(PR.co.nz) May is New Zealand Music Month, a promotion run by the NZ Music Commission. It is a celebration of our Kiwi artists and aims to boost the visibility and success of New Zealand music. Bands from all over the country and media of all kinds will be gearing up this month to get behind NZ Music Month and promote Kiwi music.
One band in particular, 1814 will be on the road celebrating NZ Music Month as the support act for 10 time Grammy Award winning THIRD WORLD, one of the biggest reggae bands in the world.
.
Since the release of their debut album Jah Rydem, 1814 is enjoying a consistent following from around the world. The music on Jah Rydem is described as having an upbeat, funky, R&B, roots reggae feel. Whakahonohono Mai, was the most played song on Maori Radio in 2010.
Inspired after playing music in church for several years, Singer and guitarist Patu Colbert, who for years played as a drummer in rock and funk bands, says the band is tapping into the international interest in Maori-flavoured reggae. Patu started playing with sons Shaun and Jimmy around 2004 as a family musical trio playing gigs around Northland and supporting local community events. As the popularity of the band grew, Patu brought in people to fulfil the sound he was wanting to incorporate into the music.
Patu propositioned his nephew Darren Katene to become the bands lead singer. With the exceptional lead vocals of Darren, who was a contestant in year three of New Zealand Idol, the bands strength is enhanced even more as he delivers effortlessly a smooth entourage of songs that are sure to keep you up on your feet skanking and grooving all night.
The band takes its name from the year Samual Marsden brought the Gospel to New Zealand in the year 1814 and the first sermon in Aotearoa was preached in a place called Oihi on Christmas Day. The inspiration behind the name was sharing the word of peace, love and unity to all people throughout the world.
The bands popularity in New Zealand has grown so much in they are constantly out on the road travelling the countryside with a full consistent schedule of performances that are nearly always sell out shows at the venues they play with a demand to return to play again.
1814 has had the privilege of playing with some of the country’s top acts: Katchafire, House of Shem, 3 Houses Down, Cornerstone Roots, Unity Pacific, Ardijah, Ruia Aperahama, Whirimako Black, Che Fu, Moana and The Tribe to name a few. Also supporting international acts Damien Marley & Nas on their recent 2011 tour of NZ, as well as Hawaiian band Kolohe Kai on their Aotearoa Tour 2011 and most recently Michael Franti & Spearhead.
1814 are recognized as one of New Zealands best kiwi flavoured reggae bands who are reaching full bloom with band members that represent Aotearoa’s finest reggae flows.
Be sure not to miss 1814 live around Aotearoa this May! Their show and onstage performance will keep you skanking from start to finish!
DATES
07 May – Horeke Tavern – Horeke
12 May – Maori Expo – Auckland
13 May – Plains Hotel – Edgecumbe
14 May – Sessions Bar and Music – Gisborne
Third World, Aotearoa Tour 2011
27 May – Bay of Plenty – Mount Action Centre / R18
28 May – Auckland – Logan Campbell / ASB Showgrounds / R18
29 May – Wellington – TSB Arena / R18
01 Jun – Napier – Pettigrew Green Arena R18
Media Release 5 May 2011 from BOP Brewery.