Off Key

Musicians support artistic freedom

Wellington musicians are banding together to support artistic freedom and will perform at Cuba Street venue San Fran on Sunday afternoon 14 September. This concert, Off Key, protests the New Zealand Electoral Commission’s view that satirical song and video Planet Key is an “election programme” and an “election advertisement”. Funds raised from the event will go towards the cost of challenging this opinion in Court.

In early August renowned blues musician Darren Watson released his original song Planet Key, a satirical take on New Zealand Prime Minister John Key’s own description of what a ‘Planet Key’ would look like.Planet Key went viral on the internet, accompanied by a video created by Jeremy Jones from Propeller Motion, depicting John Key set amongst a range of hot political topics.

The song reached number 5 on the NZ Top Twenty Singles Chart but, rather than face potential prosecution if referred to the police by the Electoral Commission, Watson and Jones removed it and the video from the internet. This includes iTunes where they were selling the song to recoup production costs.

However, the pair aren't giving up without a fight. They have a hearing at the High Court on Thursday 11 September to challenge the Electoral Commission’s opinion. Local musicians have organised Off Key to help raise funds to cover Darren Watson and Jeremy Jones' costs to take the case to court.

LINE-UP
Darren Watson will kick the show off with a solo set then hand the stage over to a line-up of musicians that promise something for everyone, ranging from funk, soul, rock, blues, hip hop to pop. Bands like Neverwoz, Bikini Roulette, The Spines, the Julie Lamb Band, Sophie and the Realistic Expectations are all volunteering for the cause. Jeremy Jones' band Bump'n Ugly are even reforming to perform a short set.

After the live bands finish around 8.00pm, DJ Simon Sweetman will spin some discs for people wanting to party on.

EVENT SUPPORTERS
Many music industry behind-the-scene businesses are also lending a helping hand. Off Key supporters include San Fran, Tymar Lighting, Yeastie Boys, Smart Arts and Phantom Bill Stickers.

What: Off Key: Concert for artistic freedom
Darren Watson The Spines, Bikini Roulette, Neverwoz, Bump'n Ugly, Julie Lamb Band, Sophie and the Realistic Expectations, Simon Sweetman (DJ)
When: Sunday 14 September 2014, Bands 4-8pm, DJ until 9pm
Where: San Fran, 171 Cuba Street, Wellington
Tickets: $10 door sales

Ends

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