Kora lads hit No 1 in first week of release

The new album from Whakatane roots-rock-reggae band Kora has shot to No 1 spot in its first week of release.

The self-titled album is just the second independently distributed album to debut at No 1 in 20 years.

What's more amazing is that this band of brothers have only practised together about eight times.

Kora consists of Whakatane brothers Laughton (vocals, guitar and keyboard), Francis (bass and vocals), Stuart (guitar and vocals) and Brad Kora (drums) and Wellingtonian Dan McGruer (keyboard and bass).

Their debut album was released on October 15 and reached No 1 on the official New Zealand Album Chart straight away.

This is not easy for independently distributed musicians like Kora because they don't have major label support.



Chart composer for Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) Paul Kennedy said Kora was only the second independently distributed album to hit No 1 in its first week in 20 years.

The other was Fat Freddy's Drop's Based on a True Story in 2005. "It's really a demonstration of word of mouth," Mr Kennedy said.



Frontman Laughton Kora, who lives in Orewa, was amazed to even be on the charts. He said the top spot felt "great" and he was glad the album, which has been a year in the making, was finally in stores. Kora formed as a five-piece in 2002.

"Over a period we've managed to pick up a good fan base through our live gigs," Laughton said.

Brad and Stuart are the only ones still living in Whakatane while Fran and Dan are in Wellington.

Since they're scattered throughout the North Island, Kora mainly just get together for gigs.

They've only practised together about eight times.

However, Laughton said they all had the same career goal for Kora.

"To be respected as a good band internationally would be a great thing," Laughton said.