In the Rastafari movement, “Zion” stands for a Utopian place of unity, Peace and freedom; a safe spiritual homeland, like in heaven, or a kind of peace of mind in one’s present life. It’s fitting then, that a band hailing from Raglan on the majestic west coast of New Zealand’s Northern Isle, should adopt such sensibilities. ZIONHILL is the country’s latest offering to the international world of music. A conscious yet vibrant, home-grown roots band.
Formed in 2007, and gaining momentum ever since – ZIONHILL is made up of co-founding members, bass player Damian Hepi-Te Huia; leading guitarist and guitar synth maestro Shai Rudolph; alongside front man Gavin Dempsey, formerly of early 90’s hard rock Hamilton group, Blackjack. In 2009 the band introduced drummer Jesse Bates directlyfrom Australia.
Fellow musicians, DJs and those in the know would define ZIONHILL’s music as ‘Conscious Dub Fusion’ or ‘Roots Rock’ but the band are quick to point out that they are not that keen to be simply pigeon-holed as just another ‘New Zealand Dub’ outfit. Although their influences range vastly, they have a sound distinctly their own and celebrate that through their music, especially their live performances. They have a love for that special experience of playing in front of a crowd, ‘TRIBAL PRIDE 09′ being one of their most appreciated live gigs yet. “We like to make a connection when playing live” says Damian “Our songs are conscious, about life, about the environment and what’s happening here in Aotearoa (Maori for Land of the Long White Cloud) and the World today.”
ZIONHILL follow heartily in the footsteps of other New Zealand bands such as The Black Seeds, Trinity Roots, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Kora. Collectively the band’s members listen to varying styles of music from roots, dub rock, hip hop and metal right through to world music, but ZIONHILL have a sound that is distinctly their own. Driven by passion, fuelled by energy and backed by the will to freely explore their creative horizons, ZIONHILL are definitely the band to watch out for in 2010.
