Thursday, December 31, 2009
KIDZ IN SPACE at BDO:
Be sure to check the crew... Kidz In Space, Gin Wigmore and dead prez. Got it? Good! Hehe!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Happy New Year from MTC:
We are ready...!... and really lookin' forward to what the New Year will bring.
All of us at MTC HQ are very excited about our forthcoming release schedule and all of the new music emanating from our camp, and can't wait to share it with you.
2009 was quite the year for the label, and there certainly is a long list of achievements that we as a collective can be proud of. But rather than looking back at what we have achieved, we would prefer to wipe the slate clean and start fresh with new songs, new additions to the roster and new opportunities. After all, you are only as good as your most recent output right?
Looking back at the year that has passed it would be remiss of me not to mention the ones that we lost along the way. Rest In Peace Victoria Diamond; you will not be forgotten. And R.I.P to our man Grandmaster Roc Raida, a true pioneer and a General.
Wishing you and yours all the best for 2010 from all of us at Move The Crowd.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
YOUNG SID Bio:
The last three years have been a blur for Young Sid. The respected South Auckland M.C. hasn’t stopped working since the 2007 release of his acclaimed debut, The Truth. Now, after scaling new heights as part of chart-topping crew Smashproof, Sid is back with his second solo album, What Doesn't Kill Me – a release which will solidify his status as the voice of his generation.
Sid’s whirlwind journey began in 2006, when he travelled to New York City to record The Truth – an honest, hard-hitting album that earned him a reputation as one of New Zealand’s best M.C.s. The Truth was a hit with fans and critics alike, winning ‘Māori Urban Album of the Year’ at the Māori Music Awards and being nominated as ‘Hip Hop Album of the Year’ at the New Zealand Music Awards in 2008.
The buzz surrounding Sid grew even stronger in 2009, following a record-breaking run as one third of Smashproof, alongside fellow M.C.s Tyree and Deach. Smashproof’s debut single ‘Brother’ was a sensation, achieving double Platinum sales and spending an unprecedented 11 consecutive weeks on top of New Zealand singles charts – the most ever by a New Zealand act.
‘Brother’ paved the way for Smashproof’s first album, The Weekend to achieve Gold sales after debuting at #3 on the New Zealand Album chart, while follow-up singles ‘It’s Friday’ and ‘Ordinary Life’ both cracked the Top 20. Smashproof was nominated for six New Zealand Music Awards in 2009, eventually walking away with the awards for Most Singles Sold, Best Music Video, and the coveted Peoples’ Choice Award.
With Smashproof claiming their rightful place in the record books, Young Sid is now turning his attention to his new solo album, What Doesn't Kill Me. After warming up with a blazing mix tape, Domestic Disturbance, earlier in 2009, Sid is putting the finishing touches on what is already one of the most anticipated releases on the 2010 Hip Hop calendar.
What Doesn't Kill Me sees Sid raise the high standards he set with The Truth, while continuing to call it like he sees it. “The subjects on What Doesn’t Kill Me are heavy,” says Sid. “Police profiling, media scrutiny, death, youth, the ups and downs, living life. I feel that on this album I had to deliver reality through the eyes of people I've either met or know, and to tell their story.”
What Doesn't Kill Me features beats from NYC-based producer Emile (Kid Cudi, Ice Cube, Ghostface), German heavy hitter Shuko, and up and coming Australian duo Unknown and Lewis One (a.k.a. Twice As Nice). Guest vocal spots come from Sid’s Smashproof partners Tyree and Deach.
Make no mistake, though; Young Sid is undoubtedly the star of the show. Tracks like the Emile-produced ‘The Heist’ and the Twice As Nice-produced ‘Made’ are perfect examples of Sid doing what he does best - painting a vivid picture of life as he sees it, and offering the sort of social commentary that sets him apart from the pack.
"What Doesn’t Kill Me is like a movie,” Sid continues. “It touches every emotion you can think of; there’s a lot of action and drama. Plus it's an album with substance and meaning, and it’s jam-packed with messages. I wanted to make an album that is thought provoking – and I know that with this album, I've achieved it.”
What Doesn’t Kill Me will be released on Move The Crowd Records April 10, 2010.
Sid’s whirlwind journey began in 2006, when he travelled to New York City to record The Truth – an honest, hard-hitting album that earned him a reputation as one of New Zealand’s best M.C.s. The Truth was a hit with fans and critics alike, winning ‘Māori Urban Album of the Year’ at the Māori Music Awards and being nominated as ‘Hip Hop Album of the Year’ at the New Zealand Music Awards in 2008.
The buzz surrounding Sid grew even stronger in 2009, following a record-breaking run as one third of Smashproof, alongside fellow M.C.s Tyree and Deach. Smashproof’s debut single ‘Brother’ was a sensation, achieving double Platinum sales and spending an unprecedented 11 consecutive weeks on top of New Zealand singles charts – the most ever by a New Zealand act.
‘Brother’ paved the way for Smashproof’s first album, The Weekend to achieve Gold sales after debuting at #3 on the New Zealand Album chart, while follow-up singles ‘It’s Friday’ and ‘Ordinary Life’ both cracked the Top 20. Smashproof was nominated for six New Zealand Music Awards in 2009, eventually walking away with the awards for Most Singles Sold, Best Music Video, and the coveted Peoples’ Choice Award.
With Smashproof claiming their rightful place in the record books, Young Sid is now turning his attention to his new solo album, What Doesn't Kill Me. After warming up with a blazing mix tape, Domestic Disturbance, earlier in 2009, Sid is putting the finishing touches on what is already one of the most anticipated releases on the 2010 Hip Hop calendar.
What Doesn't Kill Me sees Sid raise the high standards he set with The Truth, while continuing to call it like he sees it. “The subjects on What Doesn’t Kill Me are heavy,” says Sid. “Police profiling, media scrutiny, death, youth, the ups and downs, living life. I feel that on this album I had to deliver reality through the eyes of people I've either met or know, and to tell their story.”
What Doesn't Kill Me features beats from NYC-based producer Emile (Kid Cudi, Ice Cube, Ghostface), German heavy hitter Shuko, and up and coming Australian duo Unknown and Lewis One (a.k.a. Twice As Nice). Guest vocal spots come from Sid’s Smashproof partners Tyree and Deach.
Make no mistake, though; Young Sid is undoubtedly the star of the show. Tracks like the Emile-produced ‘The Heist’ and the Twice As Nice-produced ‘Made’ are perfect examples of Sid doing what he does best - painting a vivid picture of life as he sees it, and offering the sort of social commentary that sets him apart from the pack.
"What Doesn’t Kill Me is like a movie,” Sid continues. “It touches every emotion you can think of; there’s a lot of action and drama. Plus it's an album with substance and meaning, and it’s jam-packed with messages. I wanted to make an album that is thought provoking – and I know that with this album, I've achieved it.”
What Doesn’t Kill Me will be released on Move The Crowd Records April 10, 2010.
DERTY SESH album cover art:
Sic Love will be available March 27th.
"Really Don't Care" E.P will be available early January.
"Really Don't Care" (Remix) video coming very soon.
"Really Don't Care" E.P will be available early January.
"Really Don't Care" (Remix) video coming very soon.
MTC Announces Management Company:
MTC and our man Dkays have come together to create an artist management company called Crowd Control.Our first clients are naturally Kidz In Space.
Watch this space...
YOUNG SID On The Final Ever Late Nite Hype Show:
Young'n performs his new single "Made" and a verse from his new mixtape on the final ever Late Nite Hype show on Mai FM.
Thanks to Sir-Vere for the footage; and a HUGE thanks to Turksta and Sir-Vere for holding down NZ Hip Hop on this show since its inception. Thank you for all of your support brothers.
Thanks to Sir-Vere for the footage; and a HUGE thanks to Turksta and Sir-Vere for holding down NZ Hip Hop on this show since its inception. Thank you for all of your support brothers.
Monday, December 28, 2009
YOUNG SID - "MADE":
Our man Danny iLL threw this up on YouTube, so here is "MADE" in all its glory.
Don't forget, the "MADE" E.P is available in NZ via your favorite digital retailer, and features the tracks "Made", "The Heist" and "As The World Turns".
Heres the
link
The E.P will be available in Australia on January 8th.
Sid's second album, "What Doesn't Kill Me..." is released April 10, 2010
The video for "MADE" is dropping real soon...
Don't forget, the "MADE" E.P is available in NZ via your favorite digital retailer, and features the tracks "Made", "The Heist" and "As The World Turns".
Heres the
linkThe E.P will be available in Australia on January 8th.
Sid's second album, "What Doesn't Kill Me..." is released April 10, 2010
The video for "MADE" is dropping real soon...
YOUNG SID Goes Solo:
Taken from MTV NZ
MTC's Golden Boy Announces Second Album
Dec 27, 2009
Following on from Smashproof's amazing year, rapper Young Sid has announced that he is releasing his second solo album 'What Doesn't Kill Me...' in April.
Even though he has released a solo album before, Young Sid was thrown into the limelight on the back of the huge Smashproof single 'Brother.' The track spent 11 weeks at number one on the New Zealand singles chart and it broke the record for the longest consecutive run that a local song has spent in the top position.
The group also had a great run with their most recent single 'Ordinary Life,' which reached the top 10 and Young Sid's brand new single 'Made' could easily continue that winning streak.
The rapper who is arguably one of the best talents New Zealand has to offer also released a mixtape recently titled 'Domestic Disturbance.' The mixtape saw him tackle New Zealand hip-hop classics such as Che Fu and DLT's 'Chains' and even the recent Savage hit 'Wild Out.'
Smashproof also traveled to New York recently to play a series of showcases at the annual CMJ Music Marathon. Make sure you look out for Young Sid's video 'Made,' which is due out soon.
MTC's Golden Boy Announces Second Album
Dec 27, 2009
Following on from Smashproof's amazing year, rapper Young Sid has announced that he is releasing his second solo album 'What Doesn't Kill Me...' in April.
Even though he has released a solo album before, Young Sid was thrown into the limelight on the back of the huge Smashproof single 'Brother.' The track spent 11 weeks at number one on the New Zealand singles chart and it broke the record for the longest consecutive run that a local song has spent in the top position.
The group also had a great run with their most recent single 'Ordinary Life,' which reached the top 10 and Young Sid's brand new single 'Made' could easily continue that winning streak.
The rapper who is arguably one of the best talents New Zealand has to offer also released a mixtape recently titled 'Domestic Disturbance.' The mixtape saw him tackle New Zealand hip-hop classics such as Che Fu and DLT's 'Chains' and even the recent Savage hit 'Wild Out.'
Smashproof also traveled to New York recently to play a series of showcases at the annual CMJ Music Marathon. Make sure you look out for Young Sid's video 'Made,' which is due out soon.
YOUNG SID Recording "MADE":
The Young working with Twice As Nice in the lab at MTC HQ.
Props to DKays for the footage.
Props to DKays for the footage.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS From MTC:
Thank you to our friends, fans and fams for making 2009 such a stellar year for MTC.
We wish you and yours all the best for the festive season and we can't thank you enough for all of your support this year.
MTC
KID MAC performs live with The Beautiful Girls:
Kid Mac teams up with the Beautiful Girls to perform a remix of "Learn Yourself" live at Selina's, Coogee Bay Hotel for the first time ever.
"Learn Yourself" was originally written by The Beautiful Girls and Mac has since collaborated with the band to make his own version of the song, which he states "is one of my all time favourite songs from one of my all time favourite bands". Kid Mac's version of "Learn Yourself" will be on his upcoming debut album which is set for a mid-2010 release date.
Kid Mac is down with the Twice As Nice/MTC family, and we expect big things from him this coming year.
So, if you don't know; now you know!
YOUNG SID Prepares New Solo Album:
Taken from REAL GROOVE
Following on from Smashproof's amazing year, rapper Young Sid has announced that he is releasing his second solo album 'What Doesn't Kill Me...' in April.
Even though he has released a solo album before, Young Sid was thrown into the limelight on the back of the huge Smashproof single 'Brother.' The track spent 11 weeks at number one on the New Zealand singles chart and it broke the record for the longest consecutive run that a local song has spent in the top position.
The group also had a great run with their most recent single 'Ordinary Life,' which reached the top 10 and Young Sid's brand new single 'Made' could easily continue that winning streak.
The rapper who is arguably one of the best talents New Zealand has to offer also released a mixtape recently titled 'Domestic Disturbance.' The mixtape saw him tackle New Zealand hip-hop classics such as Che Fu and DLT's 'Chains' and even the recent Savage hit 'Wild Out.'
Smashproof also traveled to New York recently to play a series of showcases at the annual CMJ Music Marathon. Make sure you look out for Young Sid's video 'Made,' which is due out soon.
Following on from Smashproof's amazing year, rapper Young Sid has announced that he is releasing his second solo album 'What Doesn't Kill Me...' in April.
Even though he has released a solo album before, Young Sid was thrown into the limelight on the back of the huge Smashproof single 'Brother.' The track spent 11 weeks at number one on the New Zealand singles chart and it broke the record for the longest consecutive run that a local song has spent in the top position.
The group also had a great run with their most recent single 'Ordinary Life,' which reached the top 10 and Young Sid's brand new single 'Made' could easily continue that winning streak.
The rapper who is arguably one of the best talents New Zealand has to offer also released a mixtape recently titled 'Domestic Disturbance.' The mixtape saw him tackle New Zealand hip-hop classics such as Che Fu and DLT's 'Chains' and even the recent Savage hit 'Wild Out.'
Smashproof also traveled to New York recently to play a series of showcases at the annual CMJ Music Marathon. Make sure you look out for Young Sid's video 'Made,' which is due out soon.
Monday, December 21, 2009
MTC album release dates:
DERTY SESH - Sic Love March 27YOUNG SID - What Doesn't Kill Me... April 10
KIDZ IN SPACE - Album May 29
That is all...
YOUNG SID - "MADE" E.P out now:
Now available in NZ via your favorite digital retailer, the MADE E.P features the tracks "Made", "The Heist" and "As The World Turns".Heres the
linkThe E.P will be available in Australia on January 8th.
Sid's second album, "What Doesn't Kill Me..." is released April 10, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
YOUNG SID - "As The World Turns":
"As The World Turns" is a Twice As Nice produced cut that is taken from the "MADE" 3-track bundle, that also features "MADE" and "The Heist". This will be available to purchase tomorrow (December 21st) just in time for Xmas. **This track can now be heard over at Sids MySpace page.
Young'n's album, "What Doesn't Kill Me..." is released April 2010
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Youth Unit Prisoners Inspired By SMASHPROOF:
Taken from VOXY
Friday, 18 December, 2009 - 11:08
Successful New Zealand duo Young Sid and Deech from the music group Smashproof visited the Waikeria Youth Unit this week and gave an inspiring talk and performance to 21 youth prisoners.
"Having two Smashproof members come in and deliver inspirational messages to the youth unit prisoners was absolutely fantastic. The duo really connected with the prisoners and their messages about not giving up, having goals and having the ability to choose a crime free lifestyle seemed to really hit home, " says Waikeria South Prison Manager, Kevin Smith.
"Sadly, youth prisoners often have destructive backgrounds and they can come from environments of abuse, significant bereavement, family addiction, poverty and premature adult responsibility. Many are sad, despondent and angry at a time where they are right in the midst of forming an identity for themselves.
"We provide various rehabilitation programmes for youth prisoners but it is essential that they have role models to look up to and base their behaviour on. Having Smashproof come and talk to the prisoners first hand about their experience gave them an example they could really relate to about how goals can be reached with hard work and perseverance.
"We are extremely grateful that Smashproof took time out of their busy schedule to come to the Prison, we could tell by the amount of questions asked by the prisoners that they were also very thankful for the opportunity and genuinely motivated by what they heard."
"It was good to give back to the youth, we hope that we made an impact on their lives as much as they did ours," said Smashproof member Young Sid.
Friday, 18 December, 2009 - 11:08
Successful New Zealand duo Young Sid and Deech from the music group Smashproof visited the Waikeria Youth Unit this week and gave an inspiring talk and performance to 21 youth prisoners.
"Having two Smashproof members come in and deliver inspirational messages to the youth unit prisoners was absolutely fantastic. The duo really connected with the prisoners and their messages about not giving up, having goals and having the ability to choose a crime free lifestyle seemed to really hit home, " says Waikeria South Prison Manager, Kevin Smith.
"Sadly, youth prisoners often have destructive backgrounds and they can come from environments of abuse, significant bereavement, family addiction, poverty and premature adult responsibility. Many are sad, despondent and angry at a time where they are right in the midst of forming an identity for themselves.
"We provide various rehabilitation programmes for youth prisoners but it is essential that they have role models to look up to and base their behaviour on. Having Smashproof come and talk to the prisoners first hand about their experience gave them an example they could really relate to about how goals can be reached with hard work and perseverance.
"We are extremely grateful that Smashproof took time out of their busy schedule to come to the Prison, we could tell by the amount of questions asked by the prisoners that they were also very thankful for the opportunity and genuinely motivated by what they heard."
"It was good to give back to the youth, we hope that we made an impact on their lives as much as they did ours," said Smashproof member Young Sid.
Friday, December 18, 2009
SMASHPROOF top the RIANZ singles chart in 2009 Pt ll:
Taken from TVNZ
Watch the TVNZ feature
Official NZ music sales released
New Zealand's official music sales charts for this year have been released, with south Auckland trio Smashproof picking up two big accolades.
Their hit Brother was the highest selling single of the year and sat at the top of the weekly charts for longer than any other Kiwi single.
Susan Boyle took top honours for overall album sales with I Dreamed A Dream selling more than 120,000 copies.
Wellington's Fat Freddy's Drop backed up the huge success of their first studio album with a second top selling Kiwi album award.
Watch the TVNZ feature
Official NZ music sales released
New Zealand's official music sales charts for this year have been released, with south Auckland trio Smashproof picking up two big accolades.
Their hit Brother was the highest selling single of the year and sat at the top of the weekly charts for longer than any other Kiwi single.
Susan Boyle took top honours for overall album sales with I Dreamed A Dream selling more than 120,000 copies.
Wellington's Fat Freddy's Drop backed up the huge success of their first studio album with a second top selling Kiwi album award.
SMASHPROOF top the RIANZ singles chart in 2009:
Taken from SCOOP
Smashproof And Susan Boyle Top 2009 RIANZ Charts
Thursday, 17 December 2009, 2:20 pm
Press Release: Recording Industry Association of NZ
SMASHPROOF AND SUSAN BOYLE TOP 2009 RIANZ CHARTS
NZ’s Smashproof Feat Gin seizes #1 singles slot
Susan Boyles sells most albums
South Auckland trios Smashproof broke into the record books with the longest running local number one single this year, and the run has seen them also become the highest selling single of the year.
Smashproof And Susan Boyle Top 2009 RIANZ Charts
Thursday, 17 December 2009, 2:20 pm
Press Release: Recording Industry Association of NZ
SMASHPROOF AND SUSAN BOYLE TOP 2009 RIANZ CHARTS
NZ’s Smashproof Feat Gin seizes #1 singles slot
Susan Boyles sells most albums
South Auckland trios Smashproof broke into the record books with the longest running local number one single this year, and the run has seen them also become the highest selling single of the year.
SMASHPROOF top YouTube charts:
Taken from STUFF
WHAT KIWI'S WATCHED ON YOUTUBE IN 2009
Naked bodies, record breaking rappers and Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle were the videos most New Zealanders watched and searched for on YouTube in 2009.
Air New Zealand's cabin crew baring all in body paint at last got people watching the airline's safety demonstrations, even if they weren't on a plane.
The music video to Smashproof's hit single Brother also copped an eyeful, as they broke a 23-year-old chart record with the longest consecutive run at the top of the New Zealand singles chart by a local act - 10 weeks.
Top video was Boyle singing up a storm on Britain's Got Talent. She suffered a breakdown, before releasing a best-selling CD in time for Christmas.
YouTube also examined billions of queries to identify fastest-rising search terms for each month - this month disgraced golfer Tiger Woods topped the leaderboard.
Most Watched YouTube videos in New Zealand:
Top five New Zealand-created videos:
1. Smashproof (featuring Gin Wigmore) - Brother
2. J Williams - Ghetto Flower
3. Pulp Sport (ft P Diggs) - I'm On A Goat
4. Air New Zealand staff have nothing to hide
5. Bare essentials of safety from Air New Zealand
Top five most watched videos overall:
1. Susan Boyle - Britain's Got Talent
2. Smashproof (featuring Gin Wigmore) - Brother
3. I'm On A Boat - The Lonely Island
4. Miley Cyrus - Party In The USA
5. Keri Hilson - Knock You Down
Top five New Zealand music videos:
1. Smashproof (featuring Gin Wigmore) - Brother
2. J Williams - Ghetto Flower
3. Smashproof - Ordinary Life
4. Dane Rumble - Always Be Here
5. Savage - Wild Out (Chooohooo)
WHAT KIWI'S WATCHED ON YOUTUBE IN 2009
Naked bodies, record breaking rappers and Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle were the videos most New Zealanders watched and searched for on YouTube in 2009.
Air New Zealand's cabin crew baring all in body paint at last got people watching the airline's safety demonstrations, even if they weren't on a plane.
The music video to Smashproof's hit single Brother also copped an eyeful, as they broke a 23-year-old chart record with the longest consecutive run at the top of the New Zealand singles chart by a local act - 10 weeks.
Top video was Boyle singing up a storm on Britain's Got Talent. She suffered a breakdown, before releasing a best-selling CD in time for Christmas.
YouTube also examined billions of queries to identify fastest-rising search terms for each month - this month disgraced golfer Tiger Woods topped the leaderboard.
Most Watched YouTube videos in New Zealand:
Top five New Zealand-created videos:
1. Smashproof (featuring Gin Wigmore) - Brother
2. J Williams - Ghetto Flower
3. Pulp Sport (ft P Diggs) - I'm On A Goat
4. Air New Zealand staff have nothing to hide
5. Bare essentials of safety from Air New Zealand
Top five most watched videos overall:
1. Susan Boyle - Britain's Got Talent
2. Smashproof (featuring Gin Wigmore) - Brother
3. I'm On A Boat - The Lonely Island
4. Miley Cyrus - Party In The USA
5. Keri Hilson - Knock You Down
Top five New Zealand music videos:
1. Smashproof (featuring Gin Wigmore) - Brother
2. J Williams - Ghetto Flower
3. Smashproof - Ordinary Life
4. Dane Rumble - Always Be Here
5. Savage - Wild Out (Chooohooo)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
YOUNG SID - "MADE" Australian release date:
Young Sid's single "MADE" will be available digitally in Australia on December 21st.The three track bundle featuring the tracks "The Heist" and "As The World Turns" will be available across the Tasman on January 8th.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
DERTY SESH signs with MTC:
It's now official... our man Derty Sesh is now 100% down with The Crowd! And our first order of business was to fire out a remix of Sesh's first single, "Really Don't Care"; to our man Sir-vere to debut on the Late Nite Hype.
"Really Don't Care" will be available on iTunes in early January as part of a 3-track bundle:
1. "Really Don't Care"
2. I'm Fallin'"
3. "Really Don't Care" Remix feat. Ethical & Young Sid
Derty Sesh's self-produced debut album Sic Love will be available March 2010
And here's the video to the original version of the single again...
Friday, December 11, 2009
YOUNG SID - "MADE":
Here it is, "MADE"; produced by Twice As Nice... enjoy!
The 3-track bundle that features "The Heist" and "As The World Turns" will be available December 21st.
The full version of "MADE" is available to buy online now at
We are shooting the video this weekend, so expect to see it in a couple of weeks.
The album, "What Doesn't Kill Me..." is released April 2010
**UPDATE: This track can now be heard over at Sids MySpace page
SMASHPROOF To Play Parihaka International Peace Festival:
Taken from Voxy
As organisers count down the final weeks to the fifth Parihaka International Peace Festival, they have confirmed more acts in the latest announcement. Smashproof will be performing on the Sunday night in what will be the South Auckland group's biggest gig to date.
The trio, who have just returned from an Australian tour, smashed a long-standing record for a New Zealand act in May of this year when their single,
"Brother" celebrated eleven consecutive weeks at number one. Group member Young Sid said yesterday, "Playing at Parihaka is a great honour. The people of Parihaka would be the most humble in this world. They are the creators of non-violent action and they've been through more than most people can imagine in the last 150 years - confiscated land, imprisonment, poverty, the list goes on.
"We are very proud to be involved in the Parihaka International Peace Festival." Other acts announced yesterday included Te Kupu & MC Wiya, the Brian Hatcher Band, Dread Rock, Grove Roots, Morgana Watson, the Smiles, and Tihikura Hohaia. They join an already stellar line-up that includes The Bellbirds, Fat Freddy's Drop, Herbs Unplugged, House of Shem, Moana & The Tribe, Tikii Taane & The Dub Soldiers, and SJD, plus over 30 other acts.
Other festival activities confirmed yesterday are the return of Stephen Taberner, the acclaimed Australian-based choirmaster who will again organise and rehearse the Parihaka Festival Choir, and Toru Wha, the Parihaka Ukelele band. Tickets for the festival, held at the historic pa in South Taranaki, are selling steadily and are available at www.parihaka.com/tickets
Parihaka International Peace Festival 2010 Parihaka Pa South Taranaki Thursday 7 January - Monday 11 January
As organisers count down the final weeks to the fifth Parihaka International Peace Festival, they have confirmed more acts in the latest announcement. Smashproof will be performing on the Sunday night in what will be the South Auckland group's biggest gig to date.
The trio, who have just returned from an Australian tour, smashed a long-standing record for a New Zealand act in May of this year when their single,
"Brother" celebrated eleven consecutive weeks at number one. Group member Young Sid said yesterday, "Playing at Parihaka is a great honour. The people of Parihaka would be the most humble in this world. They are the creators of non-violent action and they've been through more than most people can imagine in the last 150 years - confiscated land, imprisonment, poverty, the list goes on.
"We are very proud to be involved in the Parihaka International Peace Festival." Other acts announced yesterday included Te Kupu & MC Wiya, the Brian Hatcher Band, Dread Rock, Grove Roots, Morgana Watson, the Smiles, and Tihikura Hohaia. They join an already stellar line-up that includes The Bellbirds, Fat Freddy's Drop, Herbs Unplugged, House of Shem, Moana & The Tribe, Tikii Taane & The Dub Soldiers, and SJD, plus over 30 other acts.
Other festival activities confirmed yesterday are the return of Stephen Taberner, the acclaimed Australian-based choirmaster who will again organise and rehearse the Parihaka Festival Choir, and Toru Wha, the Parihaka Ukelele band. Tickets for the festival, held at the historic pa in South Taranaki, are selling steadily and are available at www.parihaka.com/tickets
Parihaka International Peace Festival 2010 Parihaka Pa South Taranaki Thursday 7 January - Monday 11 January
YOUNG SID - "MADE" is now available to purchase:
Young'n's new single is now available to purchase. So head over to or your favorite online store and scoop that.Sids second album What Doesn't Kill Me... is will be available April 2010.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
KIDZ IN SPACE feature from TVNZ's website:
Kidz in Space ready for BDO re-launch Published: 4:58PM Friday December 04, 2009
By tvnz.co.nz's Stacey Hunt
Source: ONE News
When meeting a band for the first time there is always an element of nervousness, especially after witnessing a previous interview where they appear in space suits and only communicate through one band member.
However, it was worry for nothing as meeting New Zealand's own Kidz in Space was like having a chat with old mates.
Although relatively new to the game, the Auckland based hip hop trio of Ashley Hughes, Josh Fountain and Mat Neshat (Neesh) are hitting the Big Day Out in 2010 for the second year in a row.
They introduced their unique sound to audiences at the 2009 Big Day Out, taking 15 minutes out of Hughes' solo set under Ethical. They proved to be a hit and it was from here that Kidz in Space were launched.
"It was the first proper Kidz in Space show, it's always weird playing songs people don't know but they all seemed to enjoy it," says Fountain.
Downtime proved a favourite with the crowd then and continues to now, with the single still sitting in the top of New Zealand charts.
Forming of a band
The Kidz bio talks of how three artists from varying backgrounds mysteriously cross paths and frustrated by the current state of music on earth, board a spaceship in search of a new sound. The reference to space makes them laugh and although Fountain says it would be good if they were Star Trek fans, they are not.
In reality the name came out of night on the town and as Neesh says it's "one of those names that rolls of the tongue, it catches people".
Having known each other for around 10 years Neesh and Hughes then met Fountain through the studio and started putting stuff together.
The Kidz have differing musical backgrounds which is perhaps what makes their sound unique. Neesh is the most hip hop orientated while Hughes' musical background is more in the middle and Fountain to the left.
The collaboration has led to a mutual respect for all things music.
"Working with Josh especially, getting to see his perspective and what he listens to and how things should be made has just opened my head so much more with everything ... I love everything now," says Neesh.
The Kidz say there is no singular musical influence on them as such but if they were to be compared to someone N.E.R.D would be the closest.
"N.E.R.D would be a huge influence, especially with the rest of our EP which is not so sort of dance driven but more sort of rock and pop mixed together," says Fountain.
On a personal level Neesh is a huge Jay-Z fan and Fountain is influenced by a love of dance music.
Faceless
The initial intention for Kidz was to create a faceless band along the lines of Daft Punk however they say it was too hard to stick to.
"When we first started we sort of stuck to it a lot but it proved too difficult to do interviews and shows and there is no point doing it if you aren't going to do it 100%, so we decided against it," says Fountain.
Their video clips have so far kept to this faceless theme which as Fountain says has "captivated a bit of mystique" around the band. The Tim Van Dammen directed clips also all relate to each other.
The first video shows Kidz in Space coming to earth, then in Downtime the Kidz have landed and at the end they turn into pixel characters who carry onto the third video Lose My Cool, which is out now and definitely worth having a look at.
They haven't ruled out actually appearing in future videos themselves but Fountain says only as long as they are not cliché videos and the band has to be kept left field.
"It would need to be keeping with the real buzzy stuff," says Fountain.
Home and away
The Kidz recently got a taste for the international arena when 42 Below helped them over to the CMJ Music Festival in New York.
The New Zealand On Air Showcase had a queue around the block and the boys hope it will be the same again when they head back over in March.
The experience proved to be great exposure for the band as they got an invite to South by South West and were a big hit with the crowd.
The taste of the overseas scene left Kidz in Space wanting more and the plan is to get released in Australia next year. However, they have no intention of forgetting their roots.
"We would like to take it overseas and see what we can do with it but ... it's important to establish a base here first," says Fountain.
They say the response they have had in New Zealand is unbelievable.
"We were walking down the street after a gig and people were behind us singing Downtime," says Neesh.
However they personally are still not known to the public.
"My friends always embarrass me by trying to tell everyone that I'm in Kidz in Space, but Kidz in Space is not well enough known to claim fame and they know that and so they are like 'this guy is a famous guy' and I'm like 'shut up', it's so embarrassing," says Fountain.
The future looks bright for this band who has achieved so much in such a short timeframe.
The boys are in the process of recording their album at Woodcut Studio and hope to get it out by the middle of next year. There are plenty more gigs in the pipeline too.
"We've had so many great opportunities that bands who have been together for ages haven't had ... it's been really fast moving," says Fountain.
The focus for the boys right now is on getting their new single out so people can hear more of what they have to offer and of course the Big Day Out.
On a personal level they are looking forward to seeing Dizzee Rascal perform. Fountain says he is a highlight from previous years.
"It was in the Boiler Room and it was insane, I had to take off my t-shirt and afterwards I just felt so sorry for whoever was in front of me and behind me because it was just my sweaty body pushed up against them," Fountain says.
After their recent success Fountain says they are looking forward to seeing how different the Big Day Out will be in 2010 and with new music for the fans, Neesh has some lofty ambitions for this year's BDO.
"Kidz in Space are going to be the best show".
You're going to have to head along on January 15 to see if Neesh's prediction comes true.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
MTC chart update:
KIDZ IN SPACE:
"Downtime" moves from #21 to #32 on the singles chart and #29 to #32 on the airplay chart.
"Downtime" moves from #21 to #32 on the singles chart and #29 to #32 on the airplay chart.
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