Summer grooves from the South

Media Release Pacific Underground

Summer grooves from the South

Pacific Roots South, a new gig for Dunedin presented by Pacific Underground and Navigators will feature its own iconic reggae band 'Koile with support from Pacific Underground, Dunedin vocal group Half Kutz and Christchurch upcoming reggae band D'sendantz this Saturday 11 December at the Macandrew Bay Community Hall.

Pacific Underground [PU] who will play songs from their newly launched CD Island Summer - recorded it in Macandrew Bay. Engineered by Dale Cotton the recording session that captured 11 tracks played live by guitarists Pos Mavaega, and Hemi Lesatele, vocalist Tanya Muagututi'a and drummer Chris Searle took sixteen hours in August.

The recording marks continued collaborative projects of Pacific Underground (PU) and event producers Pip Laufiso and Hiliako Iaheto who are residents of Macandrew Bay. Through their work with Koile, Freedom Roadworks and Navigators particularly in events and music they could enlist the support of Dale Cotton who also engineered and mastered the 'Koile EP - Te Hua.

"Dale Cotton's work on 'Te Hua' speaks for itself; he's captured their live sound beautifully, so his support and work on Island Summer has been invaluabl," says Pos Mavaega.

Other musicians were added later including guitarist Andrew Sione whose recording session took place in Las Vegas. The completion of the project continued throughout Christchurch's earthquake with final vocal parts and bass player Seta Timo (LA Mitchell) being recorded while aftershocks were happening on a regular basis.

"Macandrew Bay holds a special place for us at PU. Pip and Hiliako have opened up their home to us on many occasions especially on tour." says Mavaega. "We've worked on a few gigs together around the country now - Parihaka Peace Fesitval, Pasifika Festival in Auckland, and even the 'I Love CHCH' relief concert held in Auckland. Pacific Roots South is purely for us here in the South Island. Last month in Christchurch we featured King Kapisi supported by D'sendantz."

Dunedin vocal group Half Kutz were a highlight at the Samoa Tsunami Relief concert held at the Dunedin Town Hall in 2009, with their brand of original reggae and Hip Hop tunes. The three young males of Maori descent - Epati Cassidy-Laufiso, Rongomai Taiapa-Parata and Waiariki Taiapa-Parata will perform songs that reflect their heritage, with political messages of peace and unity through Tino Rangitirotanga.

"They made a huge impression at last year's Tsunami concert. They're a perfect fit for Pacific Roots South being the next generation of Maori and Pasifika talent out of Dunedin," says producer Pip Laufiso.

Pacific Roots South costs only $10 (presale online at Cosmic Corner), and door sale tickets $15. The gig promises a live sample of sounds for this upcoming summer with 'Koile's Te Hua and Pacific Underground's Island Summer CDs both available for sale on the night.

ENDS

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