Two Wairarapa bands are representing the region’s rock ’n’ roll heart at this weekend’s hotly contested Battle of the Bands national finals.
The locals with their eye on the prize are high-energy Masterton-based Jeff and the Angry Stick, who played their final set last night, and The Dead Zephyrs, who are serving up their fusion of rock, distortion, and soul tonight at Wellington venue Valhalla.
Jeff and the Angry Stick lead vocalist Nikki King told the Times-Age they are a high energy group that puts everything into their performances.
“We’re so excited to be where we are, it’s our first year in the competition so we just want to thank the people who showed up and voted for us.”
The band has been constantly writing new music and working to keep up visibility in the local music scene.
King said she gets more excited than nervous when on stage, describing the feeling as a “dopamine hit”.
“I like the feeling of adrenaline, I sort of thrive off it,” King said.
“We’re stoked to be representing Masterton and can’t wait to see what happens. We just love expressing our music; you can be as mad as you want.
“It gives you joy and makes other people happy.”
King said she will see it as a huge win if either Wairarapa band gets crowned champion.
The Dead Zephyrs, the region’s other representatives, already have a history with the competition after entering in 2015 and 2016.
They made it to the national finals on their second attempt, but during the drive up to Auckland for the event, the music gods dealt a cruel blow – their van’s clutch cable snapped, resulting in a steep mechanic’s bill and an overnight stay in Tokoroa.
After arriving in Auckland, another unlucky twist of fate saw The Dead Zephyrs draw the unenviable opening slot in the finals.
Following the 2016 defeat, the band drifted apart, only getting back together this year.
The rest, they say, is history: “We once again find ourselves in the throes of the national finals,” vocalist Ryan Coles said, and feeling confident about tonight.
They’ll be introducing a new song in their set, and Coles said he’s expecting a lot of support from the crowd.
“We’ve had a lot of people reach out and confirm they’ve got tickets, they’re coming from all over the country.”
Determined to not tempt fate a second time, all the Dead Zephyrs members are taking separate vehicles over to Wellington, so there’s no chance of another clutch cable catastrophe.
The national Battle of the Bands winner scores a New Zealand tour, along with a package of equipment, gigs, and recording opportunities.
