ODT ARTICLE

                          

      

DEBUT ALBUM AND SOUTH ISLAND TOUR

Finally it is here, our debut 11 track album - An Evening Echo. The band can't wait to set off on their South Island tour next week to begin promoting 'An Evening Echo'. 


If you want to be one of the first to pick up the album please email us on ashandthematadors@hotmail.com


Check below for a sneak peel of the first song to be heard of our album: Good Dogs, Bad Men.

GOOD DOGS, BAD MEN

http://soundcloud.com/ash-3/good-dogs-bad-men-1

Otago Daily Times Article

From link:

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/173877/recording-chills

UPCOMING GIGS

The band is excited to have lots of gigs around town over the next few months  before they head off on tour. Some of these gigs are during local world cup game days and a semi acoustic set at dunedmusic.com's birthday.

SATURDAY 27th AUGUST 

The band always enjoys playing alongside Julian Temple Band and all the members in it.They are looking forward to this show. Julian Temple and PMK performed their amazing duo set at, "The Mansion Tapes" EP release in Dunedin. It was one of the most enjoyable gigs Ash & The Matadors have played. Not only will the bands be great, but the venue - The Church - is awesome, especially when Iain Sweetman is doing sound. This promises to be a great night.

FRIDAY 9th SEPTEMBER

This show is the night before the first Rugby World Cup game in Dunedin - Argentina vs England, no doubt there is bound to be a heapsof people out and about looking for some local music to enjoy. XII Below will be the place to be on Friday 9th September.

It is exciting to be playing with The Great Jali for their debut gig and we can't wait to see them.

We will also be joined that night by Hana Fahy & The Low Tones, who are a local act compiled of wonderfully talented musicians.

"Hana Fahy has been writing and performing her songs for rather a long time now and has now compiled a shiny new band of her favourite Dunedin musicians to help her do it.

Rob Falconer on drums, Gareth Bedford on bass and the multitalented Erica Stichbury on violin, guitar and vocals are the Low Tones."

Listen to Hana Fahy here:

SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER

Ash solo in Oamaru with Julian Temple and Matt Langley

SATURDAY 8th OCTOBER

Ash & The Matadors at Urban Factory line up to be announced. Ash's birthday party.

SATURDAY 29th OCTOBER

 

Our first gig at The Penguin Club is going to be epic. We are thrilled to be joined by the one and only Made In China. Make this an excuse to get away for the weekend and head to Oamaru for a wicked night. 

Here is a video from the last time Made In China rocked at The Penguin Club:

Recent Gigs

We have played a couple of awesome gigs recently our guitarists birthday party and a gig at Ombrello's bar. Here are some photos:

  

Keep your eye out for our upcoming gigs, single release, album release and tour dates!

48 Film Festival - Dunedin Finals.

On Friday 10 June the band played a short acoustic set at the V 48 Hour Film Festival Finals. The concept of the 48 Hour Film Festival is to write, film and edit a movie in 48 hours... with a few restrictions such as your genre, a prop, a character and a line...It was awesome to be able to drink heaps of free V and watch amazing short films.


We all agreed with the winner which was an hilarious, 'Fad Movie' about the fad that we all remember - Chatter Rings. Make sure you check out the screening of the finals on Channel Four later in the year. Here is a link to view some of the finalists around New Zealand:

Thanks to V, Strictly Coffee, Filadelfios and to the talented people that made the films we got to enjoy. It was a fun night.

This blog is managed and maintained by Verity Kerr  

NZ Music Month Library Gig.

During NZ Music Month the Dunedin Public Library hosted a selection of wonderfully talented local artists - Tla, Julian Temple Band, John Egenes, Both Sides of the Line, Catgut and Steel, Black Boy Peaches, The Plot Holes, Honeybone., Left or Right Soundsystem, Mr Biscuits, The Doyleys, Death by Silo, Logan Valentine with Chris Keogh, Matt Langley, Leo Ladell, Amanda Goodwin, Thomas Macarthur and Robert Scott.

Ash & The Matadors enjoyed playing alongside Logan Valentine with Chris Keogh (who played some delightful Sex With Bowie songs) and Robert Scott (who is in amazing Dunedin bands such as The Bats and The Clean). 


Thanks to The Dunedin Public Library http://www.flickr.com/photos/dunedinpubliclibraries) and Jo Little for these photos from the show. 

"Jetpak Blues", Recording at Arthouse Studio.

On Saturday 28th May the band met with Paul M Sammes of Arthouse Studio to record the track, "Jetpack Blues", for their new single - "The Jetpak Blues". Arrival time was 10am and the day was spent recording (and reading Oasis magazines supplied by Ash), with it being called a day around 6pm. However, not everything was quite completed so the band returned on Monday night to finish... arriving there just after 5pm and returning home around 1am. It was a great experience and Ash picks up the mastered version for a listen this evening after Thursday night band practice.


"The Jetpak Blues" single itself will contain 3-4 other songs which are yet to be confirmed. The other songs being recorded over a weekend at The Long Beach Scout Hall by Driech (Livesoundengineering) 


Currently the design for the cover is being worked on and it is aimed that the release date will be late July. 


Below are some photos of the recording (taken by the band themselves, as you can probably tell) as well as some information on Paul M Sammes and The Arthouse Studio, which you may find interesting to read.

PAUL M SAMMES 
(directly quoted from: http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2011/mar/dunedin/home-recording-101)

Upon graduating from the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ) with a Diploma in Audio Engineering and Music Production in 1993, Paul headed to Sydney, Australia where he began work as an engineer and producer working with various studios and production houses. Later gaining a degree in Digital Media from Sydney Graphics College (SGC) where he continued as a Lecturer in Sound Design for Film, Television, Radio and Advertising.

A long time Pro Tools user himself, Paul later joined the Avid / digidesign team, working internationally with high profile Studios and Pro Tools professionals. This in turn lead to Paul being appointed to the prestigious Australian Institute of Music (AIM), where he continued lecturing in Recording Technology, Digital Audio and Mastering, prior to his return to New Zealand in February 2010.

A musician, engineer and producer, Paul is passionate about all things audio and has over twenty years experience in the professional audio Industry.

ARTHOUSE STUDIO

(directly quoted from: http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2011/mar/dunedin/home-recording-101)

Equipment used: 
The arthousemedia Studio is equipped with a range of high-end professional audio tools. These include a world class Avid / digidesign Pro Tools HD3 System and Control|24 Automated Mixing Console, M-Audio MIDI Controller Keyboards, Focusrite Microphone Preamps, Roland V-Drums Electronic Drumkit, Fender and Laney Guitar Amps and an extensive range of high end studio and performance microphones.

Our comfortable production and listening rooms additionally feature Avid / digidesign Audio Interfaces and Control Surfaces including digidesign 002 and digidesign Mbox2’s, Roland Synthesisers and a range of Professional Monitoring and Headphone Systems by Genelec, Event, Roland, Carillon, Aussie Monitor, Beyer, AKG and Legacy Audio.

All rooms are equipped with Apple Powermac G5 workstations running Avid Pro Tools and Logic Audio.

Software includes EQ, Dynamics and Waveform processing by Brainworx, Massenburg, Drawmer, Focusrite, EMI, URS, Waves, Massey, Eiosys, Pultec , Flux, TL Audio, RND and Eventide. FX and Virtual Instruments by Eventide, Antares, Aphex, Princeton Digital, Izotope, Digidesign, Native Instruments, Access, Neyrinck, Dolby Labs.

This blog is managed and maintained by Verity Kerr

Fiddy Club Gig

On Saturday 14th May we had the pleasure of playing two shows for The Fiddy Club gig at 12 Below, Dunedin. The whole idea behind the Fiddy Club is awesome and focuses on original singer/songwriters. It is about showcasing local songwriting talent that organiser Jimmy Higgs believes, "deserves just as much exposure as it's 80's heyday".


We played alongside 4 other original bands/solo performers.

Poster by Jimmy Higgs

The first gig was early afternoon and all ages,  although there weren't too many people there it was enjoyable watching a couple of children under 5 rock out to the music. The night time R18 show had a larger crowd buzzing with energy. All the performers put on an excellent performance and sound was provided by Dunedin legend Ian Sweetman,(Dreich).

Photo from D-Scene: http://fairfaxmedia.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

The write up in the D-Scene advertising the gig spoke of Ash & The Matadors (along with all the other talented artists) in a very favourable light. Here is a quote from the article:

"...Ash & The Matadors craft great songs and quite simply own great tone, with lead vocalist Ash possessing one of the richest and most unique voices around..."

Here are a few photos from both sets:

Once again, thank you very much to Jimmy Higgs and all the sponsors of this event. We look forward to the next one.

This blog is managed and maintained by Verity Kerr

Adios Simon

Simon Barr, Drums. 2009-2011

Saturday 7th May was the final Ash & The Matador's gig with drummer Simon Barr. Simon has been a part of Ash & The Matadors right from the get go, having already played in Ash and Spencer's previous band, 'Sweet Lady H'.

The Final Band Photo

We will always have fond memories of Simon, dancing and his nipple. We wish Simon all the best for his future music endeavours with Danelectro.

Here are some photos of the gig on Saturday night:

Live Recordings by Ian Sweetman

Here are a few live recordings done by the very talented Ian Sweetman (Live Sound Engineering). None of these songs are on our EP. Hopefully you have time to sit back and have a listen. 

The Hunter - Cook, Dunedin. 2010.

O'Brother - Cook, Dunedin. 2010.

Bells - Feastock, Dunedin. 2011.

Driech testing the rig - only 127dB of Rammstein in a 100pax room 

Once again thank you very much Ian!

This blog is maintained and managed by Verity Kerr

"The Mansion Tapes" EP & Reviews

"The Mansion Tapes" is a 6 track EP released early June to critical acclaim. The six songs on the EP are:
The Ballad of Cobh
Days When we were Kings
Somebody's Living
Amsterdamn
Jesus Child
Goodbye


To date, it has sold around 400 copies. "The Mansion Tapes", also  reached the number 1 sold album at Play it Again, Invercargill,  during June and July of  2010. The EP can be purchased on iTunes, at Marbecks and Strictly Coffee Stores in Dunedin or by contacting the band at ashandthematadors@hotmail.com.


Review and write up by Chris Chilton, The Southland Times
Link to article



Review from elsewhere.com by Graham Reid
Link to full review

This six-track EP by a Dunedin four-piece fronted by singer-songwriter, guitarist and keyboard player Ash Officer came out in June but has only just landed in Elsewhere -- which means some of the reviews have been done of it down south. Although none that I recall in northern climes.

Ash/Matadors have a keen supporter in Southland Times writer Chris Chilton who also had an astute observation about them which can't be improved on: "They're confident and assured, strong on tunes and texture in an old-school 70's stonewashed style."

True, they have a slightly country-rock and ragged style (Officer could be a contestant at a Gore country music festival with his dark brown twang) and lead guitarist Jared Smith brings some sharp and pointed playing (yes, early Seventies rock) to their sound.

Sounds like he had a good time in Amsterdam too, that place with the psychedelic toilets and interesting coffee shops!

My guess is Ash/Matadors would be as well received in bars and clubs in South of the US as they are on home-turf.

Recorded in what we might guess to be the handsome home on the cover, this has an earthy and live feel -- which means those other comments by locals about them being great on the night seem perfectly valid.

An EP as calling card, even better will doubtless follow.

 This blog is managed and maintained by Verity Kerr

Catlins River Festival

The first ever Catlins River Festival was a huge success. Nearly 1000 music lovers met together in the beautiful surroundings of the Catlins, (Owaka) to celebrate Easter Weekend 2011. It was three days of sweet sounds, food, good vibes and camping. 

Ash & The Matadors played on the first afternoon, along with many other awesome acts. One of the crowds favourites had to be Wellington band Nudge, who blew everyone away with their psychedelic swampy blues sound. Although on the second night, there was a hiccup with the generator, the crowd was not put off because the smooth running sound people/crew moved everything in to the food tent. Everyone kept on keeping on.

          

We would like to extend our biggest gratitude to Glen 'Jock' Davidson for having the dream and turning it into a reality. Of course he would not have done this alone, so we would also like to thank Jesse, the crew and all the volunteers that kept everyone safe, fed and happy. This event could also not have happened without our good friend Ian 'Dreich' Sweetman, who, with his new HUGE PA system was able to make every band sound incredible. Another big thank you to Deano Shirriffs who was a pleasure to work with and kept everything on stage running smoothly. Thanks, Quogan Hampton for his excellent job on the lights. 

This day was amazing for all who participated. Thanks so much again. Below are a few photos from our set:

This blog is managed and maintained by Verity Kerr

FEASTOCK

It was super exciting to be asked to play Feastock 2011. An annual Dunedin Music festival, organised by a wonderful group of people, dedicated to making music from the lower South Island heard. 


On the 16th of April 2011, approximately 300+ dedicated musicians and music fans flocked to 3 Fea St to share in the epicness which is, "FEASTOCK". Ash & The Matadors were lucky enough to play alongside amazing local acts:

We would like to say a HUGE thank you to the residents of 3 Fea St, Left or Right, Quogan Hampton, Ian Sweetman, Peter Crisp, Refuel & all the crew  that made the day a raging success. 

We feel privileged to have been a part of it.

You can see some of the wicked photos from the event at the following talented photographers sites:

Rokpx - Feastock tab to the left

John Needham - Feastock Tab to right

This blog is managed and maintained by Verity Kerr

Live Sound

Here are a couple of our live videos. The first one was when we opened for The Jordan Luck Band (you know, that guy that used to be in The Exponents) and the second, is from a friend's 21st. These are both with our first drummer Simon Barr. 




88 Fires Again
Performed at The Cook, Dunedin.
Video by: Verity Kerr

The Golden Age

Performed at 12 Below.

Video by: Verity Kerr

The Band

Imagine a young Neil Young drinking pints with Primal Scream / A dimly lit party where Bob Dylan burns in the background / Playing football with the Gallagher Brothers as the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club cruise by...

For the love of Rock and Roll...

Love Ash & The Matadors

Photo by: Verity Kerr
From left to right:

Spencer Morgan - Bass

Jared Smith - Lead Guitar

Ash Officer - Vocals, acoustic guitar, keys and songwriting.

Glen Kellet - Drums.

    ASH OFFICER

                                      

Plays: Acoustic guitar, keys and vocals.

Enjoys listening to: Oasis, Primal Scream, Ian Brown and BRMC

Other bands he has played in: Cement Child & Sweet Lady H

                 SPENCER MORGAN

                                      

Plays: Bass guitar

Enjoys listening to: Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana & Bob Dylan

Other bands he has played in: Sorry Richard, Cement Child, Sweet Lady H & Spastic Luscious Nobodies.

     JARED SMITH

                                      

Plays: Lead guitar & backing vocals

Enjoys listening to: John Martyn, Wino, George Harrison & Santana

Other bands he has or does play in:  Rad Attack & Soulseller

                                                 GLEN KELLET    

                                      

Plays: Drums

Enjoys listening to: Garageland, Death Cab for Cutie & Muttonbirds.

Other bands he has or does play in: Trashout Fridays & Midnight Kitchen

This blog is managed and maintained by Verity Kerr