 |
Music Plus with |
Excuse me for veering off track recently – blame the collision of a plethora of trivia and the attention span of a gnat.
However, we’re back to core business this week, examining the manifold pleasures of Tauranga’s music scene. Things are slowing down a little bit, with it being too expensive to leave the house let alone tour the country. But since we’ve hit a new month, let’s have a look at some of the treats May has on offer. There’s a bit of everything...
It is, of course, New Zealand Music Month, so kicking things off is a gig by Tauranga singer-songwriter Sophie-Maude at the library space in town at 21 Devonport Rd on the evening of May 8.
Self-expression
Sophie-Maude is developing quite the following. Drawing from her experiences living with Autism, ADHD, OCD, and Tourette syndrome, she uses songwriting as a form of self-expression. What is most impressive is that heavy and challenging though that sounds what she produces is very accessible involving pop electronica. Her latest release, Hotel Lobby, is a perfectly crafted example of this though her several singles, stretching back to 2020, all stand up.
She first played at the library four years ago, winning everyone over with her storytelling, humour, and charm. This time she’ll be accompanied by guitarist Ian Pirrie and will talk about her own journey with songwriting and music.
Sophie-Maude. Photo / Nicholas Charles Photography
The next night, May 9, there’s Kiwi music at Ōkahukura, the Bohemian gallery in town at 14 Grey St, where Auckland-based alternative rock outfit Capricore make their Tauranga debut I believe. They have a new album ready to go and team up with local bands Velouria and Eddie & the Dreamers for a night of musical eccentricity.
But it’s later in May that things really take off, and I mention this early because you might need to plan ahead.
Like no one else
On May 21 there’s a guitarist coming to Totara Street called Alexandr Misko. He’s Russian and plays acoustic guitar. Like no one else. Total Guitar described him as “the future of guitar” and all I can say is have a look on YouTube. This guy is simply unbelievable. Incredible. The blurb says: “Misko is a globally renowned virtuoso known for his jaw-dropping technique, emotional depth, and genre-defying style”. I couldn’t put it better. Damn, the guy can play.
On May 22 there are gleeful noise-makers doing the bizzo down at The Jam Factory: hi-energy Waihi punk-popsters Not Exact will be joined by new Tauranga four-piece kincaid, who cite Queens of the Stone Age and Sonic Youth as influences, and post-punk poetess and songstress StellaVision for a couple of hours of alternative heaven.
Meanwhile, that weekend happens to be Uncle Bob’s birthday, so a new outfit, The Dylanistas, is celebrating by playing The Songs Of Bob Dylan. Or at least a few dozen of them. You’ll find them in Katikati at The Arts Junction on May 22 and at Tauranga’s Jam Factory on May 23. And there's more. But it’ll have to wait...
Hear Winston’s latest Playlist: