ExNE, fourth edition

IN THE LOOP: Loop Theorem is one of nine acts confirmed for the 2018 live recording of local music showcase ExNE at Smash Palace.

Now into its fourth year, Smash Palace’s annual showcase of new music from Gisborne and the East Coast can fairly be called a tradition.

ExNE (East by North East) organiser and Smash Palace owner Darryl Monteith is not one to rest on his yannis. Each year he tweaks the production to improve on the one before.

The live performance of the 2018 ExNE showcase will be filmed before an audience of thousands (possibly) at Smash on October 6. All genres will be covered by the various acts, one song from each 30 minute set is filmed and recorded, then screened and launched on YouTube at a later date.

First staged in 2015, ExNE has grown into an archiving exercise for the musicians who have taken part. The live recording is also a way to spread those artists’ music online and build an audience.

What helps make a better production is the audience, says Monteith.

“The bigger the crowd, the better it will look, the better everyone plays and the better the final outcome.”

Post-production work after this year’s performance, the mixing of sound and video footage editing, will be spread among local sound engineers and filmmakers.

“We’re keen to share the learning opportunity a project like ExNE presents with a whole lot of Gisborne creatives by taking a more collaborative approach this time and see where it takes us,” says Monteith.

Ongoing investment in light and sound equipment and staging means organisers, technicians, artists and their audiences (of thousands, yes) can look back and see the improvement.

“What hasn’t changed is the high level of songwriting and performance from our local artists. That’s been there from the start.”

Artists confirmed for ExNE 2018 are Loop Theorem, Dion Whaanga, The Search, Kings of Kaiaua, R3ign, The Pines, Lazy Fifty, Uni-Fi and Killing Floor.

ExNE 2018 live, Smash Palace, October 6, 6pm. $10 door charge. All proceeds will go towards covering the cost of the project.