SAM V - WIFING UP AOTEAROA ONE DM AT A TIME

If you’ve been paying attention to the Aotearoa R&B scene any time in the last 10 years you’ll be well aware of Sam V. The Tāmaki Makaurau artist with Rarotongan roots first sung his way into our collective consciousness when he was barely a teenager. For the last few years he’s been consistently putting out some of the best R&B in the motu and putting on incredible live shows.

A couple of years ago during a particularly cold Matariki, we stumbled across Sam V and his band playing live on the Pocket Park stage on Karangahape Rd. We watched how he quickly drew a massive and enthralled crowd to stop on that windy corner of K Rd and Pitt St and we knew we had to get Sam V on the Neck of the Woods stage some time soon. We’re now getting blessed with not only Sam’s last show before he jets over to the US, but an incredible line up of emerging R&B artists.

In the lead up to this Saturday’s very special one off show, we caught up with Sam V to talk hopes, dreams and DMs…

You’ve put together a really stunning support lineup for Au Revoir. Can you tell us a little more about those artists? 

I’m real fortunate to have several of my favourite up & coming artists on the card. Elena, HALES & JARNA are talented af. A great reflection of the next & current gen of NZ R&B/Pop talent. Can’t forget the charismatic Luther Lancelot on the decks, a man quickly ascending through our DJ scene here and abroad. 

This show is named Au Revoir as you’re heading over to the States after this show. What’s the plan once you get over there? 

I’m just keen to immerse in the scene over there. Watch shows, write with people, jam. Should be mean.

You’ve been in the game since you were just a kid, what’s kept you going this long? When will you feel like you’ve made it? 

Definitely driven by the legacy I’m leaving and the precedent I set. I don’t ever think I’ll ever feel like I’ve made it 😂 

Where do you see R&B going in Aotearoa?

I see Aotearoa R&B making noise offshore. We have all the talent, perhaps just not the infrastructure to support it. With the support of hustle & social media I can guarantee there’ll be a few of our R&B artists who pop off internationally (there already are shoutouts Teo Glacier). 

How did your singing to girls in their DMs series get started? 

I just always felt there was a space in those DM’s for me to enter. 

What’s your dream colab with another Aotearoa artist? 

I’d love to work with Aarahdna 

What should people expect at this Saturday’s show? 

I’d say it’s just a huge spectacle. Some of the best talent you’ll see round here ever.

Get your tickets now to Au Revoir with Sam V, Jarna, Elena, Hales and DJ Luther Lancelot.

This Saturday, April 22. Doors open 8PM

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The Redlight sPecial - PhaseD Too Playlist

With a lot of live arts people out of work due to red light settings, a new variant on the rise and troubles in the capital, it’s been a TIME. So, it felt like we needed another collaborative community playlist. We’ve hit up singers, dancers, DJs, drummers, writers and a bunch of other people, a lot who make their livelihood through live art. We asked them to give us a song they’re vibing with right now and tell us how we can all support them. Click the links and find some cool new stuff to follow, watch, listen or even attend.

We’ve put most the the songs in a Spotify playlist or you can make your own YouTube playlist from the videos below. If the artist and track name are highlighted blue, click for the Bandcamp link.

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Frankie Knuckles - It’s Hard Sometimes

Mike & Brenda Sutton - We’ll Make It

We’re kicking off this playlist with an uplifting selection from DJ Azbo. He also gave us the gift of a rare gem - We’ll Make It by Mike & Brenda Sutton.

Azbo says “These are 2 big songs of perseverance and positivity for me and have been since the start of pandemic. While the content isn’t related to what we are going through, the message of love, care and positivity always help me through whatever difficult feelings im experiencing. Hope they have the same effect for others”

Follow Azbo on Instagram and have a listen to his mixcloud

Aretha Franklin - Day Dreaming

Next up is an equally uplifting selection from local singer and Cross St Mama, Romi. She’s moving to Wellington with her babies very soon and we’re going to miss her round the neighbourhood.

Romi has new music coming out soon so follow her on IG to stay up to date

Mukhtar Ramadan Idii - Check Up Your Head

Selected by DJ Jubt who says “I keep coming back to this heatrock which came out on the very awesome "Mogadisco - Dancing Mogadishu (Somalia 1972-1991)" on Analogue Africa Reissue label Mukhtar Ramadan Idii "Check up your head". When this gets under your skin, it's game over. "Life is excellent!"

You catch Jubt & Kirk playing records on bFM on their show The Swap Meet every Sunday afternoon. Have a listen to their Sandy Mill special.

Mark Williams - Love The One You’re With

This song was selected by Ngāruwāhia based DJ/Dancer and community innovator Dujon Cullingford - “An uplifting and lesser known jam from local legend Mark Williams in 1975.

Whether it's you or someone else, love the one you're with!”

Dujon has spent hours collecting “obscure New Zealand music from back in the day by archiving, compiling and DJing local music”

Latest mix: A Māori Soul Mixtape (hugely recommended listening!)

Follow Dujon on Instagram

The Hulamen - Working For Living

The Mint Chicks - Welcome To Nowhere

The good people at AudioCulture gave us these two upbeat selections. AudioCulture describe themselves as the “noisy library of New Zealand music” and that site really is the number one place to find the history of anything musical that has happened on this motu.

Beverly Glenn-Copeland - Sunset Village (Blood Orange remix)

This selection comes from DJ Jess Fu - “a very calming track” which feels like something we all need right now. Play it when you wake up and all throughout the day. Check out Jess Fu’s show APEX with a rotation of guest DJs from Asia-Pacific and “music from the deepest corners of the globe”

Angel - DJ Python

This selection comes from Stinky Jim who’s says Angel is his song of the year so far. Stinky Jim has a new album coming out later in the year so follow him on Bandcamp to stay in the loop. You can check out everything Stinky Jim on his website. He also wanted to use this opportunity to give bFM a shout out : “bFM continue to shine, dazzle & broadcast through everything thanks to the mighty efforts of staff, vollies and listeners”

Kelela - Onanon

Yeule - Don’t Be So Hard On Your Own Beauty

These beautiful selections come from DJ and artist Liam Brown aka Atarangi. You can see Liam’s stunning exhibition Te Tīnana down at the Britomart Atrium for all of February so get down there this week! Have a listen to Liam’s latest mixtape while you’re at it.

Pom Poko - Enduro Corner

Parquet Courts - Everyday It Starts

These selections come from local music writer, musician and podcast host Hahko who says of Pom Pako “My fav new band at the moment - like a weird emo deer hunter indie guitar vibe” and of Everyday It Starts “my favourite band ever and very relatable to this time period ha”. Check out the very good podcast Hahko Meets Humans (in his most recent episode he talks to NOTW owner Jonah!) and subscribe to the totally free Hahko Club newsletter for playlists, interviews and more.

Lucky Daye ft. Ari Lennox - Access Denied

This song pick comes from producer, educator and dancer Amanda Wilson. Amanda is the dance manager and dancer apart of The Sixxes, LADI6’s dancers. Red light restrictions have put a hold on all LADI6 shows and Amanda’s usual mahi but follow her on IG to see when the F.I.N.E Festival she’s co-producing and the Fala Muncher show she’s producing are resheduled later in the year.

LAYA ft Fivio Foreign - Brag

This selection comes from DJ Zeki. To get some more of Zeki’s stunning selections watch this amazing Filth X Boiler Room set filmed right here at Neck of the Woods, and listen to their latest mix on soundcloud. Follow Zeki on IG to stay updated.

Steve Lacy - Ryd

SZA - Supermodel

H.E.R ft. Daniel Ceaser - Best Part

Tyler The Creator - Glitter

These next four songs were selected by four Year 9 / Tau Iwa students (that’s third form for all the old heads!) from Ngā Puna o Waiorea at Western Springs. Hopaea, Owairea, Haeata and Izzie are all currently training up to 26 hours a week for Polyfest. Haeata’s original selection of 2Pac - Hit Em Up didn’t quite fit the vibe but we’ve posted the video below along with second choice of H.E.R just in case you feel like listening to a classic.
You can watch Hopaea, Owairea, Haeata and Izzie perform in their award winning kapa haka Ō Rehu on the Māori TV live stream at the end of March. Keep an eye on Māori TV for updates.

Myele Manzanza - Two Chords & The Truth

The next very welcome addition to the playlist was selected by Myele himself of his Soho Radio Vinyl Sessions. It’s almost time for Bandcamp Friday so do yourself a favour and get some Myele Manzanza into your music library.

Rev. Timothy Wright - Trouble Don’t Last Always

This selection comes from your friendly Neck of the Woods community manager, currently putting this playlist together and playing this song on loop for about two weeks now.

Samara Alofa - B.T.T.G

This truly ethereal selection comes from multi disciplinary artist, musician, producer and record label director Coco Solid. Coco is currently fundraising for a new art & community space, Wheke Fortress, in Onehunga. They’re already at 95% of their goal so get in now if you want to support this very cool project!

Harvey Sutherland ft Surprise Chef - New Ferrari (Harvey Sutherland’s Weird Flex 12 inch mix)

This selection comes from DJ and musician Nick Gudgeon of Friends Of All The World. Check out their Bandcamp and remember Bandcamp Friday is coming soon!

Curated and written by

Rebekah Bristow

REDLIGHT XMAS SPECIAL

MERRY CHRISTMAS WHĀNAU! Knowing we’ll be seeing you all back on the dance floor in just one week is adding a little cheer to our festivities this year. We’ve curated a playlist of some of our favourite Christmas songs that veer away from the usual mall soundtracks. Take care over the holidays, don’t forget to hydrate and we’ll see you the minute the red light turns orange and/or the following night for our first ever New Years Eve party.

LOCKDOWN LEVEL FREE.2

Sitting here at home waiting eagerly for the Orange Light when we can reopen Neck of the Woods, music is one of the main things keeping us sane and our minds free. We asked some of the artists we work with at Neck of the Woods (DJs, rappers, bands, photographers, painters, producers etc) to give us a song that’s been lifting their spirits this week. We’ve put them all into a Spotify playlist for you but we’ve listed the songs below so you can find them on whatever platform you like. We’ve also included a list of Bandcamp links where possible, so if hear something you like, buy it!

Go straight to the Spotify playlist now, or scroll down for a list of who picked what and how to support the creatives who’ve contributed a song recommendation to the playlist this week.

Alix Perez

SPECIAL (feat. Nekfeu & Fousheé) - Laylow, Nekfeu, Fousheé

Catch Alix Perez touring all over Aotearoa this summer including Hidden Lakes Festival and Northern Bass. Tour dates and a bunch of Alix Perez mixes can be found here.

Diggy Dupe

Breezin - George Benson 

“At the moment I’ve been really into golden oldies since the sun’s out”  

Check out Diggy Dupe’s latest album made in collaboration with Troy Kingi and Choice Vaughn for The Panthers soundtrack and the rest of Central Auckland rappers music here. Follow Diggy Dupe on Instagram

Heylady

In mir ist die Liebe - Der E - Kreisel Remix

K.T.B - Robag Wruhme

King Bromeliad - Floating Points

If you’re lucky enough to be down in Ōtautahi next month you can catch Heylady playing at Flux on December 18th. Heylady is also playing the mainstage at AUM and a yet to be announced at another festival so keep an ear out! Follow Heylady on Instagram for more.

Aroha

Celestial Objects - Anna Gram

Aroha’s pick comes from Anna Gram’s debut EP which came out this year. Keep an eye out for Anna Gram’s remix of Aroha’s new song “Escape to Eora (IUnder a Blood Flower Moon)” which is coming out very soon. Follow Aroha on Instagram

Chlöe Swarbrick

Gonna Bleach My Eyebrows - Alemeda

The Central Auckland MP and former NOTW employee is working on getting Karangahape Rd closed to cars between Pitt St and Upper Queen St from mid December through January. Bring on the inner city alfresco vibes! Chlöe is also helping set up a community response team to communicate with, consult with and actually help house homeless people in our community. Follow Chlöe on Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date and see how you can help make these things happen. 

Lady Shaka

I Need Some Money - Chicco

Cool Cool - Mina & Bryte

Bubble Pon Di Bed - Bianca Oblivion ( UNIIQU3, Thai Chi Rosé, XL Mad, Charly Gynn Remix)

Lady Shaka is currently tearing it up around London but we’re looking forward to the Tāmaki Makaurau DJ/Producer’s return this summer. Watch Lady Shaka’s most recent Boiler Room set and watch out for her name on festival lineups around Aotearoa. Follow Lady Shaka on Instagram

Lips

Please Don’t Leave Just Yet - Holly Humberstone

Gospel For a New Country - Yves Tumor

Nothing From Nothing - Billy Preston

Lips have spent lockdown writing so watch out for some more great live Lips gigs next year. Check out their latest album and follow Lips on Instagram

Elliot Francis Stewart

Shy Guy - Diana King 

Check out Elliot’s work on his Instagram and hire the Greylynn artist to design your posters and paint over all your surfaces like we have.

Mazbou Q

Can’t Go Back - Kojey Radical

Follow the Auckland rapper, producer and educator on Instagram and watch his fascinating short hiphop classes on Tik Tok

Scarlett 

Night of the Sagittarius - Theo Parrish

Scarlett (Friendly Potential, Run With The Wolves) will be found playing clubs and festivals once we’re up and running again. Once you're done with our playlist you can give Scarlett’s latest mix a listen. Follow Scarlett on Instagram

Gareth XMF

Day & Night - Dabeull, Holybrune

Follow the Central Auckland DJ on Instagram and Twitter for his Peach Sessions mixes and to catch the latest Misfitd drops before they sell out. 

Dylan C 

The Cold in You (Djrum Remix) - Phaeleh

Dylan C, whose mind is a gigantic vault of music, found it difficult to choose just one song but rose to the challenge and picked one he keeps going back to and never gets sick of. Dylan usually features pretty heavy on the summer festival circuit so you should be able to catch him playing all over the motu in the next few months. Follow Dylan C on Instagram and Twitch

Shelley Te Haara

Protect My Energy - Little Simz

Shelley Te Haara has photographed and filmed shows all over Auckland and right here at Neck of the Woods, Follow Shelley on Instagram and see more of her work here

Rizván

No Love (ft. SZA) - Summer Walker

The North Shore rapper is running a writing/music mentorship session called OMAC Navigators in collaboration with KFM and Te Karanga Trust. It’s via zoom for now but he’s hoping to get into face to face meet ups once restrictions are lifted. Follow Rizván on Instagram and Twitter for updates and links to register. 

Melodownz

Still Standing - Children of Zeus

Colors (Acoustic Version) - Black Pumas

The Avondale raised rapper Melodownz is holding his famous Kava Corner sessions live in the new year and tickets are available now. Listen to Melodownz here and follow him on Instagram

Hyan

Gooey - Leaping Tiger

Check out Hyan’s new remix of his song pick on Soundcloud. Follow the DJ/producer on Instagram and Twitter and then go say hi to Uncle Hyan at Checks on Pitt St. 

Jamie Lees

Kin - Tourist

Photographer Jamie Lees has documented not just amazing performances at Neck of the Woods, but is also a master at capturing the vibe in the crowd. Follow Jamie Lees on Instagram heck out Jamie’s work here

Chiccoreli

Dangerous - O.C., Big L

Benn aka Chiccoreli has just released some extremely fresh looking Liquid Lowdown merch in time for summer. Get into it and look out for our favourite liquid DnB night coming back to the Woods once we’re up and running again.

BANDCAMP LINKS

I Need Some Money / We Can Dance - Chicco

Dairy Daisy : Opium - Kojey Radical

Heaven To A Tortured Mind - Yves Tumor

Bubble Pon Di Bed - Bianca Oblivion

King Bromeliad - Floating Points

Still Standing - Children of Zeus

Soulsleep - Leaping Tiger

Wuzzelbud KK - Robag Wruhme

Celestial Objects - Anna Gram

The Cold In You - Phaeleh

Deluxe Edition - Black Pumas

LOCKDOWN LEVEL FREE.1

It’s been 80 days and a whole season of lockdown. We’re in Level 3 Step 1 heading towards Level 3 Step 2 or maybe even a Red Light … which is better than Level 3.2 … basically what we’re saying is that music is the biggest thing keeping our minds right and our spirits free. That and love for our people.

After our last lockdown playlist, we decided to bring friends and whānaunga into the mix and as a result we’ve got an even better and more diverse playlist for you.

Click below to go straight to the playlist on Spotify. Keep scrolling down for Bandcamp links to some of the songs. We’re just in time for Bandcamp Friday so get in there now, support the artists and get that album in your life permanently.

This Week’s Song Picks

NOTW CREW

Max: James Blake - I’m So Blessed You’re Mine

Leija: Mara TK - Te Kete Aronui

Koha: Egoless - Empire of Dirt

Beka: Nimco Happy - Isii Nafta; Bas - Spaceships + Rockets (with LION BABE, feat. Moe Moks, mOma+Guy)

Jonah: Burial - Dark Gethsemane

Scout: Cobrah - Good Puss

Michael: Amon Tobin - Stoney Street

WHĀNAUNGA

Peter McLennan: Kahil El’Zabar - How Can We Mend a Broken Heart

Haeata: SZA - Quicksand

Kahurangi: OutKast - Da Art of Storytellin’ (Pt.1)

Nathanael: Altin Gün - Goca Dünya

Joolz: The Cavemen - Osondu

Rebecca: Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe - Ché Ché Colé; Gavin Friday - Angel

Rangimarie: Sade - By Your Side; Anderson Paak, Smokey Robinson - Make It Better

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SPOTIFY ^

SONGS HELPING US BREATHE

Tāmaki Makaurau - it’s been rough. It’s gonna be rough. Right now a lot of us are struggling to see the top of the mountain we’ve been tasked to overcome. Many of us are isolated from our whānau, from our communities and from the physical spaces we usually come together in. Some of us have vulnerable people in our lives that we’re worried about. Some of you are yourselves vulnerable to this virus.

More than ever before, it’s become really important to take care of your mental health and take hold of whatever tools you have to keep your head up. Here at Neck of the Woods, music plays a really vital role in our mental health. It’s why we do what we do. Discovering a new song that immediately gets under your skin can be transformative. Rediscovering a song you forgot you loved so much can transport you. A good song on repeat can be the exact thing to pull your head out from under the water just long enough to remind you to breathe and look up. Breathe out the anxiety in the first bars, breathe in some hope in the following bars.

As a team, we’ve been sharing with each other the songs that have some serotonin producing magic in them. It’s been doing wonders for us so we thought we should share them with you too. Maybe some of them will flood your brain with good feeling and your lungs with oxygen too.

Open a window, get outside if you can, get some sun on your skin and turn this playlist up loud.

Send us the songs that have been lifting your spirit for the next playlist and stay safe out there whānau. We’ll see you all on all on the dance floor again soon x

Creative Director Josh is kicking this list off with his selection absolutely overflowing with serotonin :

Next up, Bar Manager Max picks an iconic recent throwback “I’ve found myself looped back round to wildfire by SBTRKT and Little Dragon” :

Neck of the Woods Consultant/Aunty/Friend Sarin has had Rob Ruha’s great new album on repeat and picked ‘As I Walk’ featuring the Halluci Nation (a First Nations DJ/producer duo from Canada, formerly A Tribe Called Red):

Sarin also gave us this super relevant gem from Fred again :

Neck of the Woods owner Jonah has been rinsing For Those I Love pretty hard over the last few months. A heartfelt tribute to a friend:

Communications Manager Rebekah “had a hard time picking one from the new and beautiful Cleo Sol album but settled on Heart Full of Love, a great pick if you need a cathartic love filled tangi” :

Rebekah has also been going back to a favourite record from her childhood and a song that starts mellow and builds to a hopeful crescendo:

Neck of the Woods Soundman extraordinaire Bob gave us one of the best pop songs of the early 2000s. It’s actually impossible to not feel good after giving this one a spin or three:

Bob then followed it up with a one-two punch and another really great song from the same damn year (what an era for girl groups!) :

We hope you love these songs as much as we do. Send us the songs that are helping you get through the current state of things.

Curated and written by

Rebekah Bristow

A NECK OF THE WOODS RETROSPECT

Things are, once again, looking a little uncertain for the live music community in New Zealand and especially Auckland. We can’t do much about that right now besides trying to support each other and do what we need to do to beat this current outbreak.

While we wait at home, we thought it’d be a good time to look back on some of our favourite shows at Neck of the Woods. Over the last seven years we’ve been blessed with some incredible artists, as well as a consistently great community of music lovers channeling their energy onto the dance floor and up to the stage.

We’ve spent this lockdown trawling the internet for live footage filmed at Neck of the Woods, shot by both professionals and people in the crowd. If you have a link to a video or a video you’d like to share you can send it to our community manager at rebekah@neckofthewoods.co.nz or DM us on any of our social media accounts.

Bookmark this page and check back in each day. While we remain closed for Level 4, 3 and 2, we’ll share at least one of these videos daily. Something to tide us all over and celebrate the past 7 years until we can dance together again.

First up, Blam Blam Blam!

ELECTRIC PANTHER VOL. 1

Over the weekend the filmed sets from Electric Panther Volume 1 were all released so can now relive that magical pre-lockdown night in your own lounge. The lineup was curated by Ōtautahi based DJ and producer Paige Julia who selected Pōneke DJ Levi and Auckland’s own Snead Place. Paige’s set was filmed with a 360 camera so you can have fun dancing around your lounge with your phone.

JUNE & JULY 2021

Here’s everything happening at Neck of the Woods in June and July. Check the Youtube and Soundcloud links for a taste of the lineup and click the ticket button to secure your place on the dance floor.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

BENNY L & INJA

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SATURDAY, JUNE 6

KITA Album Release Tour 

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FRIDAY, JUNE 11

HEAVY ROTATION VOLUME 1

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SATURDAY, JUNE 12

ELECTRIC PANTHER VOL. 1

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FRIDAY, JUNE 18

MELTDOWN RECORDS 13TH BIRTHDAY

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25

DISTORTED SOUNDS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 26

ILL INVASION

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FRIDAY, JULY 2

LOWER:ENDS VOL. 2

SATURDAY, JULY 3

BURNOUT VS BACK ON TRACK

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FRIDAY, JULY 9

OUTLOOK LAUNCH

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SATURDAY, JULY 10

CHILLINIT

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FRIDAY. JULY 16

ALIX PEREZ

SATURDAY, JULY 17

OK LISTEN

FRIDAY, JULY 30

TOI

MAY 2021

Here’s everything happening at Neck of the Woods this month! Click the links for tickets and more info.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

SATURDAY, MAY 1

LITTLE SUNDAY

FRIDAY, MAY 7

MAZBOU Q

SATURDAY, MAY 8

HOUSE OF DOWNTOWN

FRIDAY, MAY 14

LIQUID LOWDOWN PRESENTS TOKYO PROSE/EMMA G & TALI

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

TOM VERBERNE

FRIDAY, MAY 21

WATER YOUR PLANTS

SATURDAY, MAY 22

NO SCRUBS

FRIDAY, MAY 28

BRU-C

STILL RISING ABOVE - HOUSE OF DOWNTOWN

It’s been 20 years since House of Downtown launched their first album Release in a packed out St James Theatre in 2001. The iconic dance music creators have just put out a new album of Release remixes, aptly named Re-Release and they’re launching it at Neck of the Woods this Saturday. We caught up with Christiaan Ercolano to talk about the house scene back in the early 2000s, celebrating both the original tracks and the new remixes and what to expect at the party this weekend.

It’s been twenty years since Release but right now feels like the perfect timing for Re-Release and the reemergence of House of Downtown. Was this timing planned or more cosmic or a bit of both? What is it about 2021 that makes it feel like the right time to bring these songs back? 

 None of this was planned full stop.   It started this year when Tim Phin asked House of Downtown to play a 20th anniversary our:house event, which we were into!

Then at the weekly music meet with Dave Ti (DiCE_NZ ) he had the realisation that a 20y/o album that is "not embarrassing ... and worth celebrating”. Dave has worked his ass off pulling together House of Downtown’s years of club nights with his passion, and hard work into only a 2-3 month project, its amazing…and we have a (sort of new) great album to show for it!

Dave Ti

You’re one of New Zealand’s best known electronic outfits, but your roots are in hiphop, soul and RnB. How did that background affect what you created back then and does it still affect what you’re making now? 

It totally affects the music. I hated the fast stuff for the longest time, but had also loved Nu Jack Swing back in the day, that music had a 116 -118bpm range,  but it swung … a lot!

When the French kids started making slower filtered disco styles I was in … Nas Illmattic was the last hip hop album I bought after MOTORBASS.

I have a very deliberate everything house but house approach to every song, there are so many great grooves out there!!!  Oh and vocal, vocal, vocals!

 There will be some people reading this who weren’t old enough to hit the clubs back in the early 2000s. Can you describe the club scene back then for them?

Well, the person who had spent all the available money on vinyl was allowed to choose the music  LOL.   Dance music was also the chart favourite at the time, just like in 1978, so the nightclub was the main event in the city,  you went in late and partied till the sun came up,  simple. The “house scene” now often just bangs and builds, I feel the long 4 hour set with the considered musical journey is underrated and rare now – Sadly largely missing in clubland…and 7AM closing helped good things get worse….

Christiaan Ercolano

 Are there any gigs from the heyday of House of Downtown that stand out as really special or memorable?

 Oh yeah! An early Deep Hard and Funky. It was a disused movie theatre and the air con was not there! The gig went off and the ceiling was dripping with sweat, the drips were so heavy, I lost all the writing on my setlist, unreadable!  Unreal stormer of a show!

You’ve recently released a new remix of Rise Above. What new experiences/tastes/tech/skills from the last 20 years contributed to making this remix? 

The tech was CD ROMs,  the original CD ROMs Emerson and I took to London to mix still worked!! We gave those stems to some friends for remixing all over the world (London, Berlin, Munich, Sydney, Ibiza), as well as a song available for the public to remix through The Rockshop - That could never happen in 2001!! The original taste didn’t change, but tech wise, everything has changed. Making music now can be a playful, zen like experience. The original Release album was made on 2 MPC samplers, with bits of records bent and twisted into time and pitch, sometime over days (or nights) … Now everything is a light, quick experiment … Knowing what was best is the harder part now

Roger Perry

DJ Phully

What kind of vibe or experience should people expect for this upcoming gig? 

 Oh always the party vibe. I’m gonna bring up-lifting grooves - I’m bringing unheard remixes of House of Downtown tunes! And I’m bringing the talkbox for extra funk! We are also bringing in old skool heavyweight Roger Perry, back in the House of Downtown day producer DJ Phully, and DiCE_NZ with his live percussionist, so it’s all on like 2001!  A ONE TIME EVENT!!!  

The A side of Re-Release is out this Friday on Spotify

GET TICKETS TO THIS WEEKEND’S ALBUM LAUNCH AND ONE TIME EVENT AT iTICKET

Little sunday is some sERiously magical stuff

Little Sunday is an Auckland band with it’s roots in Dunedin. The sound of both these cities at opposite ends of the country comes together as jazzy surf alt rock funk, brimming with good vibes. In the lean up to this Saturday’s show at Neck of the Woods, we sat down with the band to talk about their background and what they’ve got planned for this weekend.

How did Little Sunday get together?

We all (bar Phoebe) studied down in Dunedin, but didn't form Little Sunday and started playing music together until 2019 when we moved to Auckland. The band originally started as a three piece with Nick and Arthur on vocals and Andrew on bass and Sax. Phoebe and Charles joined the band in 2020 after we had released our first EP.

Phoebe played with Mako Road for a little bit while she was studying Law down in Christchurch and is still mates with the Mako boys.

Nick has played in bands throughout school and Uni, he also performs solo which you will get to witness on Saturday if you arrive there by 8:30.

What does Little Sunday sound like?  

A fusion between surf pop and alt rock funk.

What’s with the headband? 

We've been asking that kid the same question for about two years now.

What are Little Sunday’s greatest influences?

We all have different music backgrounds and influences but some standouts are definitely the Chilli Peppers, Sticky Fingers, Ocean Alley, Dope Lemon and Parcels. Along with the recent Dunedin music scene which includes bands like Marlin's Dreaming, Soaked Oats and Mild Orange.

You’ve had a lot of great shows since Little Sunday formed. What’s been your favourite so far?  

Definitely during our summer tour at 2 Mile Bay Sailing club in Taupo. We were perched on a stage overhanging the lake and the sun was setting behind us during our set, some seriously magical stuff. The crowd was also super into it!

What’s your dream gig?

Would love to play at Powerstation with some other local NZ acts like Mako Road or Daily J. We have all been to some incredible gigs there and the set up is amazing.

What vibe should people expect this Saturday? 

We've just had a look at the forecast and there's a high chance of shapes being cut all across the dancefloor through most of the evening. A gentle acoustic performance gives way to some jazzy goodness, followed by a heavy lashing of questionable dance moves, a foot tapping competition and even a limbo stick. To finish off the evening there's nothing but straight house bangers. Something for everyone i'd say!

Get your tickets for this Saturday’s Little Sunday show at eventbrite

Follow Little Easy on Instagram and Facebook for updates

LADY SHAKA - BRINGING ANCESTRAL SOUNDS AND HEART TO THE CLUB

If the world doesn’t know about Lady Shaka yet, they’re about to find out when her iconic Boiler Room set recorded at an incredible Filth party right here in Neck of the Woods drops this weekend. So for now allow us to introduce you to Shakaiah Perez aka Lady Shaka. The DJ who moves between her home of Aotearoa and her recently adopted home in London is Māori, Samoan, Tahitian, Tokelauan and Cape Verdean and belongs to multiple iwi - Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Rangi and Te-Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi. Lady Shaka DJ’d for the first three Filth club nights and returned to Aotearoa just in time for the most recent and most momentous Filth yet.

In the heady lead up to New Zealand’s first event to be recorded for the massive international platform that is Boiler Room, we sat down for a kōrero with Lady Shaka. We’ve known Shakaiah since before her DJing career when she was teaching dance classes and organising shows. So we were excited to catch up with Lady Shaka to talk about her journey from dancer to DJ to producer, her landmark Boiler Room set, and the growing community of Pasifika artists in London. The DJ is not just a great performer but a great storyteller and her story of going from working at Deliveroo to blagging her way to DJing in front of 10,000 people is one of the best stories we’ve had the pleasure of publishing on this blog.

NOTW: Welcome back to Aotearoa! Last time you were at Neck of the Woods was 5 years ago and you were throwing your own going away party to raise money for a potential dance career in the UK. And now you’ve returned instead with a thriving DJ career! Talk us through that shift in your focus.

LADY SHAKA: My main goal was to dance, be a choreographer, backup dancer, that’s the route that I was on. That’s what I’d been working towards all those years.  And somehow I ended up becoming a DJ! That became my new pathway and how I ended up getting on stages and performing for people.

NOTW: Was that an intentional change in direction? Talk us through how that happened.

LADY SHAKA: Watching people who I’d grown up with, who I’m very proud of, pursuing really huge dance careers in the States, back up dancers for Rihanna, J.Lo… And I was sitting in the UK like, oh my god … I’m working at Deliveroo. I’m taking people’s customer service complaints and I’m still not cracking it.  For the first two years I was a fucking starving artist, doing jobs I don’t like. I done some dance things but they weren’t big scale. I went through a bad breakup, and when that happened this new opportunity came up to work with a whole lot of other Black femmes and Black women and we created this amazing theatre show.

From there I started realising, holy shit there’s actually more out there than the commercial dance world”. I met more people and my path just constantly kept on changing. I was like, I don’t know where it’s taking me, I don’t know where my destiny is anymore but I’m going to let it take me to where I need to go. I feel like now I can finally see where I’m meant to go and why this purpose has become like a full circle. I was always destined to do something but I didn’t know at that stage that it didn’t have to be solely dance. I still love to dance when I DJ. There’s no way I’m not gonna run out and do a whole fucking routine and then run back to change the song. But DJing is something I can do where I don’t have to be behind someone else, I’m not on the side or backup for anyone. I can be front and centre and take charge of the stage, which I love to do. I love grabbing the mic like “make some fucking noise bitch!” 

NOTW: So you’ve moved from choreographing the stage to choreographing the whole dance floor instead.

LADY SHAKA: The whole thing! The whole thing.

NOTW: On one of your trips back home a couple years ago, you ended up on the first ever Filth lineup. Such great timing. Was that your first time DJing back in New Zealand?

LADY SHAKA: The first Filth was literally the first weekend after I’d flown home. The funny thing is it was actually my first proper gig. So I’d told everyone that I was this DJ from London, but really I’d only played at my leaving party in London. And it was at a club so I was like, technically I DJ’d at that club and randoms did come in (laughs). So, came back to New Zealand and just told people I was a DJ and I just started DJing gigs and then it just built from there. Shaqi and them were happy for me to do basically my debut proper set in front of a crowd. And it was great too because at the beginning no one was there and then midway through my set the whole club was PACKED and vibing. I was like (screams), twerking while I was DJing… I’d taught myself how to DJ using virtual DJ and then I used Shaq’s controller and was like oh my god this is so much easier! For ages I was just using virtual DJ and a controller for a lot of my gigs. But then I was like if I wanna book bigger gigs I have to learn how to use CD-Js. Cos for some reason in the UK if you can use CD-J then you’re a proper DJ. Which is bullshit but that’s the hierarchy.

NOTW: From there you headed back to the UK and started putting on the Pulotu Underworld club nights. How did those club nights come about?

LADY SHAKA: That came about with some people in the In*ter*is*land Collective I’m part of.

NOTW: For those of us who don’t know yet, what is the In*ter* is*land Collective?

LADY SHAKA: In*ter* is*land is a Pacific Island Arts Collective based in London. They bring together artists of pacific descent who come over. show case their art, run workshops. Being a part of that has really helped me to realise actually you don’t have to just be a dancer or just have to be a DJ. The opportunities that are available in the UK are limitless. I’ve found my own niche community in the UK where I feel supported and I can be my genuine self as much as I can here with my community in New Zealand.

London’s In*ter*is*land Collective

NOTW: How did Pulotu grow out of that collective?

In the UK there’s bare Pacific Islanders but we’re all so spread out, we don’t know each other, we don’t have anywhere to come together. The only time we come together is for like New Zealand government type things, or museums wanting to have Pacific Islanders come in for some thing. But we turn up and we don’t know each other. Also, we’ve got all this Pacific youth out there that are born and bred in the UK but don’t have anywhere to be with their people. So I was like, let me start a club night! Puloto is a space for and by Pacific people. With the values of no homophobia, no transphobia, no sexism, no racism. A space that is safe for everyone in the Pacific community but also having it open to people who want to learn about our music and our culture. Just creating a space for Pacific people to be unapologetically themselves and play our music.

NOTW: Then when lockdown meant parties and club nights couldn’t happen anymore you took Pulotu to the internet for live streamed parties and made it an international collaboration.

LADY SHAKA: I was like let’s do a Fiafia Zoom! I contacted a whole bunch of DJs here in Aotearoa too. Next thing you know we’ve got Filth DJs Halfqueen, Zeki, Pip (Native Bush), Brown Boy Magik, BBYFACEKILLA and all our DJs in the UK doing this intercultural, interconnection over the seas party together. We got to engage with so many different Pacific people from all across the globe. We had people from Guam, Hawaii, our UK lot, and in the States. My heart was missing home then, and a lot of our Pacific family in the UK were missing home and missing our whānau. To be able to be there and see my Dad dancing while I was DJing through a screen made me so grateful and so happy. And my Mum too … they both dressed up in their traditional outfits, my Dad had a frickin wig on! My aunt was getting her hair did at the hair salon in Australia and she was on the zoom party with the foils in her hair.

NOTW: Before lockdown happened, all these videos popped up online of you DJing for well known rapper IAMDDB as well as video of the two of you dancing together on stage in front of thousands of people. How did that happen?! For someone who blagged her way into her first proper gig, that was such an incredible move and really cool to watch happening as part of your journey.

LADY SHAKA: She put up on Instagram she was looking for a new female DJ so I sent through a message and didn’t hear anything for months. Then in February last year they messaged asking me to come in for an interview. So I turned up, I didn’t have any DJ gear with me. I’d brought a USB just in case but I went there thinking I was just going for an interview. I get there and there’s all these female DJs and they’re actually DJing and I’m like, oh my god I don’t have any gear! Everyone there to audition seemed really nervous, like they were all dead quiet. I was like if you guys psych me out it I’m just gonna ruin me so I’m just gonna keep talking, cracking jokes, asking everyone how their day’s going…. 

Lady Shaka & IAMDDB - click the image for the video of this triumph!

So I was talking to D and we were getting along because I was just chatting a whole bunch of shit and she said she wished I had my gear. And then I was like wait, does your PA have a laptop? She was like yeah and I was like well there’s a controller there … So I chucked in my USB and just freestyled and had the best time. Me, her, and her two best friends were all twerking while I was DJing. I couldn’t believe what was happening! It was organic. That connection we had initially was insane. The next day I got a message saying hey you’re being called back to come just have a talk. I turned up and they asked if I was available to DJ a gig in Switzerland that weekend! I just put my hand up like, yep! I’m free I’m free I’m free. I went home shaking. Went in for one rehearsal, took the day off the next day so I could practice my set. Then I flew to Switzerland and DJ’d for 10,000 people. 

To get my nerves down before the show, I started playing some dancehall and I was just winning up in front of the mirror to get myself calm. And D heard it and told me to put it in the set and then on stage we just organically started wining together.

NOTW: Such a great story. A real testament to resourceful wāhine and believing in yourself.

LADY SHAKA: Period! I am not letting this opportunity go out the door. We’re gonna work with what we’ve got.

NOTW: Which brings us really nicely full circle to the fact that you’re back in Aotearoa, on the Filth lineup again but with a whole lot more experience and about to DJ for Boiler Room. The first Boiler Room to ever be filmed in New Zealand. Talk us through how that.

LADY SHAKA: I was screaming when Shaqi (Filth DJ and organiser Halfqueen) told me. I was in quarantine and Shaq messaged me about the gig. I was running around my hotel room screaming like, what the fuck?! I rang everyone in London like GUESS WHAT?! It’s like every DJs dream to DJ on Boiler Room. And for me it was like, oh my god New Zealand’s very first Boiler Room is gonna be run by a Black, brown, queer, trans, intersex beautiful collective that are gonna put on the most amazing party. I remember back in the day we were just kind of starting out, and people literally laughed at us for using controllers or using Virtual DJ. And now all these DJs are gonna choke because we’re fucking doing Boiler Room (laughs)! And how cool is it that it’s gonna be queer Pasifika?!

NOTW: One of the communities you’re connected to and get a lot of support from is the local Ballroom community. Does this opportunity mean some of the amazing people from that scene will get some international visibility?

Filth is the same night as the Iman Ball but I found out that Jaycee (mother of the House of Iman) messaged the femme queen chat “Once the ball’s finished we’re all going to Filth so we can support Lady Shaka. Femme Queen DJ and we all need to support her”. That for me is so beautiful. That support from that part of my community there. “We’re gonna be here and we’re gonna vogue around for you and give you all the aroha for your set”. I cried when I found out.

NOTW: Finally, let’s talk about what you’re doing while you’re back in Aotearoa. Tell us about the Pasifika music project you’re coming back to work on.

I’ve been funded by the Arts Council England to do this project. It’s called “Oro Ancestral sounds of the Pacific”. Essentially the idea of my whole project is to learn taonga puoro (Māori indigenous instruments), to learn the different Pacific drums and how I can utilise them in my mixing, enhance my skills in ukulele but then also to produce a new Pacific club sound. I’m essentially trying to make a new genre of music using traditional sounds but in a sense where I could play it in a club and people are gonna be dancing to it. 

NOTW: Moving into this path as a producer, what sounds are inspiring you?

I’m really inspired by the drums. Reggaeton has that really consistent drum beat, and then you’ve got like afro music that has all the different types of drums. For me, our Pacific drumming is so unique. Even the way our scaling happens. The beats aren’t always a count of 8. They might be a count of 6 or a count of 5. It’s kind of ...off. So, I found it really challenging to mix Pacific music together. I love our Otara Market Off The Hook Volume 1 remixes that you get, I’m here for all of it. I was inspired by that because I love the joy and happiness that brings our people. But also inspired by the new sounds that happen… like, all the voguing music, the sounds that I love. I even tried mixing drumming in with heavy metal and electric guitars. I want to create something that’s different but I want our Pacific people to love it but I also want it to be universal.

You can follow Lady Shaka’s journey on Instagram . Keep an eye out on Boiler Room’s Youtube page for that Filth Boiler Room set coming out soon.

Interview and story by

Rebekah Bristow

DYLAN C FINDING THE SWEET SPOT

This weekend Propa and the Ghost Soundsystem are staging a takeover here at Neck of the Woods. For two nights in a row, you’ll get to experience just one DJ taking you on a sonic journey for 6 hours. Wellington’s Benny Salvador is first up on Friday night (and you can read our interview with him here) and on Saturday night Auckland’s own Dylan C is taking the reigns. You might know Dylan C for his DnB sets here at Neck of the Woods, his hip hop sets back in the day at places like Rakinos (RIP) or from his years hosting the breakfast show on Base FM and then Music For The People. If you’re lucky you might know Dylan from his days shredding guitar in a metal band. One thing that everyone will know him for is his ability to pick up a dance floor and take everyone on a journey. We sat down with Dylan C and asked him what his plans are for our ears, our bodies and our souls this weekend.

First of all, WHY did you agree to do a 6 hour set?

Partly because it's happening at Neck of the Woods and partly because I really wanted to play through the Ghost Soundsystem. I’d seen photos of it being set up at various places before but I hadn’t had a chance to hear it myself. Then getting asked to do a full night on it was too good an offer to refuse.

I set myself a challenge a few months ago to only play through good speakers and only accept gigs where the production is at a particular level. So I’ve said no to a bunch of gigs because you know, I’ve got to a point where I want what I put out to actually sound the way it's supposed to sound and not be compromised with the production. 

Have you had gigs where you know you had a good set but it was let down by bad quality sound?

I’ve been playing long enough so yeah it happens and there's nothing more disheartening. It gets to a certain point where it's up to you to make that decision - do you want to keep playing through those ones or draw a line in the sand like - this standard or above. 

A lot of people may not be aware you play and have always played a lot of different genres. Do you find that certain genres are really sensitive to having a good soundsystem?

I guess those years of playing beats and hip hop, people recognise a sound or a beat or a lyric, and that’s what jumps out at them and carries that music in a way. Whereas drum n bass for instance is very producer orientated music. Two thirds of the tune is in the low end and the rest is in the mids and highs so when you don’t have a system that’s carrying the bulk of that music, you’re not hearing the music for what it actually is

Some of the inspiration behind Propa and these solo DJ gigs on the Ghost Soundsystem, is a throwback to those days when clubs could stay open till after the sun came up and DJs had more time to play these really long sets. These days, in most New Zealand clubs anyway, the 2 hour set has become standard. So, as someone who’s career has spanned both eras, what does the opportunity to play 6 hours straight mean to you?

I’ve played long bar sets before to a crowd that’s maybe not so engaged, or not a dance floor anyway. So, long sets I’m quite used to but adding that pressure of a dance floor for 6 hours and keeping people in the zone is much more of a challenge. I go back to that era of touring internationals like Doc Scott who came out and did a 5 hour set in Wellington back in the day. Those are very formative gigs in my mind. Now we get touring internationals who play 90 minutes, 2 hour sets if we’re lucky and that’s become the norm.

I think it’s a really good switch up to be able to not just play 2 hours of power tunes but actually show your full range. Move in and out of styles, dynamics and volume. At certain points, it’s actually refreshing to dial it back a little bit, give the room some space to breathe before winding it back up, and giving the volume a bit more impact when it’s really needed. Something you're less likely to do when you’ve only got a 2 hour set. 

I’ve played warm up sets from when the doors open at 10PM, I’ve played peak time sets at 1AM in the club, and I’ve played closing sets. Each one requires a different approach. You’re setting up for the night early on, you’re delivering for when it really hits capacity in the middle but if you’re closing you really have to find a way to keep those late night people on the dance floor. So I’ll be pulling into those various experiences of my own. I’m warming up for myself but I’m also trying to keep people there once I've thrown down the main party set.

What’s your game plan for making that happen?

I want to do that by playing a range of different BPMs. I enjoy playing 4/4 at a slower tempo like 110 bpm and then moving that up through the range in the warm up. But then also thinking I’ve got a lot of records here so I want to play a vinyl set but narrowing it down to UK dubstep from 2007, 8, 9. Before going back into Serato and playing a tight DnB set. And then keeping it quite open at the end of the night to just read and see who’s still in the crowd and what kind of vibe can I throw out there to keep them entertained and tuned in. 

You’re well known for your ability to read the vibes on a dance floor. How do you read the crowd?

If you look up and you’re lucky enough to recognise some of your audience and you know them - sometimes I’ll throw out tunes for specific people cos I know they dig this particular tune. Other times you just have to gauge the energy. I like throwing in curveballs to kind of reset the floor, give people a lull - now it’s time to get a drink, now let’s go to the bathroom. And then I can rebuild the dance floor again. I don't mind if it thins out if I play a particular tune because that tune’s going to help me bridge to somewhere else. It might be three songs but three songs later I’ve brought it back up again and we’re heading in a different direction.

Also though, I can't help it. My ear sometimes goes towards quite weird or abstract tunes which I believe in but maybe can be a little disorientating on the dance floor - initially. But maybe it might be a 9 minute tune and it takes 6 minutes to prove its worth to the audience. That payoff is worth it at that 6 minute point but you can’t rush that process because it's a real linear journey. So sometimes you need to go: ok I know it sounds weird now but trust me, the payoff is worth it. You need to give it time to work its magic. It can’t be rushed. 

What kind of sounds can people look forward to in your set this weekend?
Definitely if you’re into 4/4, a kind of deeper organic house, melodic techno … that’s going to be how we’re going to build up from the start. Then I'm thinking I'm going to drop in a bit of dubstep on vinyl around midnight-ish but by 1AM we’ll be fully going into some classic DnB and then yeah a bit of just see where the late night takes us for the late night rinse out crew.

A lot of Neck of the Woods regulars will know you as a DnB DJ. But you started out as a metal guitarist and really you’ve DJ’d a multitude of genres throughout your career- whether it’s in the club, on the radio, or at a festival. Is there any genre that you won’t touch?

Mainstream EDM and pop - that’s basically my line in the sand.  My philosophy is always only play a track that you would listen to. It’s quite interesting, at Northern Bass, for instance, to hear so much commercial music played in these sets. That kind of surprised me. People were almost less about laying down their personality and more about just appeasing the crowd. And I get that. At a festival, you've got to throw down and no one wants the crowd to thin out but I think there's the opportunity there to really kind of say this is who I am and this is what I play.

I’m playing a lot less than I ever have before. That’s partly due to months in lockdown but even before lockdown happened I’d already made a decision to only play tunes and only say yes to sets where I could fully just express what I want musically and not have to be like a DJ for hire kind of situation. I've done that in the past and it's allowed me to get to the point where I am now. But now I've retired those tunes and those sets because they're ultimately not rewarding in the way that these other ones have been. 

Some people have never been to a soundsystem gig. How would you describe that experience people out there who might not understand what’s special about a specially built rig like the Ghost?

I think with something like the Ghost, based on you know, it's a ratio of subs to highs - you're going to really feel the difference. You’re going to be feeling the weight of that, you’re going to almost feel the air move as those kinds of frequencies move their way through the room. But with a good sound system you can also have a conversation with the person next to you on the dance floor. It's powerful enough to make you move but not messing around in the highs where you have to kind of yell to talk to the person next to you. Maybe people have only heard house and techno on the Ghost but haven’t experienced UK bass music on the system so here’s a chance to put it through its paces.

How is it different as a DJ playing on a soundsystem?

I've been lucky enough to play on some beautiful soundsystems around the country whether they be in a club or at a festival or put together for an occasion. And each soundsystem has its own personality and it can take a little time to kind of acquaint yourself with that particular rig. You know some hit you in a different way -  like a really kind of weighty bass.  Like a lot of those reggae soundsystems - really bass-heavy bass weight. Whereas others are just really tight and really high fidelity and really crisp. So you kind of just got to approach each one like ok, where's the sweet spot in this particular rig? What are it’s limitations, are there limitations?  If I throw down a super low note - how's the soundsystem going to handle it?  Also if I'm putting through some fast high hats, if I’m in the mix with DnB, how is that going to translate?

As much as I want to put tunes through at volume I think it's also an opportunity to really be immersed in the sound where if it’s at a certain point where it's too much to actually roll it back. So it's a really dynamic night of sound and the journey. 

What kind of energy, vibes or expectations should people come down with on Saturday night?

Come down with an open mind musically, good vibes only on the dance floor, express yourself, and be prepared to just experience the whole night.

Don’t miss out! Get tickets to Dylan C’s 6 hour set on the Ghost Soundsystem now

BENNY SALVADOR MAKE THE PEOPLE MOVE

This weekend the Ghost Soundsystem is bringing Propa to Neck of the Woods with two nights of epic six hour DJ sets. You might’ve experienced the Ghost System down here already at Ok Listen - a call back to the loud abandon of early 90s rave culture featuring a diverse range of house and techno DJs. Propa parties however give one DJ the space to play one 6 hour long set. The concept is still somewhat an embrace of the past, recalling a time when NZ clubs could stay open till the sun came up and DJs weren’t restricted to a 2 hour set. Dylan C is playing Saturday night but Wellington’s Benny Salvador is kicking off the Propa/Ghost takeover on Friday night with his own 6 hour journey. We caught up with Benny to talk about his new EP and record label, his recent decision to leave school to focus on music and what playing a 6 hour set on a big rig like the Ghost means to him.

Kia ora Benny Salvador! First off - what are you looking forward to about having a six hour set to yourself? 

I follow a lot of DJs like Theo Parrish and Mr Scruff who will ONLY play for 5 or 6 hours. It’s quite a standard overseas. And I find myself really enjoying those sets. It gives you a chance to really expand the music and get to all the parts you wouldn’t usually hit and just fully tell a story. 

You can get into it a lot more, create more ups and downs. It’s better for both the crowd and DJ. 

You said in another interview that you try to put dancers first and think about how they’ll relate to what you’re creating or playing. It’s a rare skill being able to actually pick up on the vibe on a dance floor and play to that. How do you get that right?  

I feel like I’ve spent enough time on dance floors … and also just watching. You can see a lot more of the dance floor from the DJ booth. You can pick up on the energy in the room and know what they want.

You make it sound so simple and yet a lot of DJs can’t get that right.

I think that’s partly because a lot of DJs just end up getting way too drunk (laughs). And I don’t want to name any names but some DJs don’t play to the crowd because they’re too busy playing to themselves.

This week, we're joined by some rising stars in NZ's dance scene. As a teen, Auckland's Clay Louis threw raves in abandoned factories around Auckland. Now, he helms the Eleventh Realm series of parties across the city, and has a rep for his own percussive productions and DJ sets. Benny Salvador's sets are the product of an innate curiosity & a childhood steeped in music. They've contributed to his meteoric rise - he has played for Splore for the last 3 years, runs his own "Friends with Benefits" club night at Club 121, and regularly plays across the country. And all while managing to make it to high school each week. Follow Clay Louis: @clay_louis *Clay Louis* Claude Young - Brutal 2 [Djax-Up-Beats] Surgeon - La Real Part 3 [Counterbalance] Diskoid - Rue East [Pure Plastic] Clay Louis - Novichok Randomer - Percussion Workout 1 [Clone Basement Series] Ken Ishii - Extra (Luke Slater Remix) [R & S Records] Steve Stoll - Model T [NovaMute] Samuel L Session - Cool Out Corners [SLS] Deetron - Decipher Language [Intec Records] DJ Hell - Allerseelen(Jeff Mills Remix)[Disko B] Peter Sliwinsky & Lukasz Wydrzynski - Ultrasound [Soleil Records] Runnings Part 7 Versions - Bandulu [Foundation Sound Works ] Sterac - Primus [100% Pure] Joel Mull - Untitled [Inside] Jeroen Liebregts - Templates (Christian Wünsch Remix) [Audio Assault] Mijk van Dijk & Thomas Schumacher - Delivery(Joel Mull Remix)[Inside] The Advent - Untitled (Mark Broom Rue East Mix) [Kombination Research] Claude Young - Mind Dance Themo [Utensil Records] *Benny Salvador* --No Tracklist--

Did you make your most recent EP ‘Wat Shu’ during lockdown?

Yeah I sort of finished it up and decided to start the label over lockdown.

What inspired you to start your own record label?

I tend to sit on things I’m working on for a while but I realised I could just release it myself.

It also means I don’t have that excuse of “a record label might not like this song”... I can just put it out. You don’t have to care what other people think as much. If I believe in it I can release it.

So, you produced Wat Shu yourself? 

Yeah, I was working with my Uncle Riki (Ed: that’s Riki Gooch to the rest of us) a lot, who’s my mentor, my musical teacher. He’s been my helping hand as far as pushing me in the right direction. He taught me how to use Abelton when I was quite young and got me into making beats. It’s quite a science so it was quite helpful having someone who’s so good at it….

You’ve got some amazing musicians on that EP - Riki Gooch, Dan Hayles, Sam Lindsay, Lucien Johnson and it’s all mixed by Mu. That’s a lot of really talented uncles. 

I’m very lucky! And really lucky all those uncles actually want to work with me. And they’ve just had far more time playing than I have.

So how did you ensure your own Benny Salvador sound when there are all these heavyweights in the studio? 

It’s hard when you’re creating music by yourself, or with 2 or 3 people even, to be like, oh that’s a “sound”. I was definitely taking a lot of influence from all my favourite Detroit techno producers but when you have other musicians come play you get hot off the sound. Like, ok this sounds great!

It sounds like it’s way more of an unconscious thing.

Yeah, you don’t really think of it like that. Or you only think about it deep down… It’s funny sometimes my mum walks down to the studio and she says it’s like I’m totally zoned out. She’s like “you’re all mouth breathing, so wide-eyed”. She says I’ll come up after a few hours and just want some toast or something” (laughs)

I don’t go to school anymore so that’s all I do now.

When did you leave school? 

I dropped out this year (2020). I didn’t have that much hope in getting through school online. I knew I’d just be making beats anyway so I thought ok, maybe it’s time I just started releasing music and focusing my energy there. Luckily my dad couldn’t really tell me off for trying to be a muso.

You already mentioned the science of beat making so you’re probably learning more doing this…

I feel like I’m using my brain a lot more. I think I’m way more capable to learn when I’m doing it at my own speed. Especially because I was playing gigs so, getting home at 3AM and then spending six hours making beats and then trying to go to school in the morning… Not the most healthy lifestyle.

Photo: Dylan Biscuit

Have you played on the Ghost before? 

Yeah at Catacombs in the Winter Gardens. It was great. Also like, if you’re playing on a system like that it’s a great time to check all the beats you’ve been making at home. Make sure they all sound good. Until you get onto a system like that and you’re like “woah that sounds really good!” or “that needs some work”. 

And then you add a couple hundred bodies to the room….

If people are moving to it, that always makes you feel quite good about it. Like, alright sweet at least it makes people dance.

Come experience all this for yourself this Friday. Tickets and more info : https://www.facebook.com/events/411027603646563

On Repeat This Week

This weekend is our last for the year so here at The Woods we’re all gearing up for a big blowout care of Filth on Friday and then The Boog on Saturday. As usual we’ve all got at least one song on repeat to fuel the hustle and grind. This week our favourite songs range from hypnotic stripped back electro, through to big afrobeat sounds, 80s soul, some classic DnB, house and more.

SOHN - THE WHEEL

Max (Bar Manager) - “I've been hooked on song after stumbling upon it last week, find it absolutely hypnotic”

Listen to The Wheel on Spotify. SOHN · Song · 2014.

THE GAP BAND - OUTSTANDING

Rebekah (Community Manager) - “The Boog is back! So I’ve been digging into my favourite 80s joints and this song really is on one. Gotta get up and dance every time”

Listen to Outstanding - Original 12" Mix on Spotify. The Gap Band · Song · 1994.

IZO FITZROY, ART OF TONES - BLIND FAITH

Josh (Creative Director) - “This is my jam of the week!”

Listen to Blind Faith - Art of Tones Remix on Spotify. Izo FitzRoy · Song · 2020.

WURLD - NATIONAL ANTHEM (GROWING WINGS)

Sarin (NOTW Aunty) - “WurlD aka Sadiq Onifade is from Atlanta via Lagos - and it sounds like it”

Listen to NATIONAL ANTHEM (GROWING WINGS) on Spotify. WurlD · Song · 2020.

DBRIDGE & CALIBRE - PONDEROSA

Courtnee (Bar Manager) - “For the love of drum and bass! My fave song of the week because I am playing a set at Northern Bass on the 31st for Liquid Lowdown”

The Gemini Principle (CD Format) dBridgeThe debut album from D Bridge is finally upon us. After well over 10 years of producing as part of Future Forces and...

DOMINIC FIKE - CANCEL ME

Jonah (NOTW Co-Owner) - “This should be the theme for 2020”

Listen to Cancel Me on Spotify. Dominic Fike · Song · 2020.

On Repeat This Week

It has been hot hot in Tāmaki Makaurau the last few days and you can hear it in our song choices this week - decidedly more chill and languid in a way that’s leaning towards sexy. Play these songs in the below order and it’s like the first half is reaching out to you and slowly swaying you out of your seat till you’re in the second half dancing your heart out to disco then rock then coming back down to earth with some spooky electronica.

ARLO PARKS - COLA

Josh’s favourite song this week (Creative Director)

“Jamming this with my girls on the morning school drop off . We all love her!!”

Listen to Cola on Spotify. Arlo Parks · Song · 2018.

THE ISLEY BROTHERS FT. MOS DEF - BEAUTY IN THE DARK (GROOVE WITH YOU)

Rebekah’s favourite song this week (Community Manager/Socials)

“The warm balmy nights this week have got me sitting on my balcony trying to catch a breeze, playing this song out into the jasmine scented darkness. Put this on when you’re on the happy come downs”

Listen to Beauty In The Dark (Groove With You) - Mos Def on Spotify. The Isley Brothers · Song · 2004.

TEAM DYNAMITE FT LOUIS BAKER - DRAGON FRUIT

Sarin’s favourite song this week (NOTW Aunty)

“It’s officially summer and nothing says a north island summer to me like Team Dynamite. Dragon Fruit feat Louis Baker is the epitome of lush and it’s getting me in the MOOD”

Listen to Dragon Fruit on Spotify. Team Dynamite · Song · 2020.

DJ SHADOW FT. MOS DEF - SIX DAYS

Max’s favourite song this week (Bar Team)

“I've been enjoying this, the original DJ Shadow track is an old favourite and Mos Def’s addition really adds a fantastic new layer to it”

Listen to Six Days - Remix on Spotify. DJ Shadow · Song · 2002.

DEBBIE JACOBS - DON’T YOU WANT MY LOVE

Hudge’s favourite song this week (Event Manager)

“Getting real excited about The Boog and have had this playing at home, in the car and whenever I get a chance ... proper sunshine disco - NB MUST BE PLAYED LOUD”

Listen to Don't You Want My Love - Remastered on Spotify. Debbie Jacobs · Song · 2017.

THE BETHS - FUTURE ME HATES ME

Niwa’s favourite song this week (DJ, Bar Team)

“I find this song very relatable! It’s about being so heartbroken by all of your previous relationships that you never want to fall in love again. But then you meet someone that makes you think it’s worth the possible heartbreak and future you hating you for”

Listen to Future Me Hates Me on Spotify. The Beths · Song · 2018.

BALLAD OF NICKY MCGUIRE - THE SABRES OF PARADISE

Jonah’s favourite song this week (Co-Owner)

“I’ve been spending a lot of this year deep in the Andrew Weatherall back catalogue since he passed. This gem from 1994 still sounding fresh over 25yrs later, and has been getting a lot of airtime with me”

Listen to Ballad of Nicky McGuire on Spotify. The Sabres Of Paradise · Song · 1994.

On Repeat This Week / YEAR

We were in the middle of gathering everyone’s favourite songs of the week when Spotify Wrapped dropped so we thought it’d be more fun to expose - ok fine, share - what everyone’s really had on repeat this year.

These are the songs that got us through lockdowns and helped us celebrate seeing friends and family again.

SiR - D’EVILS

Rebekah’s pick (Socials and Community Manager)

“My top streamed song for 2020 is exactly the same as my top streamed song for 2019 …literally undefeated! If you don’t already know why then click play and get these vibes in your life”

Listen to D'Evils on Spotify. SiR · Song · 2018.

LOVV66 - REDD EYESS (TONY WHITE PROD.)

Hudge’s pick (NOTW Event Manager)

Listen to Redd Eyess - Tony White Prod. on Spotify. LOVV66 · Song · 2019.

VILLAGERS - THE WAVES (PSYCHEMAGIK REMIX)

Max’s pick (NOTW Bar Staff)

Max actually gave us what turned out to be his top song of 2020 last week, so we’ve allowed his second most streamed song of the year to make the list.

Listen to The Waves - Psychemagik Remix on Spotify. Villagers · Song · 2013.

DIMENSION, TS GRAYE - REMEDY

Joshua’s pick (NOTW Bar Staff)

“Bit of a somber one but bear with me. Broke up with my now ex girlfriend the day of The Upbeats in October, which was also the day this song came out. Jeremy played the vocal of it and it hit different, Levi and I had a bit of a moment behind bar and I listened to it the whole way home, so I’ll always remember it for that”

Listen to Remedy (feat. TS Graye) on Spotify. Dimension · Song · 2020.

NATHAN MICAY - IF THE WORLD’S STILL HERE ON MONDAY

Jonah’s pick (NOTW Owner)

Listen to If The World's Still Here On Monday on Spotify. Nathan Micay · Song · 2020.

MIRANDA LAMBERT - BLUEBIRD (ACOUSTIC)

Sarin’s pick (NOTW Aunty)

”Given the state of the world it’s no surprise I had this one on repeat, an anthem for surviving the hand you’re dealt: “if the house just keeps on winning, got a wildcard up my sleeve”

Listen to Bluebird - Acoustic on Spotify. Miranda Lambert · Song · 2020.

On Repeat This Week

This year our love of music has been working harder than ever getting us through each day and each week. Finding a song that ups your serotonin every time you hear it is priceless in this current climate. So starting today different members of the Neck of the Woods team are going to share their favourite song of the week. A mix of genres, a mix of throwbacks and new releases, upbeat or laid back - they’re the songs we’ve had on repeat all week.

Morcheeba - Blaze Away (Throwing Snow Remix)

Max’s pick (NOTW Bar Staff)

Listen to Blaze Away - Throwing Snow Remix on Spotify. Morcheeba · Song · 2019.

enny - peng black girls

Hudge’s pick (NOTW Event Manager)

“Love it … Pure South London vibes”

teeks - here before

Sarin’s pick (NOTW Aunty/Consultant/Fixer)

“This new one from Teeks showcases one of the most unique vocal tones in Aotearoa, and his growing confidence as a songwriter, artist, and public voice”

Listen to Here Before on Spotify. TEEKS · Song · 2020.

Fantastic Negrito, E-40 - Searching For Captain Save A Hoe

Josh’s pick (NOTW Creative Thinker)

Listen to Searching For Captain Save A Hoe on Spotify. Fantastic Negrito · Song · 2020.

Beenie Man, Mya - Girls Dem Sugar

Rebekah’s pick (Socials & Community Manager)

“My number one goal this summer is to be on a packed sweaty dance floor swinging my hips into someone while this song plays”

"MAKE IT FUCKING EPIC"

After closing our doors almost two months ago, we’re finally back open this weekend with an incredible three nights of gigs culminating in the ultimate climax of OK LISTEN on Saturday night. We catch up with The Ghost Soundsystem’s Andi Numan to talk about the epic soundsystem made with Andi’s brother, the equally epic lineup for this Saturday’s show (DJs BbyFaceKilla, Peach Milk, Native Bush, Dylan Biscuit, Clay Louis and Go Nuclear playing live!) and the joy in putting on one of the first Level 1 parties.

First of all, what is The Ghost? 

 The Ghost is a hand built soundsystem I built with my brother over a few years. It’s 2.6 meters high, weighs over a tonne and looks like a sonic weapon.

Technically,  it’s a 5 way horn loaded soundsystem (Subwoofers, Kick bins, Mid bass, Mids, Highs). The high speakers are big three way horns with 7 drivers that you can’t really see. In the middle of the stack are a set of 15” “kick bins that give it that chest punching bass. The subwoofers at the bottom have a 4.5 meter long horn path folded into each box so they do super low bass with clean musical tones. The ways it’s designed means your ear perceives each stack as a single point source of sound. There’s nothing quite like this combined system in the world as far as I know.

There are some great DJs on the lineup, how did you pick them?

They are a sick bunch of talent. They all have great musical depth and diversity - true music lovers. I want OK LISTEN to cross genres and I think for that the DJs need to dig deep and be able to move in different directions. Many of them are musicians as well and I have a soft spot for that. Go Nuclear will play live.

OK Listen has been described as “the basement rave of your dreams”. Is old school basement rave culture an influence?

Yes very much. I grew up going to raves around Auckland in the 90’s. I miss that type of abandon, raw energy and passion. I’ve spent a lot of time later in basement clubs. I had a residency in a couple of basement clubs in Seoul over several years. I also did the sound installs for a basement club called Cakeshop in Seoul that has done very well. 

Would it be accurate to say you’re now reclaiming that culture in a way?

Looking back I think I took for granted how much time and space I had for art, music and dance. It’s harder for people to find that now, and 2020 took it to another level. I think the culture is there and I’m helping reclaim the needed space for people to be inspired, come together and culture to thrive. People need to work harder and work together to maintain this now. It doesn’t come so easy. It’s been good to have my system out at the Friendly Potential parties. They have that intention.

Native Bush

What kind of music and vibe should people expect this weekend?

Everyone’s fizzing to get out and move and scream. It’s gonna be raw banging house, rave and techno on a massive soundsystem. It’s perfect. People are going to go nuts.

Like a lot of gigs on our calendar, OK LISTEN has been scheduled and rescheduled due to lockdowns. How does it feel to be throwing one of the first gigs when we reopen the doors to the club this weekend?

Kinda sacred. I feel like the party gods are saying, “make it fucking epic.”

Follow OK Listen on Facebook and Instagram

OK Listen and The Ghost System are coming to Neck of the Woods this Saturday.

Get tickets to this weekend’s show and scroll down for a Go Nuclear guest mix!



Niall Power 1st Hour Track Listings. Hashim - The Soul Hashim - Primrose Path Sem - Phox IF - Secret Desire Bangkok Impact -111 Alden Tyrell - Disco Lunar Module Cyan 85 - Bay of Sampieri Carl Finlow - Circuitous Dynarec - The Lost Souls The Exaltics / Heinrich Mueller - Dimensional Shift Max Durante / Keith Tucker - Digital System Auxmen - We Rock Like This Juan Atkins - Outer Space instrumental DJedjotronic - #1 # 0 # 3 Malestrom & Louisahhh - Ascender Galaxy Lane - Silver Brenecki Revitalize - Stentorian Echoes Maurice - This is Acid Fast Eddie Mix - Acid Thunder Laurent Garnier - Flashback ---------------------------------------------------- GO NUCLEAR Tracklisting: Get Em Down - Crazy Leggs Turn It Up DJ - DJ Maaco / Detroit In Effect U R My Love - Garneau X DJ Failure Get On It - DJ Magic Mike Rock So Hard - Rich Lee Orietta's Theme - Alan Oldham DJ's Pump It Up - M.C. LO X Ray Vizion (Remix) - Nate Krafft Tech One - EDMX Sloppy Duck And Balls Remix - Booty-Buster Killing Quasar - DreBrown Time Elapsed - Cyan85 Hot Trax - Go Nuclear (forthcoming on Applied Research) Generator - Club Cab Chu Chu Train - Booty-Buster Can You Feel It - Disco Rick Techno Thuggin - Dick Whyte & Tha Nasty Boys Bitch I Hope The Fuck You Do - DJ FLUFF313 Reprogram - DJ Maaco / Detroit In Effect Lotus Turbo - Formally Unknown Who Can Shake (The Best) - MC Reedy LILKREEPSWERVEON - YNGXSLF I Wanna - X-Ile C'mon Babe - Agency Of X Feminine Energy - Club Cab House Of Flying Daggers - Dagga Amphetadream - DJ Lucid Pheel The Bass - Go Nuclear Do Dat Danze - Mac Time Do You Want To Get Down (vocal De Void) - Transllusion Tha Freaks - YNGXSLF Getchyo Acapella - Turbo Tom Dot Dot Dash - Chaos Got This Feeling - P-Dog Shake Junt - Raw Takes T.I.O. (Take It Off) - Naquil Techno Sole - Sole Tech Head Together - DJ Marquis GV-4 (Jules Wells Remix)- Jules Wells Mirage - Paul Blackford Chase Your Mind - Cyan85