Shapeshifter (band)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Shapeshifter | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Genre(s) | Drum and bass, Dub, Soul |
| Years active | 1999-present |
| Label(s) | Truetone |
| Members | |
| Nick Robinson Sam Trevethick Devin Abrams Redford Grenell P Digsss |
|
Shapeshifter is a drum and bass act from New Zealand formed in 1999.
Contents |
[edit] History
Shapeshifter formed in 1999 after the four founding members met at music school. Dub, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Metal, Funk and Electronic music backgrounds were brought together to create Drum n Bass live. The track was a hit on the BNet radio network and secured the group recognition as a fresh innovative act.
2001 saw the release of debut LP "Realtime", the product of a steep learning curve, hard work and inspiration. Highlights included a collaboration with sublime vocalist Ladi6 on the track 'Move With Me'. 'Realtime' was awarded the 'Best Electronic Release' title at the 2002 BNet NZ Music Awards, and was also nominated at the RIANZ NZ Music Awards for 'Best Electronic Album'.
In 2002, Shapeshifter relocated to Melbourne. They toured extensively, playing to sell-out crowds very positive reactions from audiences. The group performed at events such as the 10,000 attendance 4ZZZ market day festival in Brisbane, the Bellingen Global Carnival, and sold out shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Byron Bay.
In mid-2003, vocalist Paora Apera (aka P Digsss) joined Shapeshifter's live line-up, making the group an even more formidable and soulful 5-piece with a stronger stage presence. The new line-up was road tested on Salmonella Dub's 'One Drop East' album release tour of Australia in August/September. Shapeshifter played 12 shows in various cities to an overwhelming crowd response. Musically, the group evolved rapidly to include the new vocal elements in old and new tracks, resulting in a fresh, universal sound communicating to a wider audience.
Other highlights included dates in Edinburgh and Rotterdam.
The band's third album Soulstice was released in August 2006, with lead single "Bring Change" receiving extensive video and radio play. The album quickly went gold; the success gave Shapeshifter the opportunity to appear with the Auckland and Christchurch Symphony Orchestras in two special live shows. The band had major media coverage, both due to these shows (previously reserved for major, mainstream-pop acts such as Bic Runga) and Soulstice's success.
[edit] Band Members
- Nick Robinson (bass, keyboards)
- Sam Trevethick (keyboards, guitar, percussion)
- Devin Abrams (synths, saxophone)
- Redford Grenell (drums)
- Paora 'P Digsss' Apera (vocals)
[edit] Discography
| Date of Release | Title | Label | Charted | Country | Catalog Number | Sales | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albums | |||||||
| 2001 | Realtime | Kog Transmissions | - | - | |||
| 2004 | Riddim Wise LP | Truetone | - | - | Platinum[1] | ||
| 2006 | Soulstice | Truetone | 4[1] | NZ | TONELP002 | Platinum[2] | |
| 2007 | Shapeshifter Live | Truetone | - | - | |||
| EPs | |||||||
| 2001 | D.N.A. | Kog Transmissions | - | - | |||
| 2003 | Styles | Kog Transmissions | - | - | |||
| 2003 | Been Missing/Relocator | Kog Transmissions | - | - | |||
[edit] Featured appearances
The group have appeared on many compilations and soundtracks since 2001 in New Zealand. The following is a list of these albums that have featured tracks by Shapeshifter.
- (2001) - The Gathering 3: Unity Through Divesity (Virgin) - DNA
- (2002) - The Gathering Aotearoa 2002 (Loop) - Tapestry
- (2002) - Heads Up!!! Music From The 2002 bNet Music Awards (Festival Mushroom) - Move With Me featuring Ladi6
- (2002) - In 2 Deep (Fabel Music) - Move With Me (Remix)
- (2002) - Loop. Select 003 (Loop Recordings Aot(ear)oa) - Move With Me featuring Ladi6
- (2002) - Loop. Select 002 (Loop) - Creation
[edit] Singles
| Year | Single | Album | NZ Singles Chart | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Realtime" | Realtime | - | - | |
| "Tapestry" | Realtime | - | - | |
| "Move With Me" (featuring Ladi6) |
Realtime | - | - | |
| "Been Missing" | Riddim Wise LP | - | - | |
| "When I Return" | Riddim Wise LP | - | - | |
| "Long White Cloud" | Riddim Wise LP | - | - | |
| "Bring Change" | Soulstice | - | - | |
| "One" | Soulstice | - | - | |
| "Electric Dream" | Soulstice | - | - |
[edit] Awards
Between 2000 and 2004, Shapeshifter have enjoyed a strong following throughout New Zealand. This is well illustrated in the group's awards and nominations at the publicly voted bNet New Zealand Music Awards, held annually.
- 2000 - Winner of the Best New Act
- 2001 - Nominated for Best Live Act and Best Electronic Release (D.N.A. EP)
- 2002 - Winner of the Best Electronic Release (Realtime)
- 2002 - Nominated for Best Song (Tapestry) and Best Album (Realtime)
- 2003 - Showcase performance at Awards ceremony.
- 2006 - Winner of "Best Album"(Soulstice) "Best Song" (Bring Change)and "Best Live Act"
- 2007 - Winner of "Best Electronic Release" (Soulstice) and "Best Live Act"
In 2005, Shapeshifter's video for Long White Cloud won Best Electronic Release at the Juice TV Music Awards[1].
