One Million Dollars call it quits

One Million Dollars have decided to call it quits after 7 years of writing, performing and recording together. Yes friends, it's time to row the boat ashore, get the covers on and let the fat lady holla.

Since forming in 2001, the band have released 3 albums and played a huge swag of shows to a variety of audiences throughout the pacific. Live highlights have included performing at Fest Na'puan in Vanuatu, playing at Te Papa for The Lord Of The Rings:Two Towers premiere and supporting The Black Eyed Peas at the St James, back in 2002.

The band cut their teeth playing at Auckland bars, Rakinos, Galatos and Khuja Lounge, where then owner and Sugarlicks label head, Gareth Farry, invited them them to record their debut album. Energy State took over a year to complete and was released in October 2003, selling over 3000 copies in New Zealand, off the back of the band's singles, Who You Are, The Original and the Manuel Bundy remix of Get Off.

Follow up, Soup Kitchen, was released through Mark Kneebone's Tardus Music, engineered by Tom Miskin. It was another long process, eventually being released in September 2006 after tracking had begun in April the previous year. Musically Soup Kitchen offered up the bands trademark grooves and tight production, although songs like Calling In The Light and Slow Falling Rain realised a deeper sonic palette and a moodier quality.

In August 2007, a slightly different One Million Dollars assembled at Auckland's York St Studios to record their 3rd album, Stand Up To The Shakedown, with Justin Maudsley. At this time, the decision to end the band had already been made, and the hope was to create an album that celebrated the group as a live unit, albeit, in a studio context. Recorded in front of family and friends, the band played the album in one take, only overdubbing certain keyboard and horn parts the following day. Stand Up To The Shakedown was released independently in October 2007.

The decision to retire the band was initiated by founding member, Richard Setford, who is departing to concentrate on Bannerman, a solo project begun in 2003, but never realised due to the commitment and workload of leading the 10 piece soul-funk collective.

All current members are actively involved in a variety of working bands, including, Dam Native, The Shades, Opensouls, Ziko, Batucada Sound Machine, The Lickety Splits, The Mamaku Project and Tyra And The Tornadoes, and will continue to work on their own projects and collaborations.

The band would like to acknowledge the talented musicians that have helped to shape and develop the One Million Dollars sound over the years. Collaborators are too numerous to list, but in the 7 years since forming, one count has it that 34 different musicians have been involved; in fact, the only surviving members are Robson Santos and Richard Setford. A special mention must also go to Stephen O'Hoy who guided and supported the band as manager from 2001 - 2007.

But it's not quite over yet people.

One Million Dollars would like to announce 2 final, never again, not even if you paid us heaps of money, no we mean it, last ever shows!

On Saturday the 12th of April, the band will play in Wellington at the San Francisco Bathhouse, with support from The Shades and Dunc Tha Funk. For more info click here.

The following Saturday will see their final performance at 4.20 in Auckland, with support from The Shades and The Hot Grits and special guests.

Expect confetti and good times, celebratory pats on backs, much wailing and wringing of hands and some sensationally thunderous music to boot!

It's been a great ride - but we want to get off!