SPACIFIC NEWS #172: Contents
1. Colours :: Deva Mahal
2. Islington Assembly Hall :: Avantdale Bowling Club
3. Upcoming Concerts by New Zealand artists in London
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COLOURS :: DEVA MAHAL :: 14/11/24
A rare combination of masterful songwriting and breathtaking vocal talent, Deva Mahal was born with blues in her blood.
Brought up in Hawaii, Deva Mahal moved to Aotearoa in the early 2000s and quickly became part of a scene of local musicians who used their love of jazz, soul, funk, reggae, dub and hip-hop to emerge from the underground into the national arena. As well as writing her own material, Deva lent her voice to Fat Freddy’s ‘Wandering Eye‘ and “Sola Rosa’s ‘Redeemer‘, and collaborated with Recloose, Hollie Smith and more.
Deva has spent the last few years delving deeper into her craft as a composer as well as cultivating her skills as a producer, alongside Christchurch born, Chris Wethey. Mahal’s most recent project, “Future Classic: Vol 1”, passionately channelled into her music the staggering heartbreak of the current racial violence and political injustices of her country of origin, the eternal endeavour to search for true love and self-worth, and her emboldened sense of the sensuality, softness and power as a black woman.
Early bird tickets have all sold out, and general admission tickets are £20 + b/f from Ticketweb or Dice.
From: 7.30pm
At: 2-4 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU
Nearest Tube: Old Street
Venue website: colourshoxton.com/
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ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL :: AVANTDALE BOWLING CLUB :: 15/11/24
Following on from last year”s three sold out London shows, Avantdale Bowling Club return this November.
Helmed by Tom Scott, one of the most compelling figures to emerge from the New Zealand music scene over the last seventeen years, over the course of two albums Avantdale Bowling Club present a vivid intermingling of jazz, soul, hip-hop and electronica. Written from a working class perspective at the bottom of the globe, Scott’s lyrics explore the day-to-day realities of life lived on the margins of society.
Sad and celebratory in equal measure, Avantdale Bowling Club has been lauded by NPR, Refuge Worldwide and Radio New Zealand. The debut release won the coveted Album of the Year and best Hip-Hop artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards followed by Independent Music NZ’s Taite Music Prize for best album release. At the end of 2022 the follow-up “Trees” debuted at number 1 on the NZ album charts.
Raised on jazz, soul, funk and rap, Scott has honed his skills as a rapper, songwriter and bandleader through membership in several cult groups (@Peace, Average Rap Band). He first emerged in 2007 with Home Brew, a band that has recently returned to the touring circuit and the top of the NZ charts with an unexpected second album, “Run It Back“. Scott’s other projects, and his burgeoning Years Gone By label, ensure that he continues to influence and push boundaries across genres.
Support on the night comes from rising soul star Olympia Vitalis
Tickets are £20 + b/f + £1.20 restoration levy from Dice.
From: 7pm
At: Upper Street, N1 2UD
Nearest Tube: Highbury and Islington
Venue website: islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk/
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UPCOMING CONCERTS BY NEW ZEALAND ARTISTS IN LONDON (details correct at time of sending)
08/11 Lady Shaka // The Cause, N17 9LZ // 10-4 // £20/30
19/11 Bridget Walsh // The Cockpit, NW8 8EH // 6-11 // £8.50-17
29/11 Desperate Measures // 100 Club, W1D 1LL // 7.30-11 // £35
05/12 Jamie Pye // Vortex Jazz Club, N16 8AZ // 6.30-8.30 // £10-11
We track upcoming concerts by New Zealand artists in London using Songkick – if we have missed any, please email us at kiaora@spacific.net so that we can include the details in future mailouts.
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