Pop artist journeyman, Anthonie Tonnon aims to “create something that breaks up the traditions”, he told NZ Musician reporter Silke Hartung. How he does that will all be clear when he performs at the Dome next week. Picture supplied
Pop artist journeyman, Anthonie Tonnon aims to “create something that breaks up the traditions”, he told NZ Musician reporter Silke Hartung. How he does that will all be clear when he performs at the Dome next week. Picture supplied
After two years of international touring and experimentation Anthonie Tonnon has developed a show that combines electronic and traditional instrumentalism, theatricality and dance.
At his Gisborne gig next week, Tonnon will play music from the recent EP Two Free Hands with its sweet, pop-electronica and its Muttonbirdsy narrative. He willalso preview new material.
Spotify’s list of Tonnon’s most popular songs includes the wistful Railway Lines that has hints of The Muttonbirds’ intonation as well as a whiff of The Smiths.
Water Underground is a political piece that opens with an acoustic guitar passage before Tonnon’s monologue takes over as he reflects on a move to bring irrigation to dry land.
“I’m still in awe/ at how you pulled it all off . . .you engineered that miracle to free the water underground/ They said you’d never take the council down/ but you just found your way around/ Called the national crisis/ You were in bed with the press.”
Two Free Hands features contributions from Anna Coddington on vocals, fellow band member Stuart Harwood on percussion and drum effects, and Elizabeth Stokes (The Beths, Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes) on French horn.
Since releasing Successor — a Taite Prize, and APRA Silver Scroll nominee, Tonnon has toured extensively during which time he developed the “one-of-a-kind show”.
Anthonie Tonnon plays at the Dome on Saturday, May 5. Tickets $20 from Aviary or www.anthonietonnon.com
