Smash Palace to showcase local bands

ExNE GENERATION: Expect more cross-generational, multicultural, original sounds and quality musicianship, like that generated by the 2016 live ExNE showcase of Gisborne and East Coast music, at a screening next week of last year’s live show at Smash Palace. File picture

HARD-working heavy metal band Uni-Fi is the constant in Smash Palace owner Darryl Monteith’s ExNE showcase of Gisborne and East Coast music.

The metal heads are immortalised in the 2015 and 2016 East by North East (ExNE) videos. On the weekend they made up a working bee that painted in black the Palace’s outdoor stage in preparation for the filming of the third in the annual ExNE series.

The ExNE 2017 live film shoot will feature nine acts that will play a set each. Each act’s last song will appear in the video.

But more than wicked bands and soloists are needed to make the recording a success, Monteith said.

“The biggest observation from the first show and screening is the gig needs a crowd.”

A generously-sized audience adds atmosphere and makes for great cut-aways.

“My dream for this, the third ExNE recording, is for it to be better then before and to have a cast of hundreds. I want as many people there as possible. The audience is a big part of the filming.”

The videos improve each year, he said. The first video, shot live in 2015, was about bringing people together. He has since invested in more equipment, more lighting, and brought in more cameras.

“I want to nurture these acts who want to grow as a band. When I first started ExNE I wanted the acts to see themselves in performance to create a bit of self-awareness.

“When a musical community becomes self-aware it takes it to another level. It builds confidence.”

Cross-generational and multiculturalThe ExNE platform is cross-generational and multicultural.

“A lot of people ask me if this a young people’s gig,” Monteith said.

“I say ‘no, a lot of these guys are in their 50s and 60s.’ Live music never goes away. This is a chance to see and hear music that is created here for out artists to be motivated and fulfilled. These are songs that need to be heard.”

Many vintage Gisborne and East Coast rockers have played for decades. They are proficient and their songs and delivery are original but often they fly under the radar.

ExNE changes all that. Last year’s recording was released for the first time online.

Among younger acts are regional Smokefreerockquest finalist Miss Pou (Pounamu Wharehinga) who will open the 2017 live ExNE show. Miss Pou placed first and second in the East Coast solo-duo section in the regional heats.

Voted people’s choice by text at the rock quest high school band Sit Down in Front will also perform.

Also in the lineup is SKB, the Steve Kingi Band, which is headed by one of best singers anyone will ever hear, Monteith said.

“He’s a cover artist but does covers better than the original.”

Monteith and other musicians are writing original music for SKB to perform at the gig.

Waywood Angel deliver “stoner blues”, while The Huntaways’ highly experienced Gisborne musical identities perform original songs.

Subherbz and Paua Nation will bring Pacific reggae flavours to the event while the 35ers dirty the day up with hardcore rap.

Most of the acts are multicultural, Monteith said. Scheduled for October 7, the day before the 248th anniversary of first contact between Maori and Lieutenant James Cook, the gig ties with Te Ha events and the Te Ha trust’s kaupapa of “dual heritage, shared future”.

“The music we make together is the most beautiful expression of how far we have come together.”