Come kiss goodbye winter and welcome spring with open arms. Come along for a skank to the finest Roots Reggae, Ska and Dub music youre likely to find anywhere. Live music from Unity Pacific, Roofdog and Paul Hooli, tunes spun by Dubhead.
Unity Pacific was formed in 2001 by lead singer/ songwriter Tigilau Ness who first started playing reggae with his band "I - Unity" in the late 1970 s. Tigi is a humble and well respected musician in New Zealand, known for being a principled political protestor, committed rastafarian and family man.
Tigi was also a founding member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel in New Zealand and for a period of time also played in the house band. His own bands over the years have included; "I-Unity", "Second Power", "Unity" and most recently "Unity Pacific". Tigis musical philosophy, as reflected by the band name is inclusive.
Tigis critically acclaimed debut album with Unity Pacific "From Street to Sky" was recorded with his long time friend and collaborator Teina Winau (bass), Steven Keys(drums), David Parry (fender rhodes keyboard), Rob Halcrow (guitar) and Tala Niko(percussion).
They recorded "From Street to Sky" in a day and a half in March 2002 at the old Revolver Studios. The eight full band songs were live takes, with an emphasis on soulful performance. The final acoustic title track was recorded a few months later by Tigi sitting down and singing with his guitar.
In mid 2005, Unity Pacific recorded a one off song "This Here Reggae Music" for the second Conscious Roots compilation series. The band line up was virtually the same as the first album, as Steven Keys (drums) was back from England. Tala Niko (percussion) was not present because he and his wife Chantal were overseas.
Their second album "Into the Dread" was recorded over four magical nights in September 2006. Again the emphasis was on live performance with the drums and lead vocal in separation booths. The album was all the more remarkable because Daniel Harawira (drums) came in and played superbly after only one live performance with the band. Tala Niko was back from overseas (percussion). David Parry came in and recorded two beautiful overdubs on B3 Hammond organ on "One Thousand Nights" and "King of Justice".
Unity Pacific has built up a strong reputation as a live act and has played at a number of New Zealand summer festivals including Parihaka, Soundsplash, Rhythm & Vines, Raggamuffin 2, Music in the Parks and Tribal Pride.
Formed in 1998, Roofdog have developed their own unique sound and established a large following in the Auckland ska/punk scene over the last decade. Founding members Jake Toms (vocals and guitar), Ross Hutchison (bass and vocals) and Paul Robinson (drums) were later joined by Tim Parsons (lead guitar).
Roofdog have played regularly throughout Auckland since and most recently joined UK band Stiff Little Fingers at the Powerstation in Auckland and the Civic in Christchurch. They have played at the New Zealand Punk Fest in Wellington and have also enjoyed a five year collaboration with Exponents front man Jordan Luck playing at the annual Strummer Day in tribute to Joe Strummer.
Members of Roofdog have enjoyed success in other bands including Hilt, Deth Becomes Shane, Badtown and well-known New Zealand ska band The Managers.
From the politically conscious lyrics of ‘Drop the Bomb’ to the dance floor favourite ‘Dance to the Moon’, Roofdog’s sound is guitar driven ska and has been described as sounding like The Clash in their later years and early eighties ska without the horns. Roofdog have featured on two compilations by Indie label Puppy Killer Records ‘Pick of the Litter Volume 1’ (2003) and ‘Pick of the Litter Volume 2’ (2004), and have also appeared on Global Routes ‘Underground Resistance’ compilation.
With their debut self titled album about to be released they are heading off on a nationwide tour and will shortly begin the production of a music video. An overseas tour may also be on the cards in 2010.
