John The Baptist
About John The Baptist from Wellington
John the Baptist is an energetic four-piece band from Wellington, New
Zealand. Their music blends elements of folk, rock, country, and pop into a
distinctively natural voice. More inspired by rather than subscribing to any of
the musical traditions they draw on, the sound appeals to a wide audience of
different tastes and age groups.
In 2009 Shaun and Michael relocated from Hawkes Bay to Wellington where,
after a night sharing cheap beer and good music with David and Thomas, a
duo became the four-piece. Before they’d barely developed a small cache of
songs, the band received keen interest and a rapidly growing audience.
During those first few months the band recorded the songs that were later
released on their self-titled EP in May 2010.
In 2011 the band took a step back from their previously relentless gig
schedule to begin their second recording. The boys produced a five-song EP
with the help of Surgery Studios, STL Studios (both in Wellington), and
Masterdisk in New York. This EP titled ‘The Great Mountain Haul’ is set for
release in October 2011.
The band have enjoyed many memorable shows, a few highlights include:
recent shows at the San Francisco Bath House, Campus A Low Hum 2010,
the August ’10 national tour, and the self-titled EP release which saw Mighty
Mighty turned into a barnyard with stacks of hay bales.
Irrespective of age, gender, and general musical preferences, most people
like to let their hair down once in a while. This is usually the case at any given
gig and John the Baptist seem to tap into that energy with ease. What sets
their shows apart from many others, however, is the diverse range of
demographics represented and united in that same energetic release. It’s the
ability to access human commonality that truly makes this folk music.
The band is:
Shaun Blackwell – Guitars/vocals
Michael Keane – Banjo/guitars/vocals
David Beacham – Bass guitar/vocals
Thomas Friggens – Drums.
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