Amplifier

22.09.10

Quite possibly the biggest music news of the year is the merging of Isaac Promotions, Dirty Management and Dawn Raid Entertainment  to form Frequency Media Group (FMG). The new company will be exclusively distributed by Universal Records in NZ and SMC/Fontana for North America.

Quite how this business arrangement will impact on our musical landscape one can only guess but the three companies have experienced staff and track records of dishing up some of our biggest selling 'indie' acts of the past decade so one would expect more of the same -no pressure from us guys!

But enough of that as for some the business of music is a fascinating beast but for most of us we're here for the music... so let's get some.

Release Of The Day:
Shihad - Ignite

New Zealand's premier rock outfit, Shihad present Ignite. Self produced at Shihad's own studios in Melbourne, the 8th album in their 22 year career.

Three tracks on the album including the current single Lead Or Follow, have been mixed by world class production master Dave Sardy - best known for his work with RHCP, Helmet, Slayer, Oasis and NIN.

The band are due to be inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame at the 2010 Vodafone NZ Music Awards. 

Ignite is a fitting tribute to all that has gone and is yet to come in Shihad's illustrious career.

Charting The Mainstream  

It is one of them weeks... everyone is dropping a few spots from last week... to make way for Phil Collins, ugh The Naked and Famous drop a couple of spots from the number one spot of last week to find themselves at 3 this week and Stan Walker drops four spots to 8.. Opshop are at 16, Trinity Roots at 17 and Gin's on 19.

At 23 are the Dukes with their acoustic EP Settle Down. Below them are Kids Of 88 at 26, Stan Walker at 27, Dave Dobbyn at 29 and finally the Early Birds at 33.

Singles land is much of a muchness with the Zowie being the only new local entry at 28 with Broken Machine - our singles and album buyers really are embracing their electro pop.

The Great NZ Songbook Vol 2 stays at number one in the compilation charts and I expect it'll stay that way for some weeks to come.

You can view the official NZ Music Chart here.

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 wonderful day.
Ed