pretty dope! Always mean to see what the MC's actually on about lol

Produced By Haz'

Mixed By DJ Substance

Mastered By Mark Howden

Art work By Tawk GBAK

---

Serving Suggestion:

Have a brew (or few) & a bucky (or 2)

DYNAMITE, DYNAMITE!

My $2 on that MTC stuff

2010-04-06T15:14:00.012+12:00

This is just my $2 to this MTC shit going on about Derty Sesh's video & what MTC said etc. Take it how you want to. It's all my opinion aye, but I try to make an honest point in my musical opinions.

Well basically media & people hated on the video saying all this bad shit, flooding the media, giving MTC a negative shade. All this went on (which was going to happen) while no one spoke to the MTC Executive to get the MTC side of the story. Check what they had to say HERE

I just want to say that Media fuck shit up....it's their Job (If they generate more (good or bad) from that one story, they've succeeded). They fact that they have power has been evident since way before my time & this rapid developement of new-age technology ain't helping us people at all to try and stop that. This video from Sesh was in reality far from promoting rape etc because it was a pretty weak horror & if it was promoting rape etc, it failed. The news & their rape stories promote that activity more than anything. But in saying all of that, if a label is going to bring out something like that, you gotta know something like this is going to happen & be prepared to take on everything fired at you. It shouldn't be a suprise or something amazing. Maybe MTC overlooked that, I don't know?

What I don't get is was why the MTC Executive went and wrote an essay on their blog destroying the media & addressing particular people (which fans of MTC & people prob didn't even know THAT much detail about) and sort of made it look like a sympathy plea. Using the 5th form repetition technique with "it's in the media, it must be true" is a bit old and because it's all on a blog I could say "It's from the Executive of MTC, it must be true" and because it was soooooo long & wordy leads to think "some of it is not true, just like the media" I mean people would do "a lot" to cover their side, it's human nature.

But what I HONESTLY think, is that this was a case of Commercial Media vs Commercial Music (Correct me if I'm wrong in saying MTC has done only commercial music lately). The Commercial Music scene has the most influence on society more than the REAL music and the Media will do anything to make a new story (which they did here) and the fact that it was Commercial Music related, benefited them and their goal of the story was met (look at the result) Got a few people saying shit lol

I LOVE NZ MUSIC (everyone that knows me knows that) and the one main reason why is that it is REAL (You can feel it when it's played). The notes, the lyrics, the style, the feel, the everything about it is honest and not to mention amazing sound. I also believe that if it's REAL music, the media won't touch you as much/ maybe not even at all nor will they talk negatively towards you because it's REAL and people, even the media respect the realness. I mean KORA, Ladi6, Julien Dyne & way more NZ artists are doing their thing in Europe & Asia (for sometime now) but the Media don't want to let you know that (Bastards)

Don't get me wrong, MTC have done great stuff. Brother being number 1, going SXSW etc but a lot of it was due to the commercialism of the music and that's cool (if status is what you want) but I hope MTC can bring back some good music but at the moment it's all too commercial for me. Commercial success generates money which comes from a commercial product, so they got an A+ for that. And don't say I'm just hatin on MTC blah blah blah bullshit cause I like Sid (the only one really), his past shit has showed him to be mean as & his Red bull Live Sessions but the stuff as of late ain't showing off that much.

Wouldn't you rather (as an "NZ" artist...(don't get confused with Amercian) be recognised (with less media but more mana) musically rather than fame? I would.

My point - Keep the music REAL homies.

NZ Represent! - Props to Ladi6 whos performing with Mos Def tonight!

Scribe vs Savage Tour

2010-03-30T17:08:00.000+13:00

I think this is a sequel to what happened at "I Love The Islands" concert in Aucks. Hope they got some new shit too...Scribe 2001 song would win.

GO THE WARRIORS!!!!!!

2010-03-30T14:43:00.003+13:00

I know it's the beginning of the season but last Sunday's open play from the Warriors showed a slight chance that the way they played will get them a lil futher this year if the basics of ball security/protection, support play & good/not lazy defence can also be maintained.

The opening up of their own game (like what they displayed Sunday) defined the Warriors and what almost every other team fears most which I think is our "Unpredictablity". It's something that teams from across the ditch cannot practice at training no matter how they try to defend that sort of play, cause it's against their religion on gameplay (IMO) The Broncos were just forced to scramble everywhere to try and stop the boys but just couldn't apply "set plays" as they practice.

But we all know the Aussies can score points and come back in the blink of an eye. That's because of our defence I think, it's still not there, not tight and the defensive decisions from players could be better. I think we just gotta be more hungry and talk more because a lot of our points scored on us are quite soft. Also, our "same old story" of losing a fairly big lead in the second half and leeting other teams in with these tries, has to stop.

Aussies are fit as and that's where they take over, cause their brain still functions top notch 70 minutes into the game (and you don't want brains like theirs in League to fully function that far into the game) so out best option would be to be fitter and run our game than to try unecessary energy to not play our game and come up with some fancy moves and match theirs.

But I think it was an eye-opener for other teams. Our new halves are slowly fitting in and showing some confidence; I'm not so sure about Joel in there, seems to be offering nothing at the moment, still early to tel with Seymour out, but it looks like Maloney wants to play & help rebuild what could be a solid as team cause he was always there on Sunday to try and turn things into something. Also our forwards a doing good, Heremia at dummy half was awesome and if he continues like that it'll be hard for Ian to come back in but Heremia is pretty new at the position and comes from a lower-grade background so we'll see. Brent Tate also helping the team keep up energy levels as he always does & being there in support/defense helps.

Let's just not get carried away with excitement levels on the field and play some composed but Warriors, not other teams footy.

But big ups to the WARRIORS (I couldn't afford a season pass) and I hope for the best this season!

LETS GO WARRIORS!!!!!!!!

Solid NZ Jams On The iPod Right Now!

2010-03-30T13:26:00.000+13:00

These are just some Jams that I recommend for you to cop via Amplifier, iTunes, Conch, Real Groovy, Ayebro or any other music/online music store!

Kora - War

Maisey Rika - Ladeda Day

Ladi6 - Caroline

Julien Dyne Ft Parks - Fallin Down (Mitsu Mix)

Del Rey System - Sweet Division

Solephonic - Higher (OTA Remix)

Recloose - Deeper Waters

Moizna - Just Another Day

Hello Sailor - Blue Lady

The Herbs - Dragons & Demons

Scribe Ft P Money - Scribe 2001

Deceptikonz - Fallin Angels

Che Fu - Without A Doubt

The list goes on, but yeah you know what to do, just cop NZ music & help it rise. It's to good to just sit in the crates at home!

Erykah Badu New Album Launch @ Rakinos

2010-03-30T11:21:00.001+13:00

Sup guys, my computer is still shit and it's not worth trying to blog on but I got a breath to post somethin....that's good feeling!

It's been a lil busy last couple weeks on the homefront aye. Things going down over at ayebro (which I had heaps to say about but I had to end it, it wasn't the right place lol) I'll add my 5cents on here.

Hollie Smith, Nathan Haines, Dane Rumble, OdESSA and heaps of other artists dropping albums which is solid as! Big ups to everyone dropping albums so early in the year with fresh sound too. I'm waiting for Kora LP number 2 & Iva Lamkums debut!

Also, if you's got stuff you want posted up, let us know. I'm usually on the Hip-Hop/Soul/Funk tips cause that's what I can easily get updates on but I'm open to any genre aye, I love it all (well 99%) down to support NZ music and plant the good/hearty shit we hold!

BUT ANYWAYS.......

Erykah Badu's new album is here and it's tasty from what I've heard! Some samples that you thought had no more life in em just got re-made by Erykah! For such a tight album, Raks is puttin on a CD Launch, so be there...if you like TASTY shhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiit!

THE LOCALS: Team Dynamite & Home Brew - Summer Love

2010-03-25T13:35:00.001+13:00

Solid. Just saw this link from Haz Beats, it's a cut of a Team Dynamite & Home Brew collaboration. (First official one by my knowledge)

But you already know when something from the Brew & Team Dynamite (both well in connect with Haz Beats) drops that it's something good. I'm a fan of these two groups and what they bring to the scene & the timing of it all. They don't release tracks every 5 mins or drop mixtapes/EPs so much that the solidness of their sound fades; they drop in bits to keep you wanting more. It's straight to the soundsystems of the underground for this one.

Solid bros, I just botzed it and made a dynabrew picture lol Cop the cut below.

Team Dynamite & Home Brew - Summer Love

Friday Freestyle #3 (Even Though It's Sunday)

2010-03-21T12:50:00.000+13:00

Sup Homies, it's Sunday & just had time to blog since Friday, but always keen to drop a rhyme so here goes.

A little part of a track i'm trying to piece together called The Light.

Yo light,

Tried to find you lastnight,

Bumped into this Dark dude who said it's not,

What you want in your life,

Is this right?

Cause right now I feel confused,

Have the thought of being used,

As a weapon to make some more victims in the news,

I know I've met you before,

Why does my mind feel hacked?

Drop us a txt quick homie or else I'm stuck in pitch black....

And if I go a little further, I won't ever turn back,

The money & lies,

All the fakes & slys,

Are trying to reverse, all the good in our lives,

So while I try to buy time,

For you to come on by,

I'll hold my soul to the dark & represent the light,

But the darks not giving up,

Their games getting stronger,

Putting my life on the line but can I take it any longer....

Stop there cause it's getting all over the place, but have a solid week & big ups to Ayebro for letting my do this weeks top 5! Stay on the rhyme, beat, production & music!

Your Weekend: Supportin THE LOCALS!

2010-03-19T08:14:00.001+13:00

Another week gone...sick of work and dumb shit going on (or not)

Whatever your mood, the below events will only make you feel nothing but good.

Support your locals, and it's only natural that support will come back to you!

FRIDAY NIGHT

LADI6 & PARKS

BACCO ROOM, $25

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

SPYCC & INF

ONEHUNGA BAY FEST, FREE

SATURDAY NIGHT

SUMMER GROOVE FT OCEANIA STORM

OTAHUHU CLUB ROOMS, $10

SUNDAY EVENING

COAST (LOOP RECORDING)

RAKINOS, FREE

OTHER EVENTS GOING DOWN (Off the top of my head)

FRIDAY

TEAM DYNAMITE

KHUJA, $5

SATURDAY

RAEKWON

POWERSTATION, $70

TIGER TRANSLATE

THE WINCHESTOR, $30

NZ MUSIC TO THE FULLEST! SEE YOU AT ALL THESE EVENTS!

Summer Groove - This Sat @ Otahuhu League Club!

2010-03-17T01:40:00.000+13:00

If you like local league & keen to support the move to rebuild a solid culture at the club, this is the place to be! So go down & watch a Otahuhu play Bay Roskill in their season opener following a night of live music and just a solid atmosphere.

Show your support for the neighbourhood & be in for a feel good buzz!

OTAHUHU vs BAY ROSKILL

Reserves @ 12.30pm

Premiers @ 2.30pm

SUMMER GROOVE

Featuring Oceania Storm

$10 Entry

All proceedings go straight to the planning of similar & solid events.

Pretty solid initiative I reacon, hearty as!

Usual Suspects - Hard Copy Albums!

2010-03-15T17:22:00.000+13:00

CRRRRRRAAAAAZZZYYYY!

Get your copy right now! Solid bros for the hardcopy!

Buy it here here or here!

THE LOCALS: Soulchef - The Kool Truth Instrumentals

2010-03-15T17:14:00.001+13:00

Soulchef - The Kool Truth Instrumentals

You just got hooked up with some pretty dope shit right here. I don't know if you've heard The Fundamentals and their work over these (check it in the Ayebro archives), but now it's your turn!

Shot Shawn, I heard you doing good things, solid bro.

Another dope beat-tape outta the NZ crates

4 The Rhyme - The Beatdown With Haz & Taku Beats!

2010-03-15T15:22:00.007+13:00

Beatmakers are under-rated & don't think they get the recognition they really should; It's more of an unspoken/underground thing where the people who really wanna know do. They make a beat & let the rappers of the group do the rest and they just kick it in the shadows.

Beats I believe can easily be released as a single (not commercial looped 4 bars stuff), because there's just as much (if not more) elements to beatmaking then MC'in & it's proven a lot beats are way better without an emcee.

So when I went to the International (but not really) beatmaking conference last month in a secret shack in the Uruweras, I caught up with Haz & Ta-Ku Beats. Haz living & beatmaking in NZ & Ta-Ku in AU with NZ roots. So I asked them about the beats & how much work is involved. Check it.

1. Sup bros, since beatmakers are behind the music; where are you's from, is beatmakin fulltime & what lead you to the beat rather than rhyme?

HAZ: Im from Auckland (southside baby) haha..yep I'm a fulltime beatmaker/producer. I started messing with beats more once I got confident with sampling old records. I used to have a job like every other person out there, bought me a PC & chucked my day job in to pursue music. I was rhyming at the time, but that slowly changed az my beats kept getting better & better az I progressed. I guess I had no balance with the rhymes & beats back then & to me I thought my rhymes were wack anyways. My beats had more feelings then my rhymes lol.

TA-KU: All my fam (pops side) from bay of plenty, whakatane & alot of my musical background comes from back home. Soul records, jams @ re-unions and all that jazz. I work fulltime as a health insurance consultant (stink buzzzz) but when I get a chance I'm banging beats till the early morn. Always love creating music - manipulating samples into a whole new sound, but ive never had success transferring creativity to paper - my raps are painfully wack! I keep them files hidden for my wedding day bahaha

2. Is it (beatmaking) always somethin you aimed to make money off or did it just slowly happen?

HAZ: It just happened az more & more MC's were feeling my production. I always knew that NZ was a small market & there's not enough money to be made here threw CD sales, but if you can get paid off your work, to me its just a like a daily job.

TA-KU: It slowly happened as my beats made its way into different circles. Making a bit more of a name for myself. Through myspace you always get artists hollering for beats. Askin for a price. Alot of artists can hear if quality time was put into a beat and have no probs paying some coin.

3. Can you let everyone know the value of a beat & how much work it involves? Cause I know people ask and expect it for free, or get offended and think "what a stink dude" cause it's not.

HAZ: Making beats aint easy, its time consuming, from digging for records, finding the right loop, chops, rearranging & sequencing everything together, shit can make some go crazy lol.Value, it depends how long its takes for me to work the beat, the more I work on a beat the more valuable (to me) so the prices tend to range. I used to give away my beats for free. At first, it was all good ya know, but then I saw others were getting paid for beats so I did the same. You can give away so many free beats before your fingers start hurting from all the hard work.people need to know that for some of us this is our bread & butter. We still do this shit for the love but why not get paid at the same time? Im over people dogging me for not giving them beats or labeling me az a money hungry mofo lol. If you really want the beat, pay for it.

TA-KU: At the end of the day if you can get paid for what you love doing then its a bonus. Alot of people do get put off if you label your beats with a price, but hey I can respect that. Making beats can be time consuming, alot of beatmakers are perfectionists aswell. Searching for that right sample, kick or snare. Flippin the sample just right. Adding bass. Adding synth. Chorus. Bridge. Changeups. I take alot of pride in my beats and see it as a representation of me. So they are of great value to me personally. It only seems natural to charge for a beat. It fuels the art aswell. The money I recieve goes straight back into more records, equipment & gear. I do have a few exceptions - hooking up beats with artists that are homies or well known who can help promote my music to the world.

4. Do you have a set process you have when attempting a beat & what do you think about the local beats from NZ & AU compared to the world

HAZ: I used to make beats the same way everytime, that slowly changed once I started messing with more different soundz/samples. As a local beat maker I love the scene at the mo', theres so many dope cats making beats in our lil City. NZ & AU beat makers,we have our own style & I like it, keeps us just as up there with the world in our own way.

TA-KU: When I first started. making beats had the same process. once I had a handle of that I started experimenting more and more. Listening to all genres of music can really help attacking music from different angles. NZ & AU beat makers are right up there man. Altho we may be musically isolated here in Perth or NZ we all feed off eachothers enthusiasm and styles. There are some world class beatmakers in both Perth & Auckland. ;). the world may not know that yet but...they will soon enough. haha!

5. So if an emcee asked you to make them a beat, would you listen to their flow etc to fit them? Can you tell us your set up that makes this ill shit?

HAZ: Definitly gotta listen to their flow & some of their content they rhyme bout, just makes it easier for me to work round their style etc. I like the beat to compliment the rhymes or vice versa. I gotta basic setup, a laptop, 8channel mixer (for recording), running FruityLoops 9 XXL & Nuendo 3. A turntable & few stacks of records & some good headphones. I've prolly missed out a few bits but this is my everyday toys, it's all I need really lol.

TA-KU: Yeah bro I would definitley see what style they have, what steez they rhyme over but also ask them what vibe they want the track to be, then get busy. Alot of the time I give the emcee a variety of beats to choose from. My set up is simple. Fruity Loops, Cool Edit Pro, Soft Synths. All done on the PC. Record & chop up the records in cool edit and chuck into Fruity and get busy. easy as! (easy for you too say Reggie)

That's a wrap. Don't need to add anything just the some examples of your art that you've created. Cop their work below homies & jump into the beats!

Haz Beats - Euphoria, Sunshine Roses & Rainbow Loops

Ta-Ku Beats - Taku Beatape 2010

If you don't already know these two beatmakers, wake up, get familiar & start diggin for the gold these two create & bury underground. 6 beat under. That far underground. Keep an ear out for sure. Shot for the interview bros, respect. Time to hit Mangere Fried Chicken! lol

Hollie Smith Tour - April 2010!

2010-03-11T17:07:00.002+13:00

Finally! lol been waiting on a intimate Auckland show from Hollie. You know, just one where she ain't million miles away while you stand in the crowd, but one you can soak up every note in.

So in celebration of her new upcoming album "Humour & the Misfortune of Others" she's set a 6 day tour! Boom, I'm there! So if you are a fan of Hollie, you'll be stoked and if your not, rock up to one of the below shows & become one! She's dope, she's got tattoos & she can sing & play keys at the same time! I'll see whoever of you's at Sales St!

Wednesday 7th April

No 8 Wired Bar

Timaru

Friday 9th April

Sammy's

Dunedin

Saturday 10th April

Al's Bar

Christchurch

Wednesday 14th April

Sale Street

Auckland

Friday 16th April

San Francisco Bathhouse

Wellington

Saturday 17th April

Black Barn

Napier

Band: Darren Mathiassen (Dums), Tyson Smith (Gitar), Crete Haami (Bass) and Riki Gooch (Keys).

Friday Freestyle #2

2010-03-11T14:28:00.003+13:00

I know it ain't Friday, but not gonna be near a computer tomorrow so thought i'd drop something. It's just the first verse & hook of my first home track I recorded with my brothers. We recorded like 3 times then the mic caked it and we've been witout since lol will send it to Ayebro once I find it. (the rough copy)

New Zealand music gotta stand up,

And put your hands up, represent,

The crates,

Nobody else can duplicate,

Cause it's the sound of the NZ,

Full of roots & never empty,

And everybody envys us,

For the sound that we bring,

The style that we do, in full effect and always cuttin somethin new,

We keep it fresh,

Don't style to impress,

The underground, underfoundid,

Don't effect how we soundin',

Fiendin for the track, not fiendin for the top,

We just keep it on the downlow & put it down with the

Downloads,

So that everybody feels the flow,

And it's the same vibe to vibe, so everybody knows,

It's the sound of the under-rated,

Hardly crated,

Steppin up from the under-estimated,

Bringin sound from the ground up, on the realness,

So put your hands up if you feel this!

HOOK

Cause I'mma roll for the NZ,

I'mma bounce to the NZ,

Keep it NZ until my soul runs empty,

Keep it live, keep it locked in the zone,

Represent,

100 %, homegrown music,

From the rap to the funk,

From the rock to the soul,

Let everybody know it's the NZ,

One band, one sound, straight from the underground,

It's the land of the long white cloud!

TMG

Gig Of The Week: Oui Groove & Team Dynamite!

2010-03-09T10:35:00.001+13:00

This weekend, I'm playing in Oui Groove (along with my Brothers, Tonga & Rescue!) and I'm pretty fuckin excited! I always told everyone I was gonna do a gig one day and it's come. Dope shit!

We bringin some fresh live hip hop. Simple n solid is how i'd explain it best, so come to the gig and see the rest! I gotta say it's soundin pretty tasty and lyricist Johnny Rescue is ripping the mic!

So get your vibe on with Team Dynamite & Oui Groove this weekend at Rakinos!

BAND

Tungsta - Electric Guitar

Tonga - Keys/Trumpet

Johnny Rescue - Lyricist

William - Drums

Benz - Bass

Pasifika - The Collection

2010-03-08T16:51:00.001+13:00

For those looking for "Just Another Day" by Moizna, it's on here. Finally I can get a good version of the song. Personally, I would of chose different tracks but good for the cause.

I've still been digging for "Pioneers Of A Pasifikan Frontier" compilation which has Lost Tribe, Moizna, AKA Brown etc on it, but have had no luck. Emailed every tom, dick & harry but no replies & record stores are out. If you know anyone whos got it and willing to sell it, PLEASE....

LET US KNOW!

Best Of Pasifika Auditions 2010 @ Galatos, Auckland

2010-03-08T14:43:00.001+13:00

This here is a solid movement for Pasifika music & the upcoming festival going down this week @ Western Springs.

It's performances by 10 individuals & groups that auditioned in January, some of the Dawnraid crew & some guests from Hawaii, Papua New Guinea & Mana Maoli Collective. Think it's solid as they're doing this. Gives a lil promotion to the artists and $10 to get you in the night isn't nothing complain about. Also, shot for Pasifika for sparking this up, if it's on-going, I'm pretty sure they'd get more auditions but it's just good to see Pasifika (& Dawnraid) doing good things and seeing the value of live music, it's unbeatable really.

Looks like Dawnraid Family is finishing up each night. I'm still yet to see Aaradhna live, so I'll see her Tuesday. She's a bit sick atm (via Facebook status) so hope she comes right.

Starting from today @ Aucklands, Galatos Bar are the following people giggin:

• Monday 8 March

21:00 - Mana Maoli Collective

21:10 - Church Boiiz

21:40 - City of Missles

22:10 - Tribal State

22:40 - Savage

• Tuesday 9 March

21:00 - Mana Maoli Collective

21:10 - Electric Kokozoids

21:40 - Ah Rega

21:10 - Local Vocal Crew

21:40 - Aaradhna

• Wednesday 10 March

21:00 - Tenement Yard

21:10 - Church Boiiz

21:40 - D'Vive

22:10 - Nick Hohepa

22:40 - Tenement Yard

23:00 - Sweet & Irie

• Thursday 11 March

21:00 - Mana Maoli Collective

21:10 - Electric Kokozoids

21:40 - Tyronne

22:10 - Youthtown presents "The Collective" - Suspect 5, Chase, Usual Suspect, Tyson Tyler, Queen Shirlee and KD Loksta

22:40 - For Da Grind (4DG)

22:10 - Dawn Raid Family

SPREAD THE WORD

THE LOCALS: Mr Sicc - On Deadly Grounds

2010-03-08T13:30:00.001+13:00

Mr Sicc - On Deadly Grounds

Here we got Mr Sicc pretty much giving you the work of his past with a few exclusive tracks. Ups to him for dropping this, y'all really need to go buy "Home Invasion", "Fleamarket" & "Old School Machete Funk" I got Machete off iTunes and someone gave me "Home Invasion" after their kid just chucked something in the trolley at The Warehouse lol solid. That album is his best I reacon & Machete Funk is just old school beats reworked but not a fan of J Dubb flow.

So get your download on and see what's happenin on Deadly Grounds.

THE LOCALS: Miso Shiru Presents - Miso Shiru's Disco Soup

2010-03-05T12:11:00.002+13:00

Miso Shiru - Miso Shiru's Disco Soup

Finally copped this mix that was brought to you by Miso Shiru (Koru Licks) that was posted earlier this week! I've never heard some of these tracks before and all of them together make one tasty Disco Soup! It's dope. It's the first time I've listened to a whole disco mix and happy I did because I forgot how funky this shit is!

Hard driving basslines, repetitive funky hooks, hearty vocals, cheeky percussion & raw funky riffs make one solid groove! Ups to Miso for this one, keepin the summer vibe live! I know makin mixes ain't easy. Solid selections on this one bro, puttin it down for Disco.

Catch Miso & his fellow Koru Licks playing live at tomorrows Shake n Bake @ Western Park, Ponsonby. Start Time of 3.20pm!

Friday Freestyle #1

2010-03-05T11:27:00.006+13:00

Lastnight I was inspired by a handful of solid local musicans. Amazing what music & weed does, it turns 1 hour into 4 haha So I thought I'd post up some freestyles/rhymes every friday to try and get better at this rap thing.

This is not really a freestyle today, just 10min of thinking and seein what I can come up with today so....

Lets bow our heads and Rap,

Dear Hip Hop,

I thank you for the right to rhyme,

And the mic, so I can speak my mind,

Cause If I speak to myself,

I am considered insane,

So I use Rap,

As a way,

To sort of make it OK,

And I ask that you please guide those, who have been taken astray,

Who make tracks for others,

And not in their own way,

And I'm grateful for the way,

That rhyme has progressed,

And that it only elevates, everytime you have a sesh,

And as I inhale knowledge,

I exhale fire,

And so I thank you for the blessing,

I will only take it higher.

Amen,

Well that's what I could come up with, spit some if you got time.

TMG

Gig Of The Week: Shake n Bake, Western Park, Ponsonby!

2010-03-04T17:00:00.000+13:00

THIS IS GONNA BE DOPE!!!!!!!

Here are the set times so you know when your favourite musical actswill be playing on the day:

12:00 – 12:40 : GEMMA & AN PHAM (Dj Set)

12:40 – 01:10 : SCRATCH 22 (Production Showcase)

01:10 – 01:50 : JC DC (Dj Set)

01:50 – 02:40 : JULIEN DYNE & RIKI GOOCH (Soundsystem)

02:40 – 03:00 : SHINE FORUM (Dj / MC)

03:00 – 03:20 : CHARIZMA (MPC Set)

03:20 – 04:00 : KORU LICKS (Live)

04:00 – 04:20 : BEN WAH (Production Showcase)

04:20 – 05:00 : CHEF D (Dj Set) 05:00 – 06:00 : HOMEBREW (Live Band)

Hosted by Chip Matthews & Tyra Hammond (Base Breakfast)

30Hertz will be supplying the soundsystem, fresh from the Rum Shackresidency at Splore. - Other activities to keep you occupied on the day… A canvas you can hang on a wall, but a vehicle is out there on thestreets.. This year the CUT COLLECTIVE will be re-doing the enclosedtrailer often seen in the Grey Lynn area.

If you’re needing your weekend caffeine hit the COFFEE GUY will be onhand serving it up however you like it. Hungry?? Base FM’s favourite Italian personality Tito will be servingup slices of pizza courtesy of PANE & VINO.

Vinyl diggers can get their fingers dusty trawling through the bins ofthe BEAT MERCHANTS beat market. New school skate store LEARNING CURVE will have a selection of paint,tees, prints & accessories available. Op Shop in the park?? Ladies don’t forget to check out the range ofvintage & 2nd hand clothes, belts, bags & jewellery.

SHAKE N BAKE is a family friendly event, with great facilities atWestern Park including toilets, a childrens playground with flying foxand plenty of shade. Bring a picnic, sunscreen, BYO and a goodattitude!!

New NZ Albums - Hollie Smith, Lewis McCallum & Nathan Haines

2010-03-04T16:50:00.000+13:00

3 solid artists & what I am sure is going to be solid LPs! I've heard Lewis' which at the moments holds my favourite single "First Date" with Fran Kora & the rest is a fresh sound of Synth, Sax & awesome guest vocalists.

Hollie comes through with her 2nd studio album that was recorded (mostly live) under the guidance of Riki Gooch. It was a pretty smoothly produced album as there was just a consistency of agreement on ideas and even some tracks had one take in the final cuts. She's one of my favourite vocalists along with Ladi6 and Iva Lamkum, so it's always solid to hear new stuff from her! She's coming to Aucks in April, so I'ma go meet her and play 2pacs I Ain't Mad At'cha on keys.

Lewis McCallum comes fresh with his album full of life and hearty synth work. This album just makes you nod your head and you can't help but like this sound that he's put together! He's mos def on point with the selection of vocalists he's got on: Fran Kora, Mara TK, Tama Waipara, Deva Mahal & more, the fit nicely on his work. Catch him jammin tunes of his new album at Auckland Domain this Sun @ 5pm!

Nathan Haines has been around for a while and has been around the globe doing his thing in music (more than people actually know) He's self-produced a 7th album that is more expermental than his past. Going hard on the live recordings for this one he still shows that he's still got the groove! I've heard some of it live & it's that good feeling music. He's doing a Aucks show in March, so keep on the look out!

Lewis McCallum

"Syntheology"

OUT NOW!

Hollie Smith

"Humour & The Misfortune of Others"

Monday March 15th

PRE SALE via Amplifier

Nathan Haines

"Heaven & Earth"

Monday March 15th

PRE SALE via Amplifier

NZ Music - That's Wassup!

THE LOCALS: Home Brew - Benefit

2010-03-03T16:48:00.001+13:00

With your weekly DPB payslip this week you also get a FREE Home Brew track. Nice. It's off their double album coming out (one part dark, one part light..this is off light) so store some pingers for when that comes round. Here's what they said:

It's not just another song about getting drunk and stoned. It's a song about getting drunk and stoned on the benefit.

You already know it's a mean song, but just for those passionate die hard followers, don't quit your job to jump on the benfit so you can proudly stand up and sing this song at gigs and parties haha

Enjoy, yet another hit from the Home Brew Crew. They are playing this week at Khuja (ain't been there in ages!) so if you like 69, you'll like this gig mos def!

Home Brew - Benefit

4 The Rhyme: Tom From Home Brew

2010-03-02T17:16:00.002+13:00

Sorry about the inconsistency people, computer access is limited at the moment, bare wit me, solid.

So I went to see Tom at his house in Avondale and get welcomed inside. There's no furniture & no TV, only a big fish tank, a tin of cabin bread, a Marilyn Manson poster & a mic where the lead goes into the floor....

Nah not really I'm all shit but we all know Home Brew & I got the chance to pick emcee Tom' brain a lil. I was going to go with the less serious tone but I'll leave that for the commercial media who want to know if Toms single or has tattoos of past girlfriends so here goes everybody, 4 The Rhyme not the Slime (commercial shit) I got lazy trying to edit the grammar, my bad.

1. Hey bro, were you always a music & hip hop fan growin up as a kid? dubbin over mums tapes n stuff?

TOM: hahaha. yeah bro. was always into hiphop, since i was about 5. My next door neighbor was 5 years older than me. Tongan dude. he was blind, so all he did was music. He had like the Naughty By Nature tape, Coolie High Harmonie hahaha all that kinda shit and that's what sparked me up. Plus my dads job is music, hes a jazz bassist, so I was stuck with music in my life. But yeah gravitated to hiphop for some reason. And yeah i remember dubbing tapes hard bro. Put the cellotape over the top or stuff the holes lol. Got doggystyle for my 10th bday from my Dad. (then my mum took it off me after she read the cover) and got the Kriss Kross tape from Santa when I was like standard 1. (shame)

2. How do you come up with these lyrics that people just get? Thats delivery & flow too. You're dope on all topics you spit (coverin it perfect in 3min), how is that?

TOM: Your too kind bro. I wouldn't say I do anything different from any other emcee. I just rhyme about my environment. Only reason i rhyme more about everyday normal shit is probably cause where I grew up if you rhymed about bullshit, people would know. They'd be like bro that's eats and you'd just be a dick. So when I first started rhyming I just spat about stuff that people could relate to and it worked way better than tryna spit like canibus nuclear physics kinda shit. But yeah.

3. Was last week EP a hard thought out project & did it have an aim, or was it just "your music"? cause when it dropped, it was epic no doubt & for NZ hiphop a fresh good sound that no one's done before.

TOM: Shot bro. to kind again. Guna make people think we're geniuses with this interview hahaha. Nah Last Week was just something that happened in a week. I'd written this one track (Thursday) about what happened to us the night before, cause it was a mean night. Me, Haz, Lui, Lucky Lance all on it in the shack behind my house freestyling n shit n I wanted to capture that the next day. You know how you have those nights you can't really explain why it was so good, it's just like 'fuckn mean night bro, shoulda been there'.. so yeah I wrote that track and then we just wrote another 6 songs every other day of the week and put it together. It really just came together. funny how that shit happens aye. Music doesn't really give a fuck about how long you take to make it. It just either works or not. so yeah, then we called it last week.

4. Bro, you got your style sussed & to transition to a live band was another epic move. Do you think you know what you want as an artist. From lyrics to beat to flow to feel?

TOM: Shux.That's a hard one. I guess what every artists wants is to be unique, so that's always something. Then on top of that I really just wana express my self you know. Just wanna say my thoughts and make them rhyme. but sometimes, like at the gig on saturday night I feel like I didn't get the chance to express myself. Too many north shore chicks yelling out 'do friday, do fire' hahaha. You know. And sometimes I just wana do some personal shit or some shit about like consumerism, or global warming, or some boring shit like that. But people just wana hear tracks about getting drunk and stoned all night hahaha So i guess that's one thing I wana do, I wana express myself.

But yeah. With the live band I think the main goal is to just be invisible, like be another instrument. just another part, instead of be the lead man. And that's something i'm really still learning a lot about. and as far as lyrics, i really like the art of rhyming. just like a mean cross over in ball, or a good goose step in league or something like that. just the show offy part of it. the technique of it and shit. I always wana improve on that. and then as well as that I always wana be clear with my story telling and shit. there's HEAPS I wana work on as an artist. Always gota progress aye. But yeah just to be me and to be able to express who I am and maybe make people think about the world and shit without half the crowd walking out. thats about it.

5. Are you lookin to sign with a label anytime soon? I heard a label can direct your sound, is it somethin thats keepin you away? Pretty sure if you ever drop an album it will debut at number 1.

TOM: hahahaha number one on the avondale market charts. But nah yeah I don't think we'll sign with any majors aye bro. I really wana hold on to control of how we market ourselves. cause people probably don't ever think about it, but we do all our own promotion and marketing. We decide when we wana drop our e.ps. and how we guna get them out n all that. I think that's something I wana hold on to. Plus we can say whatever we want on our tracks, so we feel free. And I don't wana give that up to anyone. Plus in todays industry, you don't need a label you know. It's a way smaller world with the net. Just need clever ideas and good music. So yeah, guna stick to what we doing and hopefully people just like the music. That's the main goal.

Shot Tom, thanks for the Interview, solid. I don't need to say more lol One point he mentioned I reacon is what most people lose sight on, is "The Art of Rhyme". It is an art, which requires passion and heart really, so you can't abuse it, or it will turn out to be "just another rap song" and if more of these are made than songs with heart, the meaning of the art gets lost?. Kinda like grafitti, people abuse it by tagging and so for the passionate grafitti artists, the art has been demoted because people think it's vandelism.

But anyways, I'm out to learn Niue, you can catch Tom, LuiC & Haz (with fuckin solid live band) at Khuja this Friday night! Again, if you ain't seen them, you're missing out!

Download for FREE all their tracks below. Shot Tom, Lui & Haz.

Download - Home Brew EPs
Download - Home Brew Vintage EP

Far, sorry guys, I can talk music forever, my bad. I love it. That's real.

Deceptikonz 2010: Album Leak - Puttin In Work

2010-02-24T13:49:00.002+13:00

Here's a track off the new upcoming D-konz album with a name "Evolution" at the mo (it might change), this ones for Ayebro, ayebro!? Harris knows, good work bro. Not enough to say the direction of the album, but just solid to hear the D-Konz back on a track together! Bring back them Fallen Angels type music! But someone said "If you like the sound of this, you'll like the album". I need to hear more though.

Anyone got the "Elimination" album I can buy off them? My grew legs sometime ago!

"Now if I had a brick / for every single fault that I had /
I'd build steps and migrate to Gods land......" - D-konz at their best.

Deceptikonz - Putting In Work

The F3 Theory - Little Music Making Guide

2010-02-23T14:54:00.006+13:00

Sup, this is just a little thing I thought to post up about when you write music. It's all personal opinion, but I think it's a good little handy guide to eventually come up with a solid/hearty piece of music & can be applied to all musicians & lyricists.

I just named it the F3 Guide/Thoery which is standing for FEEL, FLOW & FIT. I believe if these 3 points are all taken care of, then you'll be sweet, or if ones out of whack a bit, you change a little of the other to even it up or maybe even make it better. Don't get me wrong, musos will know this, but I know a lot of people who stop making music, just because they think they're not getting anywhere, so here goes:

PS: Let me know if I'm not interesting, i'll try not to go on, but it's a blog & that's it's beauty.

FEEL: This ones the most valuble & most important of the lot because what you feel is right, will direct the song & it's outcome. I know heaps of factors that can affect feel but you'll almost always know when it all feels right & you'll mos def feel what shouldn't be there or shouldn't be done. But if there's more than one in the band this might be hard to achieve due to 3 different minds, so you always got to say what you feel might work & what doesn't because then when another band member decides all because you never opened your mouth, your saying their idea is best, but other times things can just work.

So yeah, the only way to really get it bang on is to keep jamming in until you get almost a sexual feeling to what your playing, cause it means your locked in the groove & really feeling it. C'mon let's be honest, your not going to stop make love to someone (when your not out of your mind) until they feel your best performance & you show them wassup! Musics the same, don't settle for shit cause you can't be bothered trying & getting something to it's best & if it don't work, leave that idea for another time.

FLOW: So you've got your basic idea sussed and now your starting to add stuff. My advice is when you add something, stop there & play it back say 5 times and really listen to it, because you want to maintain a good flow in which you think everything has chipped in equally and everythings in full effect. Eveyones different, but sometimes this can really make or break a track; The feel is all there, but the flow ruins it. It's good to ask for opinions (but you don't have to listen) and someone could actually help you.

This is especially important to emcees. I believe flow is everything when rapping. I think that lyrics don't have to be the best cause a solid flow can make it sound ill and sometimes, that's more of what your going for. Like them old school cats, be honest, their lyrics (not all) were cheesy as but they flowed like crazy! And also, a bad flow can just expose shit lyrics, so you don't want both. A good way is to listen to the beat you wanna jump on and just ramble random shit but with the aim of getting a flow & after a few attempts, you'll sus it.

FIT: This is just the last touching up stage, does it all fit? You can think you have the finished product that you want but then you listen and think, nah that shouldn't be there & maybe it shouldn't? But yeah, just look over your work (sort of proofreading) and you can switch up, take away or add stuff. Just watch out to what you do, you might end up at stage one again.

So yeah, thats my little 5cents. Let us know if it's all good or not, or even better, add your own points.

Warriors vs Manly - North Harbour Stadium (Pre-Season Match)

2010-02-23T13:43:00.001+13:00

I support NZ music & one sport: RUGBY LEAGUE!

This week you can see the Warriors take on these Sea Eagle guys in their last pre-season match and by the way they've been performing (winning 2 from 2 games so far) & some top names missing in those games, this should be a good one! Theres only one problem with NZ fans; If we don't win, the support is not there or walk out early. Thats rats if you ask me, those people must be better league player to take on the Aussies (The best in the world, well not at the moment, cause we are homies!)

Warriors vs Sea Eagles

North Harbour Stadium, Albany

Saturday 27th February, 5pm

Tickets Prices Range From:

Adults ($15, 2 for $20 GA)

Children ($10,3 for $20 GA)

Last week & the week before, the Warriors had the below wins

Warriors vs Cowboys - 28-6

Warriors vs Roosters - 26-8

Lewis McCallum - "Syntheology" Album Release

2010-02-22T14:55:00.000+13:00

This Sunday, you've got a special one. As apart of the Music In Parks series, Lewis McCallum has combined a free concert with the release of his upcoming album "Syntheology" (NZ musicians always putting in down for FREE!)

This albums good, I've been jammin it all week and can't get enough of his First Date song with Fran Kora, too dope!

So end your week (hopefully after the Warriors win against Manly) with some dope level fresh NZ music while buying Lewis' new album at the same time!

Lewis McCallum & Band

Live @ Auckland Domain (Band Rotunda)

Support from Otis Mace from 2pm

Band Members

Steve Thomas - Drums

Ben Turua - Bass

Craig Warne - Keys

Esther Stephens - Vocals

Lewis McCallum - Sax, Synthophone, MPC

About The Album

Features vocals by - Fran Kora, Mara TK, Deva Mahal, Cherie Mathieson, Tama Waipara & Esther Stephens

Mixed by Andy "Submariner" Morton

Mastered by Dave Cooley in LA.

Art by Casey King

BASE FM - Shake n Bake, March 6th!

2010-02-22T14:12:00.003+13:00

This is gonna be dope, quote me on that! And I just realised (yes, just now!) I can't be there, F**K!

Afterparty going down @ Rakinos, same night featuring:

Coopa Blu, Dan Paine, Junior, Future 1, CXL, Chip Matthews & Wendy Douglas

$10 after 10PM!

Enjoy it for me please.

THE LOCALS: Tyson Tyler - Ballin On A Budget EP

2010-02-22T14:07:00.000+13:00

Tyson Tyler - Ballin' On A Budget

After so many requests for this EP, they're giving you what you want!

Read below from Breakin Wreckwords:

" Last year we released Tyson Tyler’s Ballin On a Budget EP as a bonus download for people who pre-ordered the Reality Cheque album from JBHifi. Unfortanetely not every town in NZ has JBHifi stores, so after a huge amount of requests, we have decided to put the entire EP up for free download. The 6 track E.P features production by Yorel, Nate-D, Saia (of Usual Suspects) and the huge Monstars Ink remix featuring Young Sid, Flowz, & Monsta Ganjah "

This is heavy, Tyson Tyler bringin it on these ones. Balling on a Budget doesn't seem to stop him creating

Hip Hop. Shot Tyson!

THE LOCALS: Christoph El' Truento - Homemade Shit!

2010-02-22T12:43:00.005+13:00

Christoph El' Truento - Homemade Shit

Shit, a word that in queens english is an offence/negative word that gets people in the "shit" because it's said. But if a NZ musician uses the word shit (usually refering to something they've made/or got) your guaranteed it's a solid piece of work! That's real. Like if Kora say; we got some new shit coming on the way, or Ladi6 says it's just some new shit we made; it's that good for the soul "shit"

This beat tape from Truent is no different. Like his first beat tape I Wanna Write A Book One Day..But For Now... he comes fresh with his mid/down tempo beats that I think are jazz/nu jazz influenced with his chords he uses & he drops some synth work in there too. He dropped this on Sunday which is the best atmosphere (the whole sunday morning jazz feel) to listen/feel his beats because they're relaxing but got an edge that makes you nod your head helpin to clear your head of that shit you smoked/drunk on Sat. Or just have a blaze n lock in (thats solid too). My favourite 3 are "Be There", "Honey Dips" & "Rappin Facts" due to what you could do to them if you were drumming them live.

I think the cover explains this one well. Music & weed. I get the impression that this was a product of one of them moments where you have a smoke and have a jam at making some beats & everything fits/flows/feels and comes together right, that 1 beat turned into 21 (like a lyricist on a roll with writing etc)

I'm liking beat tapes at the moment because it's a break from everything with words. So download this tape courtesy of Truent. Shot Truent for tagging the songs in an organised manner. Re-naming songs is shit (queens english one)

Waiting on all you other beatmakers for tapes! NZ allday!

Gig Of The Weekend - Lewis McCallum @ PSC!

2010-02-19T14:36:00.005+13:00

This is the artist of the week (for me). A solid collaboration with Fran Kora, it's too dope & a hearty album due out soon!

I don't know much about Lewis to be honest, but I liked his album WAKE & saw him a fair few times when he was jamming at Sales St & he's mos def got the solid groove that NZ musicians seem to have!
His synth work is crazy & he's another one of them multi-instrumentalists!

I just heard samples of his new album & it's a good one for 2010. (I haven't properly listened, so I won't go into detail yet) but you gotta check out "First Date" with Fran Kora & if you dig it, you'll dig the LP, it's fresh. On the line of Julien Dynes Pins & Digits but more synth & upbeat to it. You can catch this fresh jazzman in action this weekend @ PSC!

Lewis McCallum Live / (DJ set from Scott Towers)

Saturday 20th February

Ponsonby Social Club

FREE, so you got no excuse!

Oh yeah, and Maisey Rika/Tama Waipara (Waipara is also features on Lewis' album) are playing the Classic Comedy Bar in Aux this Sat!

Rugby League Is Better Than Rugby Because....

2010-02-19T14:26:00.000+13:00

Just a little break from the music...

Answer below:

RUGBY LEAGUE WAS CREATED BECAUSE RUGBY WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH.

YOU WOULDN'T DOWN GRADE ON SOMETHING, THAT'S JUST STUPID.

LEAGUE CREATED THE EXCITEMENT & CONCEPT THAT RUGBY COULDN'T PRODUCE

PS: Just stating the facts.

New Favourite Jam! - Lewis McCallum ft Fran Kora: First Date!

2010-02-18T19:15:00.000+13:00

This is my new favourite song. It's already in my Top 5 colaborations of this year, cause it's fresh & the feature of a Kora brother is just crazy! Lewis was pretty clever in choosing Fran on this one, cause he fits perfect and the melody/harmonies & flow come out solid on this number! Big ups Lewis for this one! Lewis McCallum has got a new album coming out soon, check the details below! Shot Lewis, you done it on this one bro, hard to beat in my books!

Syntheology

In Stores, March 1, 2010!

27 Reasons Why KORA Is The Best Band EVER!

2010-02-18T16:55:00.007+13:00

I always talk this band up, so I thought I better back myself up. So here is 27 reason why I think KORA, is the best band ever! If you know The Delivery Man, you'll know why it's 27. I know it's not neccessary, but i'mma let it be known for the fact they are & i'd like to think I'm the biggest Kora fan around!

1. Their debut album I believe is the best album in the world. If they ever have a live one, they'll have the 2 best albums in the world. I'll argue why just like you & your favourite album. There hasn't been a album that has amazed me as much as when I heard this.

2. They've got one of the most simple/solid songs about culture. "...never give up on our culture, cause when a cultures lost, another cultures won..." agreed?

3. They've been made into dope cartoon characters with dope names! Tiger Cutler, Danalow, Chen Chen, Wicket & Sephiro

4. They use an Alesis Andromeda A6 & transform it into the most solid Synthesizer that gives their music super-powers!

5. They never fail to deliver when they perform live. I believe they were born live. Every song is energetic, tight, powerful & no one botz' it! They all know their role on stage & they do it solid!

6. Their harmonies. They've sussed out what works best for them and have got them on point! Powerful & Rootsy!

7. Have you heard their lyrics? Insane! "..i'll pop your bubble & if you bring enough ___, i'll lay you out on the double" - YEAH!

8. They played a FREE gig in South Auckland! Shot KORA!

9. They are a family band of brothers (inc Dan!) I think that's a reason why they've got such a rich & powerful sound & (their tightness as a band), because they've got that family connection & jamming with the brothers is pretty hard to beat!

10. Some of the brothers do Brazilian Ju-Jitsu (Brad, Fran & Stu...I Think?) that's dope! Fighting, like Music, is a solid release (so I've heard?) lol

11. Their live pause! (when the band stops completely for an amount of bars) was something fresh on the scene & is their trademark move. Thing is, you don't know how long they gonna stop for.

12. They've played together as brothers since Primary playing with their dad "Tait Kora" in a band called Auntie Beatrice. That would've been mean to be in a family band back in Primary days!

13. Their songs have similar themes just like everyone else' songs, but they switch it up & disguise it with their Poetic style that make people think it's some weird shit when actually it's not lol - "...Give me an inch & i'll make it a mile, spent my last coin, on a crooked smile / show me the way, if you leave I shall live to fight another day.." SOLID!

14. The number of tracks (inc 2 interludes) on their album, which to this day I still have not gotten sick of!

15. Their "Skankenstein" clip, was the CRAZIEST! Proves why these brothers are the CRAZIEST!

16. Their range of sound! From "Barely Can't See" to "War" to "Skoolyard" to "The Delivery Man" just to name a few.

17. They know the meaning of a band, the meaning of live music & how to make the most out of their sound. It's evident in their live performances & even when they did their studio album, would've been a hard switch but they sussed it!

18. I believe they go by the rule "Play Hard or Go Home!" and going by what i've seen, they never want to go home!

19. Everything they touch, it's gold! I mean look at Lewis McCallums new track with Fran Kora "First Date" Fran kills it with his solid vocals and putting it down Kora style with his lyrics "..Guess my moves were something whack / My head is spinning tryin to come up with a plan!..." - It's my new fav song. I'm gonna bet it's in my Top 5 of this year!

20. The best live music show i've seen thus far (why Ive been to more than 5) They're not the most fancy musicians doing mind blowing solos or anything but stage presence, energy & feel is insane! Know each other well as musos.

21. I heard they were playing at King Of The Door. Solid fight music! lol

22. The fact that they are a NZ band is pretty awesome to know!

23. Their music has an awesome dark edge which is mellowed by their massive NZ vocals/harmonies. Gotta have the darkness! lol

24. The song "On My Mind" - Probably the most played Kora song out of the lot because it's the one that people get hooked and is the introduction to Kora on many occassions. I like it because at most good music parties, you know you'll hear at least one Kora song! - "Don't fake me, don't play me, i'll smash you in the face & you won't like me!"

25. Laughton Kora acknowledged my effort as a fan for my self-made Kora T Shirt I take to every gig (cause it's the only one signed by all members. It got a beer stain from a horsed dude at a Kora gig, so it's now the Kora flag) and pretty much follow them everywhere. Shot Laughton. I'm a pretty hardout Kora fan!

26. Brad Kora (The Drummer) Gave me his drumsticks! Shot bruda, Bless!

27. "...CAUSE THAT NUMBER 27 IS THE RIGHT PLACE TO BE!"

....and big ups to their Tait for forcing music outta them, Respect!
---------

Well that's my reasons. It could've been longer & in more depth but you can hit me up if you want to know anything else. I suggest you buy the album, it'll be $30 well spent! Make sure you catch their live show if you haven't already done so, you'll be amazed!

KORA - THAT'S WASSUP!

Wu Tang vs The Beatles Mixtape!

2010-02-18T13:59:00.002+13:00

Wu Tang vs The Beatles: Enter The Magical Mystery Chambers

Since RZA is tonight I thought i'd drop this (even though it's not NZ). It's a mixtape seen over at The Hip Drop that's got Wu Tang acapellas over some Beatles samples & at first I thought WTF? soon to realise, it's actually dope!

This mixtape fuses opposite ends of the musical spectrum but is probably why it works nicely. With Wu Tang being hardcore on the mic, these mellowed out beats make The Wu Crew easier on the ear & you can listen to their raps properly and enjoy the flow whether you like Wu Tang or not.

Same goes for The Beatles, hearing the Wu on their samples makes Gangsta Beatles Music, I think that's the best why I can put it. The rawness of The Wu fits the trippy music of The Beatles making this juxtaposition mixtape work solidly.

So download this and see what'cha think. I reakon it's dope & for those hitting up RZA tonight, let RZA know how we ROCK THE BELLS!

See "Boy" 10 Days Before It's Movietised

2010-02-15T17:07:00.001+13:00

You's know it's coming, but you can see it a bit earlier before it's "Movietised" and goes to the cimenas, only one problem, there's only 3 shows in Keri Keri, Gisbourne & Whangarei.

How To See Boy Before It's Movietised

1. Go to http://www.crazyhorses.co.nz/

2. Become a Member

3. You'll get a e-mail for a free ticket to a show but tickets are limited, so get in quickie!

Blogging - Safer Communities Together

Sounds In The Sun 2010!

2010-02-15T16:54:00.001+13:00

If you didn't go last year, KORA rocked the fuckin stage and ripped up the crowd and everyone before that was also solid!

This year, my favourite female vocalist Ladi6 (Iva your 2nd, Hollie you 3rd!) is going to be there but it's gay cause I can't get the day off!! So you go for me and throw your 6's in the air as she seduces you musically on the mic, trust me, it's true!

Go rip shit homies!!

Deceptikonz - Returning 2010!

2010-02-15T16:35:00.001+13:00

Ossssh! D Konz coming back! Well my favourite track is still "Fallen Angels" and when they drop their new album, I hope they've had enough of that "Club Bangin Shit".

I hope they do something similar to Fallen Angels & come back hard on that "Consious Hip Hop" Tip!

Dawnraid - New Signing 2010

2010-02-15T16:30:00.000+13:00

I just read this over at the Dawn Raid Site. Who do you reakon it'll be? It's been a while since Dawn Raid signed anyone so this guy must be pretty good! I have no clue at the moment. See what they reakon below:

"After some long negotiation Dawn Raid has signed an exclusive deal with one of the South Pacific's leading Hip Hop stars that's been putting in serious work for the last 2 years releasing music in the US, Australia and NZ, check in next week to see who has officially joined the Dawn Raid label.

This signing is sure to get people talking and will be a big project to look forward to in 2010!!"

New Dawnraid Album - Tracklisting

2010-02-15T16:25:00.000+13:00

Tracklisting:

Come Back (Next To You) - Brotha D feat. Frisko & J-Son

Need Me - Mark Antony

Music (Makes The World Go Round) - Frisko feat. Aaradhna

Rocker Girl - Devolo

The Love That Comes From You - Sweet & Irie

Frisko feat. Aaradhna

This Is The Reason Part 2 - Monsta Ganjah

Live It Up Remix - Roscoe Umali feat. E-40, Savage & Bobby Valentino

What Up Uce! - Sa.Mo.Ends feat. Savage

Rated R - Mareko

New Era - The 7

Putting In Work - Deceptikonz

Say What You Wanna Say - Brotha D & Dawn Raid Family

Bring You Down - Beatrootz

Black n Bling - Thursday @ Sales St

2010-02-15T15:33:00.001+13:00

NOTE: This is not a Bacio Party, it's Sales St. So if you know how to have a good time regardless of your surroundings, RSVP yourself by emailing blackandbling@sale-st.co.nz with your full name & email address & that's you sussed! Heard $12000 of MOET is getting gone too!

Sales St..."Sippin MOET is where you'll find me!"

Tiger Translate 2010! Art Comp & Free Tickets!

2010-02-15T15:00:00.000+13:00

Hey guys, gotta chance to post, solid! I saw this event coming up called "Tiger Translate" which is worth mention

You know the beer, but do you know what they get up to? What we got is a music/art event where you can win $2000 for your art; There is a theme though

"The theme for this year‟s event is "Balance" - striking a balance between the various elements that occupy our lives has always been at the heart of Asian value systems. In context with East meets West.

Should be pretty dope aye? So if your keen, go to http://www.tigerbeer.co.nz/ where you can enter & if you're quick enough, get 2 free tix to the event! So I suggest you jump on it right quick so you can get in on the action! Little details below on the evnt, but hit up the site!

Entries Close

Sunday 28 February 2010

Tiger Translate 2010 Featuring Music From:

DJ Kentaro (Japan), Muscles (Live) (Melbourne), The Naked & Famous, An Emerald City, The Drab Doo Riffs, Homebrew, A.D.A.M, Stinky Jim, The Turnaround Vs. The Hit It & Quit It Review, The North Shore Pony Club, Boomio Sound.

King Of The Door - March 26th, 2010!

2010-02-12T15:12:00.002+13:00

This is where bouncers show their customers that walk in the door that like Wu Tang, ain't nuttin' to fuck with basically. In a charity event where bouncers (who I think do MMA) will fight each other to raise money for a Charity, fight for their venue & the King Of The Door title. The winning bouncer also gets the Afterparty at the venue.

Should be a good night. I heard Kora is playing & if that's true, you'll no doubt see me there! Cop the full details on the website below.

KING OF THE DOOR
Friday March 26th, 2010
Venue: ASB Stadium
Tickets: $35 (Pre-sales) $45 (Door Sales)

King Of The Door - Official Site

THE LOCALS: DJ Susbstance - The D Mixtape

2010-02-12T13:48:00.003+13:00

There's a lot of solid DJ's NZ's got spinning wax & DJ Substance is one of them, specialising in Hip Hop. I knew this guy was good, but until I went onto his site, it's obvious he's up there. I'm not going to say all the gigs he's done, you can check his slideshow after the drop (it's fuckin crazy) but one thing i'll tell you, is that Substance was the firt NZ DJ to attend a Red Bull Academy; Respect bro, big ups! that's a dream to go to one of them!

He's apart of the Home Brew & Team Dynamite Crew (Audio Engineer), so he knows what's good & no doubt he does some mixing for them and lets them use what he's got to make dope fresh Hip Hop. Haven't really studied him as a DJ but I'm sure he's been the one on the decks when I'm dancing non stop at Zen, Rakinos and other local venues. I think you'll see him on a Bill every week.

Substance also has his own radio show on George FM called "Urbanology" and if you want to keep in the loop of the solid Hip Hop travelling around, then this is the Hour of Power for you Hip Hop Heads. Bringing you exclusives each week & supporting that local good/hood shit!

So if you want a solid Hip Hop DJ, Substance is the man (I think he's even got Sean Kingston, Hurricane Chris, Young Jeezy & other up there artists) & to cop a sample of his work, download his D Mixtape & yes it's FREE. Catch him this weekend at the J Dilla Tribute gig @ Zen, $15, Saturday! Gonna be dope.

DJ Substance - The D Mixtape

Music With Substance

"Urbanology" Radio Show - Wednesdays @ 10pm on George FM

New Dawnraid Album - Coming March 1st

2010-02-11T14:34:00.001+13:00

Just hope it's not all club bangers aye.

George FM Parties 2010!

2010-02-09T16:15:00.000+13:00

Finally cracked SOME info! You know them George FM Park Parties they had last year? Well somethin similar is gonna happen soon & I'm pretty wrapped to here it. I've been trying to source whether or not these will be going on since Oct 2009 & finally found out it's on this year!

From what I know there's gonna be 1 pool party, 1 beach party & 1 park party! Shhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! Girls are gonna be bangin'! (and the music)

So keep on the look out for these Parties & when the time comes, call up everybody & pitch in on a party!

NRL ALL STAR GAME! - This Weekend!

2010-02-09T16:02:00.001+13:00

This came fast, which means NRL season is going to start soon! The all star game that by looking at both teams will be a state of origin (maybe a bit more in a sense) attitude type game. Both teams are stacked with reliable players running through each line up & heaps of mongrel in the Indigenous side.

This is also the first game where the double try rule will be trialed. This is where teams get to choose whether they want to go for a try or attempt the conversion, kinda NFLish if you ask me & changes the game when it doesn't need to be, I mean the state of the players these days you don't need such thing, takes away excitement.

Anyway, here's the teams, both publicly voted & you can catch the game live on Sky Sport 2 this Saturday at 9.30pm.

INDIGENOUS ALL STARS

Preston Campbell, (Titans) (c)

Yileen Gordon, (Bulldogs)

Blake Ferguson, (Sharks)

Jamal Idris, (Bulldogs)

Beau Champion, (Rabbitohs)

Greg Bird, (Titans)

Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, (Raiders)

PJ Marsh, (Broncos)

Nathan Merritt, (Rabbitohs)

Cory Paterson, (Knights)

Scott Prince, (Titans)

George Rose, (Sea Eagles)

Wendell Sailor, (retired)

Jamie Soward, (Dragons)

Sam Thaiday, (Broncos)

Joel Thompson, (Raiders)

Johnathan Thurston, (Cowboys)

Travis Waddell, (Raiders)

Carl Webb, (Cowboys)

Jharal Yow Yeh, (Broncos)

NRL ALL STARS

Luke Bailey, (Titans)

Adam Blair (Kiwis)

Matt Cooper (Dragons)

Robbie Farah (Tigers)

Israel Folau (Broncos)

Kurt Gidley (Knights)

Jarryd Hayne (Eels)

Michael Jennings (Panthers)

Darren Lockyer (Kangaroos) (c)

Benji Marshall (Kiwis)

Josh Morris (Bulldogs)

Nate Myles (Roosters)

Luke O'Donnell (Cowboys)

Billy Slater (Storm)

Cameron Smith (Kangaroos)

Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs)

David Shillington (Raiders)

Anthony Tupou (Sharks)

Manu Vatuvei (Warriors)

Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles)

NRL All Star Game

Saturday February 13th

Live on Sky Sport 2, 9.30pm (NZ Time)

Weekend Gig Reviews - Home Brew/ Koru Licks & Kora

2010-02-08T12:21:00.004+13:00

First up, the blogs unco atm, my lappys broke & yeah just can't be consistant as I used to but i'll post when I can. I like reviewing music/events & giving my opinion on stuff so I just wanted to give you a little of what went down in what was yet another dope weekend for music!

Friday was the double banger of Home Brew & Koru Licks! Place was packed as, walls were gonna break n shit, straight up. The Licks jumped on first (sory bros missed most of the set, got pulled up by mrs officer) & these guys rip it. They've been together a while now so they no their sound and know how to work off each other in style, it's like 2nd nature & because they're a young band, they've got a lot of support that came and helped give Koru Licks the right kinda vibe to play a hearty n energetic set; Honestly, the crowd plays a big part in a live product, but good thing with NZineers, we rip shit regardless & the Licks have taken this trait, solid stuff brothers! You's amped the crowd for Home brew to finish.

Home Brew live was next and they did what they did best. Get live! Tom, Lui & Haz with a solid live band played another good set with tracks off their new "Vintage EP". To be honest, I don't think Rakinos is a ideal live music venue for an event that went down , it's too small, but besides that, Tom still got the crowd singing (if thats what you call it) along to his songs & drove homies to the bar so they could come back and sing louder & make the crowd bounce higher; shit, even got dudes battling i the crowd on who knew the most words! haha shot HB! Their 2nd set was better for me cause a few people cleared out & the music seemed more tighter with a better listen & then Team Niue started a Niue chant haha But wherever Home Brew go, it's guranteed to be on & with the live band, it just gives them an even bigger audience to come n either listen to the music or come for the hip hop/atmosphere. Toms the illest emcee at the moment (safe to say I think) as an artist he knows what he wants & going by the gigs, it's exactly what you want too. My brother also plays for them & if you get to listen to him, you'll be amazed by his skill. Big ups to everyone for Friday!

Kora played live in South Auckland for the first time & they wanted to make sure they gave a good impression. They didn't fail! Coming off the plane from Japan & straight onto the stage, you'd think they'd be tired; far from it! They rocked it, and what more to say? The best band on this earth ended Waitangi Day the best way possible. Kora style!

The Weekend - Places To Be!

2010-02-05T10:41:00.000+13:00

The below 3 gigs is what I recommend to you if you're looking for a good time for cheap or FREE for the matter. There's other mean stuff going down that you can find here but I think this is the top notchers for the weekend starting in about 6 hours & don't forget to download Home Brew's new/old EP, it's good.

Friday let's you forget all that shit that went down at work with a gig that promises to have nice girls there (and also good live music) Two bands, one night & $5 whiskeys so you can get the confidence to hit up that nice girl at the bar or wherever solid girls are found.

Nothing much to say here. Maisey has that sweet lil angel voice, J Williams...yeah what you said & KORA the best band in this side of the world to finish off with a high!

Also going down @ Okahu Bay is something similar with bands like 1814, Three Houses Down & Six60 are playing, that's gonna be a good one too!

Free live jazz is one of the better ways to end your week. Still something not enough people rock up to on the regular (me too) so go get live on a sunday & forget about that One Tree Hill shit.

The Brew Up! - BASE FM

2010-02-03T13:05:00.003+13:00

This ones been a long time coming and I'm not suprised at the pic haha (no guys, a little kid did not consume alcohol like your dad) too funny.

But even better than the poster is the actual show, honest. After cracking a way around the firewall at work (and going to the show a few times) I discovered this radio show all about "yo gee, who's this by, can I download it" dope type music. On the often they even do live freestyles with whoevers up in the studio so you can know that goldilocks was a slut & the pigs killed the big bad wolf (and positive stuff)

So if you at a computer with fast as internet & or just down for good music, have a listen to the Brew Up; A mix of Hip Hop, Soul, Old School & Local music that'll convert you from commercial music (yes, there is other music besides this)

Base FM - Listen Now

THE LOCALS: Home Brew Vintage - FREE EP!

2010-02-03T12:35:00.004+13:00

Home Brew Vintage EP

Wassup! Here it is homies, fresh out the cellar, the Home Brew Vintage EP. A collection of work from 06/07 that the crew brewed up to bring you a EP with higher alcohol content (for all you Bad Bad Whiskey horsey dudes). I mean look how many tracks you get, 10! That's an EP on drugs bro, so you're getting a pretty good deal all for FREE!

I haven't listened properly to all tracks, but emcee Tom Scotch shows that he can rap about whatever in his style that he's owned & made world famous in NZ. The beats are still dope & now you got some new Home Brew to learn the words to (gimme a week haha) so you can horse it at the gigs n rap along like I can't help doing. So cop it, get a box & chill to some new but vintage Home Brew.

Here's a track from the EP

Since you got this for FREE, go n check the bros live this Friday (along with Koru Licks) at Rakinos & shout them a brew in appreciation of another dope FREE EP. But this ain't a hip hop gig, just a solid one. My brothers playing gat too & he's pretty good.

Big ups to Tom for hooking this up & to the HBC: Tom, Lui, Haz & Substance! I'll see you at the gig without a beer in my hand, cause my bank, yet again, has hit zero lol

4 The Rhyme - Word From The Licks

2010-02-01T13:03:00.003+13:00

I know a few guys (Ben Trinick, Abe Pai & Brandon Haru) from school (which had shit music facilities sorry to say but if money was put to music than rugby, it would've been epic) that used to jam with what we had at school and they were consistant, always jammin, joining bands & keeping the groove on the move.

Now, 3 years on, I've been hearing this Band around town that play live jam sessions & I thought only older musos jam live on stage? but I guess I was wrong with the "Koru Licks" who Ben, Abe & Brandon are in along with other local Musicians/DJs Truent, Moiso Shiru & Mikey Rockwell!

Koru Licks, a band of exprienced musos who like to jam off each other & experiment with their sound play live regularly at Rakinos (Free with All The Way Live) and from what I've heard are quite tasty with what they got. So I got a hold of Brandon & Logan to let us know a bit about the Licks.

How did the Koru Licks come about & what's your style of sound?

LOGAN: We are just a group of best mates who have been involved in other projects / bands etc but brought it together to make something fresh. Our sound is just soulful & jazzy wether that be dub, hip hop, funk, disco & whatever feels good.

BRANDON: We established the group probly half way through 2009 and Logan came up with the name, but you'll have to ask him about it lol We were and still are really close friends from way back, sharing musical thoughts and ideas with each other. I would describe our style of music to be very loose with no restrictions because we've learnt to anticipate one another. Sort of like a psychic bond, everyone knows what to play and when to play it. Improvisation allows freedom and space to be creative when your in a groove.

------

What's it like jamming live in front of a crowd?

LOGAN: We freestyle around most of our tracks so the type of crowd usually determines how long/loud/eclectic/sexual we make it haha. Like i say we are all boys so it doesnt matter if theres two people or a full house we just get drunk and have fun with it.

BRANDON: As the saying goes wether its 10 people or 100 people its always fun performing infront of a Live audience. It gives us the opportunity to share our music with everyone in real-time.

------

What do you think of NZ music & it's scene?

LOGAN: NZ and Japan have the illest shit coming out right now, we're lucky. I love Aotearoa steez, Electric Wire Hustle, Julien Dyne, Jellphonic, Home Brew, Team Dynamite, Lisa Preston, Lewis McCallum etc etc. Its dope when ur favourite artists are just local cats you bump into at bars, record stores & gigs. Creates a real close-nit music community.

BRANDON: The New Zealand music scene in this day and time is incredible. Our sound reflects upon alot of Kiwi bands and musicians that have brought nothing but inspiration to this band. Homegrown talent thats becoming global and recognised in different parts of the World.

------

Any album on the way?

LOGAN: We make tracks every week and think we're going to do a couple themed EPs before we think about doing an album. No hurrry, when we've evolved to a point we think we are on some next level shit then we'll do a proper album. Experimenting for now... i want do some filthy dicso synth shit and then on the flip do like an old King-tubby type dub ep aswell...haha

BRANDON: We're in the process of mixing and mastering an EP which will soon be available to everyone for free. An album however will probly take a little longer towards the end of 2010 or 2011

------

So the Licks are in the mix with some projects, solid! Also, I 2nd that Japan & NZ are on some same level dope type music, the feel & groove is pretty amazing. I think both are similar in that it's a simple concept on sound, but the add ons & personal touch to switch up simple concepts makes it double dope. Japans got soul like Rudy.

Straight up, I agree with the bros in saying the NZ music community is "close nit" lol cause we've really got nowhere to go. Your bound to catch a local muso at Conch, Bar or keeping it real on their Skateboard (shot Truent) and the good thing about that is that you can stay in the loop with a lot & MOST musos are easily approachable lol The NZ live music scene is also busy as, so your guaranteed to see a good quality band jamming good vibes.

Shot to Brandon & Logan for that & you can catch em getting all live n shit at Rakinos every 2nd Sunday of the month or add them on FB and keep an eye on the status reports & invite lol Check their band page & Rakinos Gig Guide to see more from these smooth sexual soundin musicians.

Koru Licks Band Page

Rakinos Gig Guide

Free Track: Brandon & Miso-Shiru - Chicken Love

NZ MUSIC TO THE FULLEST!

Crazy Horses! - New Gang

2010-01-29T13:00:00.000+13:00

I'm sure by now that everyone knows about this movie coming up in March which looks like a breath of fresh comedy for NZ film. The film recently premiered to a sell out Sundance Festival and has got some hearty "Churs" from people around this world place (selling out 4 shows after the premiere)

People make websites for movies before they come out & Taika has done the same with this one in Kiwi Steez lol There is a home for "The Crazy Horses" a gang from the movie, and after seeing it on Facebook, it's good funny shit haha Done in rugged kiwi style, is a site about the gang and what they're all about & i'll leave it there. Take a look at the site & watch the trailer (if not already)

Crazy Horses - Official Home Page

Boy - Trailer

Last Chance - Nathan Haines Live

2010-01-29T11:43:00.000+13:00

If you havent been to one of these gigs yet, you gotta catch the last one.

This cat looks pretty old now but he's come up with some silky funky shit over the years and with an aged band (Karika, Kevin, Mickey & Joel) you don't hear heaps of fancy work like some young musicians today but focused more on tightness & being locked into the groove and just everyone chipping in to make a solid sound.

Sales St also is a solid venue. Big inside & outside areas that you can chill, watch and enjoy the music properly without having the sweat of someone else rub all up on you lol The vibe & people are good & it being a Sunday tops it off, only problem is that a beer is a bit pricey, so learn to sip. It is not the hood.

So yeah, Nathan Haines live is dope & I think this will be the last time he's live for free for a while.

Haiti Fundraising Concerts This Weekend

2010-01-29T11:25:00.002+13:00

All this for $10? Sunday night sorted!

These artist plus more, ripping iton Saturday night!

Get your voodoo on homies!

KORA - FREE Auckland Show!

2010-01-28T15:17:00.003+13:00

And I thought I was going to be at Okahu Bay allday but plans have now changed! Southside Auckland is where it's at! My favourite band Kora has just announced they will joy in the free show at Flat Bush' Barry Curtis Park along with Maisey Rika, Sweet & Irie & more.

Kora - Still the dopest new age album ever!

They are just coming back from Japan especially for this show so I'm pretty excited they're playing for free cause my bank is in overdraft (still after being paid) due to Raggamuffin overspend. Fail! But it was all to a solid weekend, shot FGBz! I know Kora have played a lot, but i'll never get sick of their shows; They're my favourite band ever!

I'ma try and hustle for a backstage pass & i'll post up my photo with Kora after the weekend oh and Maisey, I love Maisey, she's got a hearty voice!

So get to Okahu & or Flatbush to have a solid day of Homegrown music, for free. Haati Paati!

Waitangi Day Family Celebration

Saturday 6 February, 10am-6pm (Kora to play at 5.15pm)

Barry Curtis Park, Chapel Road, Flat Bush

Waitangi Day Festival
Saturday, 6 February 2010, From 8.30am
Okahu Bay, Orakei

Gig Of The Week - Electric Wire Hustle Live @ Ponsonby Social Club!

2010-01-21T17:33:00.001+13:00

Other than Raggamuffin, if you're staying put in Auckland, Ponsonby Social Club is the only place to be on Friday night with Electric Wire Hustle (with Parks & Julien Dyne) live!

Make sure you check this Trio dropping dope music to end your week & it's FREE!

For all other gigs, go to the hearty

Mukuna - Official Gig Guide

Been lazy on the blogs y'all, just been trying to sus out the yearly Rotorua trip lol Catch y'all after the weekend, hope you's have a good one! I'll be at Raggamuffin on the Feel Good Buzz so if you're down there, say wassup!

Home Brew Vintage - Coming Next Week!

2010-01-21T13:52:00.000+13:00

By now, you should already know the classic "Last Week EP" from these guys & to this day, I don't think there's been a better NZ Hip Hop EP; the beats/rhymes & the whole idea of the EP was just dope & well executed in all but one week?! Solid. If you haven't heard their music yet, wake up & download it!

Next week you'll see Home Brew releasing another free piece called "Home Brew Vintage" I think it's some old school tracks brewed up for y'all to play this summer! I heard "P Is For Party

' is on there, a comedic track they got. Going by Tom Scotch' comedic/conscious style, it'll just be another solid EP like always. You can cop it all over at their Band site.

http://www.homebrewcrew.co.nz/

Big Ups Shapeshifter! - 3rd AKL Show Announced!

2010-01-21T11:26:00.000+13:00

Big ups to Shapeshifter who pulled off a solid summer set around the NZ! After announcing 2 Auckland shows (after the 1st one sold out in days) they have annouced a 3rd one! Shhhhiiiiiit! The bros live sets must be the buzz at the moment because their shows are selling like scores from the bullet shop!

If you haven't ever caught these guys live (same goes for Kora) then get your ass $45 and to the gig & you'll walk away fiending for more live music. The albums they got are mean, crazy good but these guys were born live so you haven't really seen them in full effect until you go to a show & with a cost like that, you're getting way more than you paid for & that's real.

3 Shows @ Aucklands Powerstation

Thursday 11th February

Friday 12th February (SOLD OUT)

Saturday 13th February (SOLD OUT)

Raekwon Live In Auckland!

2010-01-19T15:43:00.000+13:00

Solid. It's official that Raekwon is coming to do a show in Auckland! Seems a bit more organised than Meths one (which got cancelled) So after RZA being announced we get a suprise gig from Raekwon, mean. Get your buds ready to smoke up in the chamber!

Raekwon Live @ Powerstation

Saturday 20th March

Tickets From Real Groovy & Ticketmaster

Home Brew & Koru Licks - Live @ Rakinos

2010-01-19T14:02:00.000+13:00

A bit early for this gig but the description is cracked. I Repeat, this is not a Hip Hop gig.

10 Reasons Why This Is Not A 'HipHop' Gig

1. You will be able to actually hear the words.

2. The dude next to you will not be in a Paul Peirce basketball singlet.

3. The 3rd act doesn't involve 'all the bitches in the place to be' dancing on stage.

4. Two actual bands. (including fender Rhodes and saxophone)

5. No patron will be interrogated about what it is they're looking at by a slightly more intoxicated patron. Looking in all directions will be tolerated.

6.Hands thrown into the air will be thrown voluntarily.

7. Any DJ caught playing 'Whoop there it is'' will be escorted off the premises.

8. When the gig concludes, all alleyways in the vicinity of the venue will be patrolled by security guards.

9. If a lead vocalist so happens to say 'hey' during the performance, you (the audience member) will not be legally obliged to reply 'ho'.

10. There will be attractive females.

Going Down

Saturday, 5th February,
Rakinos Bar,

Level 1/35 High Street, Auckland.

$10 on the Door

$5 Whiskeys All Night

Another Raggamuffin Update!

2010-01-19T09:25:00.000+13:00

Wassup! Yet another update from the Raggamuffin crew, with mostly good news but one ridiculous annoncement!

Wyclef Jean is no longer attending after his decision to stay & help support his people from Haiti as he was born there.

Lauryn Hill is now performing by herself with a full band in her support.

House of Shem is now performing!

And finally & not cool with this one, Shaggy will now end the night?! How can someone without a band finish the night?

New Dawnraid Family Compilation - Coming Feb!

2010-01-18T17:02:00.001+13:00

Since the 1st compilation from the Dawnraid Crew in 2007, they are now due to release another one next month. The 1st one I liked, it had a good mix of jams from Dawnraid & had a pretty kick back vibe with not too much so called "gangsta shit", it was level.

This new one that's coming out seems to have a bit more input from America, just hope it doesn't sound like America, but we'll wait and see! With appearances from Brotha D, Savage, E-40, Devolo, Bobby Valentino, Roscoe Umali, Mareko, Monsta Ganjah, Sweet & Irie, J-Son, Mark Antony, Sa.Mo,Ends, The 7 & Beatrootz with production by Twice As Nice, FBI, DJ Montana & Mareko, there could be room for US to come through the sound but let's just hope it's Dawnraid putting it down with a lil help from the US.

They've given a preview track from the compilation you can download & you can also download a few off the first one "Element of Suprise" here:

Dawnraid - Official Site

Make sure you cop Alphrisks "Swagger Back" dope beat.

Waitangi Day Festival (Feb 6) - Okahu Bay!

2010-01-18T12:42:00.000+13:00

This festival goes off every year & I don't see it being any different this year. Going down at Okahu Bay on

February 6, 2010 is a free family event full of culture, food, tradition & best of all live music!

Make sure to go early so you can post up & get the fams a hearty spot! The day starts with a Powhiri from Ngati Whatua o Orakei & then the fun starts from there. The oragnisers are looking for volunteers to help on the day so hit up renata.blair@aut.ac.nz for more information if you're keen. All volunteers will stay overnight @ Orakei Marae the night before. So gear up & get ready to see some solid live music and hearty as girls lol Details below.

What's Up

Waitangi Day Festival

Going Down

Saturday, Feb 6, 2010

Bands Performing

Cornerstone Roots

Six60,

Three Houses Down

1814

4 The Rhyme: Louie Knuxx - Hip Hop In NZ/AU

2010-01-15T16:19:00.005+13:00

Wassup. Gonna try and start up a new thing (that doesn't turn to shit) called "4 The Rhyme". Nothing to spectacular, just a lil somethin' different to read. 4 questions (on music) answered by NZ artists. (I'd love to do more & pick artists brains; could go on for ages! But 4z all good for now)

As I still think NZ music is the dopest, I was thinking of NZ artists now doing things overseas & how different it is to ours. So I got a hold of Louie Knuxx (Artist originally from New Plymouth) who is now based in Australia to say a little about what he thinks of both (Hip Hop) scenes. Didn't edit shit either, keep it raw. Shot Louie!

TMG: Is there heaps of local cats putting out mixtapes & EPs to get out there?

LOUIE: To be totally honest im not that in touch with the core scene here, from where I'm sitting there don't seem to be alot happening, the acts you hear on radio and such sound like garbage to me, this dude Ivens from Melb is dope, guy Briggs from melb I've caught live puts on a good show and of course my homies Shelleen & Grips do the good shit.
---
TMG: Do you like the AU hip hop scene or NZ one better?

LOUIE: I prefer NZ, theres more emphasis on style and steez and actually making the shit sonically pleasing, dudes here just seem to rap. I think the downside in NZ is too many people copy trends. Over here too many acts are stuck in the mid nineties
---
TMG: Hows the support going for your music over there? doing you good?

LOUIE: Yeah real good, did 5 national tours last year & got alotta love. Sold quite a few CD's, working on heaps of new shit with some pretty big names, got like 5 projects I'm working on right now, got the studio set up in my house so we constantly at it. Kid Shelleen aka Young Lean's EP is pretty much done, it's gonna blow some dicks off.
---
TMG: Which scene do you prefer?

LOUIE: Australia doesn't have much youth street or gang culture, I like that street shit.

---

So I'm picking NZ for the win? haha but seems like there's solid support & love for the good music over there so that's solid. Having your own set up seems like the most solid way to stay active on the rhyme/music cause it's right there & you can capture every idea, whether it stays nothing for ages or turns into an instant track.

Louie Knuxx has got a lot of stuff on the way & does shows actively so check him live if you in Kangaroo Land. Otherwise, check his blog HERE (he's active on the posts) and check his album "Wasted Youth" & EP "Drinkin', Drugin', Fightin' & Fukkin".

Here's a one of the dope tracks ft Usual Suspects (off Wasted Youth) for y'all to have, now go buy the rest!

Louie Knuxx - That's Good Feeling Ft Usual Suspects

NZ Reggae Compilation - AoteaRasta

2010-01-15T12:50:00.003+13:00

AoteaRasta - NZ Reggae Compilation

Tracklisting

1814 – Jah Rastafari

Katchafire – Play It Cool

Sons Of Zion – To Zion

Unity Pacific – Are You Strong

1814 – Get Up

Three Houses Down – Troddin’

Katchafire – Love Letter

Three Houses Down – Kanikapila

The Black Seeds – On The Sun

MC Arme – Don’t Pass Me By

House Of Shem – Move As One

Herbs - Jah’s Son

South Of Bombay – What’s The Time

Cornerstone Roots – Down To Earth

The Managers – RJ

House Of Shem – New Day

Tenement Yard – Fisherman Row

NZ Instrumental Compilation - Instrumental Lyricists

2010-01-15T12:47:00.001+13:00

Instrumental Lyricists - NZ Instrumental Compilation

Tracklisting

1. Recloose – Mana’s Bounce

2. Julien Dyne – Rice & Beans

3. Christoph El’ Truento - Love Jones

4. Haz Beats - Rainbow Hush

5. Electric Wire Hustle – Thank You Steve

6. Sons Of Zion - Genesis

7. Julien Dyne – Fallin Down (Instrumental)

8. Recloose – Theme From Belle Et Fou (Danny Krivit)

9. Isaac Aesili – Jgroove Instrolude

10. Nathan Haines – Talkin’ Around

11. Del Rey System – Indigo Sunset

12. Salmonella Dub – Wytaliba

13. DLT – Toast That Joint

14. Shapeshifter – Dynaflex

15. The Black Seeds – Senegal Champions Of Africa

16. Cornerstone Roots – Down To Earth

17. Shapeshifter – One (Live)

18. Kora - Skoolyard

NZ Hip Hop Compilation - Hip Hop Holiday

2010-01-15T12:41:00.001+13:00

Hip Hop Holiday - NZ Hip Hop Compilation

Tracklisting

Home Brew - Monday

Dawnraid Entertainment - It's Alright

David Dallas - Ever Ever

Del Rey System - NZ To The BK

Oui Groove - Gettin' Down To Business

Spycc & Steez - More & More Ft D'Kno

Young Sid - Shine On You

3 The Hard Way - Hip Hop Holiday

Usual Suspects - Crazy

Home Brew - High Times

Smash Proof - I Ain't No Gangsta

Solephonic - Higher (OTA Remix)

Zhane - Request Line Ft PNC

MC Arme - Don't Pass Me By

Haz & Rescue - Turn It Up

Home Brew - Friday

Weekend Gigs - Check Out NATHAN HAINES LIVE BAND!

2010-01-15T09:33:00.001+13:00

Sorry, ain't got time to blab on right now but this Band is pretty damn good & to see them for free is dope! So rock up & see a solid live band with good musicians & a DJ set from the man Recloose! Nathan Haines is playing up at Sales St every weekend of January!

Check out his lastest album "Right Now"

Check the rest of the gigs going down this weekend below.

Mukuna Gig Guide

THE LOCALS: Fat Freddys Drop - Flashback (Jazzanova Remix)

2010-01-14T15:08:00.001+13:00

Since Summers up & Joe Dukies got one solid voice, here's a track that's been bumpin' on my iPod for a while now. It's Jazzanova;s remix of Flashback, summer right here! With a solid bassline, awesome tempo, nice bongo pattern covered in Joe Dukies silk of a voice, you gotta send it through your sound system to pump out all the dust of the speakers & get summer started!

Fat Freddys Drop - Flashback (Jazzanova Remix)

NZ To The JP! = Solid & Growing!

2010-01-14T14:50:00.001+13:00

Those who listen to & follow Julien Dyne, EWH, The Jewel School & Recloose will already be well aware of this, but "If you don't know, now you know"

What I'm on about is the music that's going on in & between Japan & New Zealand, it's solid! Both countries are at the moment on the same music buzz and we think each others sound & what each country brings is fresh and dope; because it is. Just look at the bill above, Dyne's in there with Kenji Sakajiri, Grooveman Spot & Noah & even though we think it's mean he's on a Japan bill, they will be over the moon & appreciate it to see him on there. Just like when Grooveman Spot came here (epic night!) so many people showed up and were keen hard to see this cat jam.

The relationship that we've got with them was established a while back and since then it's been moving hard with special mention to The Jewel School who have personal connections with Wonderful Noise who have got the likes of Julien Dyne, EHW & Jellphonic signed to the label. They've helped score Japan releases for some NZ artitsts such as Dan Aikido (Black Belt) & Joe Dukie/DJ Fitchie (Especial Recods) & also currently working on a full NZ artist compilation for Wonderful Noise, so a lot of dope stuff is happening but it's underground & hard to get in the know sometimes. You gotta annoy some people.

So get your hands on some Japan tracks, cause they got a simple but amazing style to switch up four chords and make shit their own. They think our shit is just as dope, so keep recording n staying active on the music! I could go on forever, but i'll leave it there so you can see it happen soon.

Here is an original cut of a song from Julien Dyne Ft Parks & also the DJ Mitsu Remix, both are crazy solid!

NZ To The JP!

Julien Dyne - Fallin Down (Original Cut)

Julien Dyne - Fallin Down (DJ Mitsu Remix)

s3 Pacific Music Awards 2010 - Entries Now Open!

2010-01-13T14:09:00.000+13:00

2010 ain't wasting no time homies, moving hard already! The s3 Pacific Music Awards have now opened up the entries, so all Pacific musicians, get on to it, get your support crew on point & get your entries in!

The entries close on February 22nd so you got enough time to sus it out & get into the awards. The catagories are below & if you need help, contact Petrina; she's onto it & will help you out.

CATAGORIES

Radio 531pi Best Pacific Group

Best Pacific Gospel Album

Niu FM Best Pacific Urban Artist

Pacific Blue Best Pacific Female Artist

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist

APRA Best Pacific Song

Recognition & Promotion of a Pacific Language

S³ Best Pacific Music Album

Four other awards are presented at the S³ Pacific Music Awards, which are as follows (please note, nominations are not received for these awards):

Manukau City Council People’s Choice – Best Pacific Artist

Phillip Fuemana Most Promising Pacific Artist

Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award

NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award

Go to the below link to get your entry forms!

http://www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz/