Amplifier

15.07.10 

Tickets. Check. Booze. Check. Tent and camp stove. Check. Reliable vehicle. Check. Carload of mates. Check. Illicit substances. Optional. It had all the makings of a typical summer beach holiday except these travellers were headed for a small valley between Paeroa and Waihi. They were some of the more than 65,000 young people in transit to Nambassa: A Three Day Festival of Music, Crafts and Alternatives in late January 1979. 

So begins the story of the NZ Rock Festival written by Andrew Schmidt (who also looks after the mysterex blog) as presented on the NZ History website here. It's a comprehensive read so grab yourself a cuppa, settle in and be entertained, enlightened and educated on the NZ Rock Festival.

Release Of The Day:
Upper Hutt Posse- Tohe

TOHE is a ten song Dubstep/Drum&Bass album from Aotearoa Rap pioneers Upper Hutt Posse. Produced by Kia Kaha Productions with financial assistance from Te Māngai Pāho.

Music sequencing by Te Kupu, Kiki Marama & MC Wiya with additional input from Koru, the beats are typically varied and the lyrics focus on Indigenous resistance and Tino Rangatiratanga (Māori sovereignty).

Mana Motuhake (self-determination) illustrates this most aptly and title track Tohe (persist) kicks off the album encapsulating the vigorous pace which lets up only a little on the ethereal Hineahuone (earth mother) and the downtempo dubstep of Mōhio (know) which closes the album.

Implanting assertive socio-political perspectives TOHE breaks new ground in Dubstep/Drum&Bass with it's extensive use of Māori lyrics. It's a testament of UHP's versatility, musicality and unique character which sees them embrace and then reshape musical genres into their own style.

Vocals are a family affair with brothers Te Kupu & MC Wiya on lead, and Te Kupu's 16 yr old daughter Ātaahua sweetening the vibes with backing vocals on six songs. 

Gigs:

Here are our pick for live music for this week as found on the Makuna gig guide.

For a full breakdown on whats on offer around the countries pubs and clubs take a look at Makuna

Have a great day.
Ed