September 2004 – NZ Music In Australia
Following on from our packed June update on what’s been going on across the Tasman, it seems that New Zealand artists
just can’t seem to stay off Australian radios, TVs, stages, or shop shelves!
There seems to be a never-ending stream of New Zealand album releases: Brooke Fraser, Goodshirt, The Finn Brothers, Deja
Voodoo, Scribe, Evermore, betchadupa and Mareko have all recently released albums or have them on the way soon. This may
be the most new NZ albums released in Australia for some time – then again it may not – if anyone knows whether this is
some kind of landmark achievement, let us know.
The Finn Brothers’ new album ‘Everyone Is Here’ debuted at number two in the album chart, and has gone gold in just
three weeks! Australian tour dates have been announced for late November and early December, with one show in Melbourne
and two consecutive nights at Sydney’s State Theatre (with a 2,000 punter capacity) already sold out. A second show in
Melbourne and a third Sydney show have now been added. [www.finnbros.com]
Goodshirt’s ‘Buck It Up’ topped the alternative radio charts for two weeks in a row, with the accompanying video
screening on Video Hits Uncut. The band hit the road across Australia early September, supporting Spiderbait on their
national tour before playing shows in the UK. [www.goodshirt.com]
Brooke Fraser’s ‘Lifeline’ was the eighth most added song at radio and the second most-added in the Adult Contemporary
genre upon release. The video is airing on SBA, Rage, and Channel V, and Brooke played well-received shows in Sydney and
Melbourne. Expect plenty more Australian activity from Brooke, as she has now relocated there. [www.brookefraser.com]
The short, sharp, burst (like this news item) that is The Mint Chicks’ video ‘Blue Team Go!’ is screening on SBA and
Video Hits Uncut. [www.themintchicks.com]
Evermore’s ‘It’s Too Late’ has been voted Number One on the Triple J Net 50. The single reached number 28 in the
national singles chart, has spent 7 weeks in the Top 50, and was strongly supported at radio. However, the bad news is
that they, too, have now been claimed as Australian artists (reaching number 19 on the Australian artist chart).
Evermore’s abum ‘Dreams’is released on September 26th. The band toured Australia early September, and go out again for
much of October. [www.evermore.co.nz]
Scribe’s ‘The Crusader’ entered the album chart at number 44, while Not Many – The Remix/Stand Up is still in the top 50
singles after an impressive 21 weeks, peaking at number 21. Scribe will follow up his successful support slot on
Jurassic 5’s national tour with The Stand Up Tour – playing Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra & Brisbane with guests P Money, DJ D Form, Frontline, and Mareko & Savage from Deceptikonz. [www.scribescribe.com] [www.illusive.com.au]
Mareko's album ‘White Sunday’ has also just been released in Australia through Dawn Raid/Inertia. [www.dawnraid.co.nz]
betchadupa’s new album ‘Aiming For Your Head’ is due out shortly. They continued to be unable to stay away from the
Hopetoun in Sydney, playing weekly, but still fitting in shows over the next few weeks in Adelaide, Geelong, and even
New Zealand! [www.betchadupa.com]
Die! Die! Die! played a string of dates in Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide in July, and head back for tour number two
this month in support of US act Hawnay Troof, with The Coolies along for the ride as well. [www.diediedie.net]
[www.thecoolies.com]
Rhian Sheehan is to perform at this year’s Sound Summit in Sydney. Sound Summit is an annual independent
conference/festival focusing on independent electronic music and independent hip hop. It is part a series of artist
development workshops examining production techniques, mastering, and sound manipulation; and part a business
development conference covering licensing, royalties, label management, and promotion, focusing specifically on the
needs of independent labels and independent artists. The event takes place from September 30 to October 3.
[www.loop.co.nz/rhiansheehan/index.htm] [www.soundsummit.org]
A roundup of recent gigs: Sola Rosa performed a successful soundsystem string of shows in Sydney. Shapeshifter supported
DJ Calibre on his Australian tour. Pacifier toured NSW RSL clubs at the end of July. Fur Patrol supported Magic Dirt on
their national tour. Degrees K have been playing all over Sydney.
Other upcoming shows:
Minuit early October The Upbeats/Confucius/Jet Jaguar late October Sydney & Melbourne Trinity Roots early November Sydney & Melbourne Salmonella Dub late November Sydney & Melbourne Pitch Black late November Sydney & Melbourne Rhombus – Pacific Wave Festival, Sydney Opera House Sola Rosa December The D4 play Homebake Festival, Sydney,
in December
Keep your eyes out for another update on what’s been happening across the Tasman next month.
For more information on any of these artists, please contact their labels:
The Finn Brothers, Goodshirt EMI Brooke Fraser
Sony The Mint Chicks, Scribe, P Money, Frontline FMR Evermore
Warner Mareko, Savage, Deceptikonz Dawn Raid betchadupa
Liberation Rhian Sheehan Loop
If you have anything you think should be included in this newsletter, please email steve@nzmusic.org.nz
ENDS