2008 Lineup
DJ Rectangle (USA)
DJ Rectangle has long held an enviable position as top dog in the world of DJ's. His incredible ability to steal a show with his synapse-melting, technical wizardry and virtuosic scratching has long been championed by artists and fellow DJ's alike! However, he is also renowned for his club savvy and can get a room moving with an almost uncanny connection to the dance floor.
As well as covering all the staple moves he's never been afraid to push the boat out to create daring sets that sound so perfectly natural you can't believe nobody ever thought of playing that way before!
His fame stretches from the USA to China, from Australia to the United Kingdom, from Japan to Europe and covers most points in between! DJ Rectangle began his colorful career as a battle DJ winning the U.S. DMC championship in 1993. Since the mid-'90s, Rectangle has produced a seemingly endless series of schizophrenic battle records and party-friendly mix-tapes. An established platinum producer, he has worked with all the biggest West Coast artists helming tracks for major-label acts like Eminem and Xzibit. Because of this he is privvy to some of the hottest and most exclusive trax in the game. Warren G has employed Rectangle as his live DJ since 1993 and he has toured the world numerous times with the likes of R Kelly and Jermaine Dupri. His most recent triumph was a Grammy nomination for his production work on Latin sensation Mala Rodriguez's "Malamarismo" album.
Kora
The Kora boys really need no introduction!! One of Aotearoa's greatest acts, Kora have a huge live presence with vocal harmonies sailing on a powerhouse rhythm section. Their infectious style and hard work has paid off with their massive fan base pushing their long awaited debut album into No1 on the NZ charts. We are pumped to have Kora joining us to headline the opening night of the week in Gisborne. You don't wanna miss this rare chance to catch the boys live!!
www.kora.co.nz
www.myspace.com/koraroots
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx2GzaNJPMI&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tileWYOkNic&feature=related
Kid Kenobi
Probably Australasia's number 1 DJ coming to BW!!! It's been over a decade now that Kid Kenobi has been DJing, producing and performing, and during this time his contributions to the Australian dance scene can be matched by few of his peers.
With a deeply creative streak, his musical scope is hardly confined to one genre. For some time now he's been unleashing a full spectrum of beats across 4/4 and breaks, with a fair whack of electro and thundering big room tracks. He's also been growing out of the DJ tag with long hours in the production seat. Using his time in London to focus on production, Kid Kenobi returned with a swag of new material, including a killer remix of Who Made Who's ‘Out the Door' with Hook n Sling and a seriously good remix with Rogue Element of Krafty Kuts' ‘Tell Me How You Feel'. As well as two original collaborations with Dylan Rhymes & Meat Katie, and Metric he has also teamed up with Hook n Sling to release his outstanding debut track, "The Bump" which continues to perform well on the ARIA Club Charts. Exciting times for the Sydney writing graduate.
While Kid Kenobi the artist is adored by fans and respected by fellow DJs, Jesse himself is loved by everyone. Despite his high profile and commercial success, he's the last person to buy into his own hype and the first person to hang out after the gig for a beer and a chat. You could even liken him to the Freestylers, the Plump DJ's, Krafty Kuts, Fat Boy Slim and Danny Macmillan, who are incidentally some of his biggest fans. His popularity just continues to snowball, so if he comes to your town, make sure you don't miss him. It might be a while before he has the chance to come back.
MC Shureshock
You know when MC Shureshock in is the house. With total command over the mic, its nothing for him to get a room full of people hanging on his every word. Unflappable as an MC, he always knows exactly what to say. A professional MC since 1990, Shureshock aka Cameron James Brown has MCed to practically any genre of music you care to mention. He's rocked hardcore scenes, drum n bass nights, hip hop jams, house parties, live bands and so much more. Having worked it as the front man for new wave Aussie collective Zephyr Timbre, Shureshocks no stranger to working with a full band, either. Working the festival scene, Zephyr Timbre is probably most well-known for its support of Jamiroquai on his 2002 tour. Nowadays, however, its breakbeat thats getting the Shureshock touch. Part of a formidable team with Australias #1 DJ, Kid Kenobi, Shureshock has taken his MCing on tours through Europe twice. His inimitable style translates not only across genres but across cultures, with Asian tours in 2005 adding to the extensive list of international dates for the self-styled MC.
Its impossible to pinpoint exactly what it is about Shureshock thats so pleasing to the ear. Perhaps its his ability to flit from genre to genre so seamlessly. Perhaps its the experience hes accrued as both an MC and as a writer. Maybe its how he can go from a shout to a whisper to a song within a heartbeat. Or maybe its just his flow smooth and smart and a different breed entirely to that of your run-of-the-mill hollering hype-man. Called upon for collaboration by both Australian and international artists, Shureshock has worked with a stellar cast of musicians. From BeXta, DB Chills, Greg Packer, to big wigs Fat Boy Slim, Krafty Kuts, The Stanton Warriors, Goldie, Freq Nasty & The Crystal Method, his talents are in no way bound by genre or border.
State of Mind
State Of Mind, a drum and bass duo consisting of Patrick Hawkins and Stu Maxwell formed in 2002. In late 2004, UK's Total Science were introduced to the State Of Mind sound. Blown away by the strength of the music they heard, the Oxford legends instantly sought to work with the talented duo, signing them for a series of 12's to be released worldwide.
Notoriously prolific producers, the State of Mind lads have gone on to release through a broad spectrum of labels since that chance encounter in 2004. Material can be found on the shelves via Total Science's CIA Recordings, Teebee's Subtitles Records, Friction's Shogun Audio, Futurebound's Viper label, Doc Scott's 31 Records, Concord Dawn's Uprising imprint, Bad Company, Obsessions, and more. Yet even this impressive list has not satisfied State of Mind's creative appetite. .
Their success both abroad and in NZ has been recognized over the last few years, where they have achieved a host of nominations and were awarded the following:
2006 BNet Breakthrough artist of the year.
2006 BNet Electronic single of the year for Aces High with Concord Dawn
www.myspace.com/stateofmindnz
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0U2vZWgEJI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=__R_DXeLmIs&feature=related
Concord Dawn
Concord Dawn (aka Evan Short & Matt Harvey) burst onto the New Zealand music scene back in mid 1999 with their unique high octane Drum and Bass sound. They were the darlings of the local bNet / Student Radio stations up and down New Zealand, getting hefty primetime airplay, featuring at the top of the weekly Top Ten's and breaking chart records across the bNet. Since these beginnings the duo have gone on to massive national and international acclaim with tours all over United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia.
www.concord-dawn.co.nz
www.myspace/weareconcorddawn
Opensouls
Opensouls are fresh live seven-piece hip-hop/soul/funk band and production team from Auckland who this year released their debut album Kaleidoscope to critical acclaim. Opensouls fuse their own sounds with those from artists who have inspired them, so expect to hear the influences of Talib Keweli, DJ Spinna, The Roots and Sharon Jones echo throughout their music. Featuring some of the smoothest soul providers this country has to offer, the Opensouls are set to once again be one of Aotearoa's hottest live acts of the summer!
www.myspace/opensoulsspace
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMYQjW8pAHU&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vKbwKNM5WE&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhJ65bcBgYw&feature=related
The Stafford Bothers (AUS) - Ministry of Sound
Originally from NZ, this electro house duo have been kicking it across the ditch, making some serious waves as sell out headliners in every state around the country. The boys are regulars on the Aussie festival circuit and get plenty of radio air time as the Staffords' own productions and remixes peak at the top end of the club and dance charts and are hot request favourites.
Proud Kiwi's but residing on the Goldy, Matt and Chris Stafford have been steadily rising to the top of Australia's elite DJ forces since 1999, the year the brothers decided to shelve their solo DJing and pair up fulltime. Both standout DJs, Chris is an old hat at producing and a natural lyricist on the mic, while Matt is known for his
lead guitar solos over sets and possesses business acumen to boot. All this adds up to the blood brothers combining as a powerful force in both the production and DJ realms and whether they'll admit it or not, as one of the main drivers of the Australian dance music scene.
The Australian nationwide fame of the Stafford Brothers' seems to know no limit. The brothers soared from a number 27 ranking in the Technics inthemix Australian Top 50 in 2005, to number six last year, to this year being ranked as the number one DJs in Queensland and number three in the country. With both boys possessing a natural drive to always reach the top of whatever they set their minds to, it shouldn't be long until the boys are claiming pole position.
After this year's signing to international dance identity Ministry of Sound, the Stafford Brothers have just wrapped the Electro House Sessions tour to promote the Ministry CD they mixed; a CD that has since gone Gold and was sitting pretty at number one in the country for three weeks running.
But it is not only Australian crowds who lap up the big-room, upfront electro house of the Stafford Brothers. Tours of the UK and the USA are confirmed for early 2008. It certainly isn't the first dose of Stafford fever the world has received. Multiple tours to Ibiza and main room club sets in venues across Miami, Las Vegas, London, Manchester, Dubai and Spain's Malaga and Marbella have meant the Stafford sound has already successfully infiltrated overseas markets.
Sell-out headliners, CD mixers, chart toppers, music makers and players, sought-after remixers, Aussie exports, musicians, DJs, party boys, fashion designers (did we mention they design their own nationwide clothing range, 5:am clothing?), international globetrotters and among the top three DJs in the Australia.
www.staffordbrothers.com
www.myspace.com/staffordbrothers
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le6v57vPOgg
www.youtube.com/watch?v=58PqkW7hGlw&feature=related
Fast Crew
Sometimes, quality hip hop is all about the transcend. A deft ability to rise above your place in the world and create something universal. Fast Crew, a rap collective from Auckland, New Zealand, boldly defines hip hop that doesn't fit neatly within a box.
After extensive touring of Australia, line up changes, music industry machinations and many hours in the studio, Fast Crew are back with their much anticipated sophomore album ‘Truth, Lies and Red Tape". The title of the album and the songs contained within reflect the experiences of the band during the rollercoaster ride that was 2004 to 2007. The realities of life in a band, with its highs and lows, and effects on life in general are documented throughout ‘Truth, Lies and Red Tape'. After one listen it is obvious that Fast Crew have matured both personally and musically since ‘Set the Record Straight', no doubt many will be surprised by the Fast Crews new lyrical and musical direction.
Fast Crew are ready to follow on from their initial success in New Zealand and Australia with ‘Truth, Lies and Red Tape' , an album of infectious grooves and hooks you can sink your teeth into
www.myspace.com/fastcrew
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkwRRH_LV54
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK3uMj95F-E&feature=related
Misfits of Science
Avant-garde hip hop, new music, modern rhythmical urban/dance - attempt to
categorise them at your peril - Misfits of Science are back!
Their 'Fools Love' video and single - which was one of New Zealand's most popular
releases in 2004 - sold nearly double platinum. They followed that with gold sales of
their debut album 'MOS Presents...'. This time round they're wanting you to know
that they're not content to be contained within the restrictive confines of hip hop.
And who are Misfits of Science? The musically adventurous duo of Steve-E and
Soul Jones are obsessive about detail, passionate, fastidiously quality conscious,
unclassifiable and unashamedly hooked on E-bay. They're two smarter than average
guys who care about music too much to be doing too much of anything else (apart
from shopping on E-bay for shoes and clothes of course).
"Our subject matter isn't about love or hard-life stories. We're interested in
sex, buying clothes on E-bay and stuff that happens in everyday life, and we
write our songs about that."
www.misfits-of-science.com
www.myspace.com/misfitsofscience
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmkjDUd1C3s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRKOd_54HN4
Solaa
Solaa formed in Christchurch during 1997 in the spirit of jazz improvisation. The sound they developed was a unique New Zealand fusion of electronic and organic music. Rich in instrumentation, the music of Solaa bridges Hip Hop, Breaks, Funk, Soul, R&B, and Latin Flavours. Solaa's diverse sound is made possible through their experience in Jazz, Latin, Classical and Electronic music. The many individuals that make up this group explore many different directions of sound fusion evident in their debut album ‘Steps in Time' (2006). Recorded over 3 years, ‘Steps in Time' is the Solaa's triumphant debut and perfect testament to their dexterous skills as artists. Over eleven addictive joints, the group dishes up a masterpiece of hip hop, R&B, soul and driving funk, in a work that sparkles with perfect musical precision
www.solaa.com
www.myspace.com/solaamusic
Kolab
Kolab are a hip-hop group hailing from Auckland, New Zealand. Their sound could best be described as liquid Hip-Hop! A conscious jazz inspired sound with a twist of funk. The group's musical influences include the likes of De La Soul, Common, A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, The Pharcyde, and Outkast. The members of the group are J Brown, aka James Brown (producer/turntablist), Scottie B, aka Scott Bibby (producer/vocals) and MC Speak Easy, aka Tom Everett (Vocals). As well as a constant stream of live shows Kolab have achieved the number 1 spot on 95 Bfm's Safari Lounge Top 10. Their track 'So Deep' held onto the number 1 spot for 5 weeks while staying in the Top 10 for over 2 months. Their release with Bfm 'Inner Beat' achieved number 3 on the Top Ten and number 7 on the New Zealand Alternative Charts. Kolab have released a total of 6 tracks on 95 Bfm over the last 2 years with 5 of the 6 achieving a Top 10 ranking. Kolab have also provided Sony Computer Entertainment with their track 'So Deep' as part of a PlayStation 3 educational video released with REMIX in Dec 2007. The band has released two music videos to date for their tracks 'Inner Beat' and 'Sideways'. These are both currently playlisted on all NZ music television channels.
Dan Aux (AUS)
Back in the day was where it all came together for Dan. The hundreds of partys and events, the guest mixes on Triple J's Mix Up & The Club. His weekly editorials and columns in Sydney Streetpress Brag & Revolver and Newcastle's U-turn. His commitment and passion for the music was instrumental in advocating Dan as one of the most talented of Australia's young DJs. Now based in Auckland, New Zealand. Closely tied to Sydney dance label Vacation records as one half of Shopliftas, Dan's time is split between music production & remixes aswell as his weekly radio show on George FM.
When you see Dan Aux behind the decks you know there is some kind of magic happening. You can see the experience supporting artists - Krafty Kuts, Z-Trip, Plump DJs, Freq Nasty, Aquasky, Ltj Bukem, Kid Kenobi, Mylo, Stanton Warriors, Shapeshifter, Kosheen, Pendulum. (The list goes on...) All have been conducive in shaping not only the music Dan plays but the way in which it is presented, in a genre defying fenzy of dexterity and flair. An accomplished scratch DJ and an internationally accliamed producer, Dan can easily lay claim to being the ultimate DJ package when it comes to getting the party started and keeping it going all night long.
38:40 - DJ Collective (Tim, Elm, Toby, Jonas)
38:40 Collective loosely describes a posse of DJ's/Promoters hailing from Aotearoa's most eastern tip, that is sun drenched, Gisborne. The 38:40 boys have promoted and shared the stage with every major DJ in NZ and some of the worlds greatest including the likes of John Larner, DJ Heather, Kid Kenobi and The Littlemen.
Members of the group have been regularly promoting club shows and parties for the past 10 years throughout the country, including the 2 largest New Years festivals in the country - Rhythm and Vines and BW Campgrounds. 38:40 know how to run and rock a show, keeping the dance floor bumping with their fusion of "good" house flavours on the Deep, Funky and Jackin tip.
Ben Wah & Thomas Sahs (USA) - Public Access
Public Access DJ duo Benwah [NZ] and Thomas Sahs aka Midas [USA] have been mixing there way across the world the past few years delivering their unique and swampy styles of deep house to dance floors of all different shapes and sizes. From New York to New Zealand , across Asia , Europe and South America their always well received eclectic collections of music reflecting a real passion both of them share for their craft. Known as great party dj's , their sets are always imaginative and hypnotic. Both talented turntablists constantly pushing the boundries of the genre. In 2004 they created together the '' Public Access - Beneficial Music Company '', their creative outlet and recording imprint, signing an array of producers from around the globe. Currently collaborating with a host of New Zealand musicians for the next Public Access installments of funk, keep your ears tuned in for 2008.
Skankamelia
With a powerful sound uniting rock, reggae and ska, Skankamelia is fast becoming one of the top young bands to watch in New Zealand music today. Gisborne, on the East Coast of the North Island is a pretty laid-back place... good surf, sunshine hours... and big love for Bob Marley. It is here that D and Lawl started jamming together at high school. Through surfing they met Rubes, then in came Day to complete the line up. In 2001 Skankamelia was formed. Skankamelia's growing catalogue of original songs successfully integrate the rhythmic sophistication of reggae and ska, with driving punk and metal-inspired guitar leads and exceptionally weighty bass.
DJ Exile
DJ Exile, from the Beat Company has blown up BW the past 3 years and due to many requests we have invited him back to stomp it once again. Exile is a talented DEEJAY and has been making heads turn with an enormous range of deejaying talents, encompassing amazing musical selections across a vast spectrum of musical genres...from reggae fusions into heavy bass orientated hiphop with the subtle FX of the skratch, mashed up with a 4/4 breakbeat rewound into Drum n Bass and Jungle.
Beat Mafia
2008 saw the creation and instigation of T.B.M with the three members - James Ohh!, Phillip Haeder & Reuben R - joining forces with the shared desire of promoting parties with a difference and trying to have a much fun as possible whilst doing it. In a small amount of time, the name "The Beat Mafia" has already stuck to clubbers lips and their feet as they have come in droves to each and every party the boys have had a hand in. Not comfortable to put themselves into one genre T.B.M have struck out on Auckland's nightlife scene with two solid party brands - Modulate and Resonance.
The boys also don't play their parties in a conventional manner either. It is often common place to see all three in the booth, headphones on and each taking a CDJ for themselves and creating musical, party havoc. Samples, cuts, spin backs, and mixing around, over the top and under each other, The Beat Mafia execute any tune that stands in their way.
