Amplifier

15.04.10

A landmark figure in the NZ hip-hop scene since its origins, Feelstyle (aka Picasso or Kas) has had several names and personas over the years and has had his hand in a number of key local releases including his own album Break It To Pieces.

Feelstyle seems to have been quiet these past few years but he's back with a new single/video, Sometimes When It Rains you can check it out here.

Release Of The Day
John Goudge - Fool Circle

Auckland musician and actor John Goudge found a unique way to release his debut studio album - he's written a play in which he can act out the story of the music. The album, aptly titled Fool Circle, was released on April Fools' Day 2010, with the opening theatrical performance coming two days later on April 3 at the Titirangi Theatre.

Inspiration for the album came from diverse sources; like a Shakespearean fool he once played, & the scenic beauty of Piha & the Waitakere Ranges. His music, therefore, is also diverse, sweeping wildly from blues to funk, rock to folk, & pop to jazz.

"I never tried to make an album with a certain sound," he explains. "I wrote these songs over 20 years or so, & I just wrote in whatever style I felt like. In 2006 I decided I better record them, so it's taken nearly four years in production."

At age 41, John has left it late to tackle a career in the music industry, especially as a fully independent artist. But he maintains that middle New Zealand is hanging out for a more honest & varied fare than is being dished up in the commercial charts.

"I think people are looking for more meaningful lyrics; more honesty, less greed. Surely we're getting sick of the same diet of booty-shaking bling-merchants."

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 good one.
Ed