After the Rain: A Sun Is Shining Late Summer Sampler

 After the rain:

A Sun is Shining late Summer Sampler

I compiled this selection of tracks I feel represents the ethos of this blog from albums that have been on rotation recently. For those of you who listen I hope you find something that you enjoy and that you will support the artists and purchase their work if you can.

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As this new interface from Google doesn't seem to want to display embedded HTML code for the Mixcloud player. Here is the link https://www.mixcloud.com/woodzee/after-the-rain/

Track List:

1) Matt Coldrick – Uncertain Waves on Soft Shorelines

After Nineteen years Matt utilised the lockdown period to compose the sequel to the Absolute Ambient release ‘Music For A Busy Head’. The concept is simply an album to unwind from the stress we can build in our day-to-day lives in modern times. I selected this track (the longest featured) for the nod towards progressive rock both in the synth sounds, piano and soothing guitar licks, that in my humble opinion achieves the goal he set out to achieve.

2) Erothyme feat. Jessica Borth – Tale of the Misty Veil

Taken from the album ‘Steep Dreams’ and only the second I have brought (or heard) from a number of releases. However, this fusion of glitchy low bass electronics and orchestral strings, is one of two really strong tracks that have pulled my interest back towards his productions.

3) Tor.Ma In Dub – The Dream of Anaho

Taken from the album ‘Among Aliens and Gods’ inspired by his love of Sci-Fi movies, H.P. Lovecraft and the recent birth of his daughter. This track isn’t one of the harder hitting tracks of the release. However, I felt the mood of the piece and its subtle 80’s sci-fi sounds that slowly unfurls and rise throughout the track was apt for this occasion.

4) Entheogenic – Celestial Mechanics

A welcome return with the album ‘Animism’ and for me this is the stand out track. From the moment that Floyd’esque guitar drops in the intro, the piece carries you through a wonderful journey combining guitar and electronic synths perfectly.

5) Kukan-Dub-Lagan – Sufeit of Happiness and Agony

Taken from the album ‘In Search of the Fogbow’ this haunting piece of electronic music rips along slow and heavy tribal’esque drum patterns, whilst the synths build to a wonderful, yet dark crescendo.

6) Terra Nine – Dub Terratory (Kuba Re-mix)

Alongside the Kaya Project this is my favourite from the ‘Eternity Re-mixes’ album, Kuba takes the original (which on it’s own is a good track) and flutters between the sounds of Jamaica and India lifting it to even greater heights.

7) Gaudi meets Prince Fatty – Theremin Dub Mafia

Taken from ‘100 Years of Theremin: The Dub Chapter’ a celebration album where Gaudi plays the theremin (a go to instrument for many classic Sci-Fi movies) alongside some of the giants of dub reggae. This is my personal favourite from the release and really hits the spot.

8) Irfan – Salamander

This is the first of two Bulgarian acts featured here. Taken from the album ‘The Eternal Return’ which isn’t new but I’d been meaning to purchase something of theirs for years and recently found them on bandcamp. Very similar to Dead Can Dance but unlike Lisa Gerrard they don’t invent the words this is the real McCoy.

9) Black Bombay – Rice Field Chant (Shanghai Edit)

Taken from the compilation Shanghai Chill. There is something of a retro feel about this track, where I feel would easily slotted into a Buddah Bar compilation in the past with it’s touches of dub and Chinese vocals.

10) Cosmic Voices of Bulgaria – Retour a la Vie

The second act from Bulgaria and once again this isn’t new. A recent discovery for me that originally featured on Armand Amar’s soundtrack for the 2010 French film ‘AO Le Dernier Neandertal’. 

Terra Nine 'Eternity Remixes' Review

Artist:

Title:

Label:

Released:

Forthcoming on Sofa Beats the electric voila driven electronic compositions of Terra Nine are given a makeover by some of the biggest producers from the world of psy-chill, dub and downtempo electronica.

We get underway with Kuba’s take on ‘Dub Terratory’. Now this particular track is featured a number of times and I’ve yet to hear the others to compare. But this is great! The soothing bamboo flutes drift off the electronic dub perfectly, creating a vibe that is uplifting to my mood. This is followed by the Kaya Project and although they also utilise the bamboo flute, take a somewhat different (but equally amazing) approach to the same piece. Utilising an acoustic intro that leads into a more squelchy and percussive number. By this point we move along to Pete Ardon the brainchild behind Orchid-Star and his re-working of ‘Incandescent’, which once again drifts lovingly between melodic electronics and eastern elements that are pleasing enough to the ear.

Once again we return to the ‘Dub Terratory’ track this time with Gabriel le Mars dub mix. As you may have anticipated there’s more drive to this version, than the previous two. The spanking bassline and melodic loops setting me in mind somewhat of System 7, another job well done. Despite his recent return to the downtempo arena, Tripswitch on this occasion applies the melodic prog sound he has also become associated with, on ‘New Vibration’. Whilst Green Beats takes a melodic and electronic approach as opposed to the eastern sounds on ‘Dub Terratory’. Providing a listenable alternative to the previous re-mixes that slots in nicely to this section of the album.

Next up his Gaudi who adds his production wizardry to ‘Dub Terratory’ applying a more traditional reggae drum pattern to the bass and drums, which balances nicely against the soothing elements of the piece. We then move onto Noosfaere’s re-working of ‘Ocean’ where they drag the piece into darker territories ranging from slow and heavy to more aggressive drum patterns. Then to see us out is Terra Nine’s No Words Re-mix of the title track (which was my personal favourite from the original album). There’s an almost orchestral feel to the music, with some beautiful piano keys juxtaposed against a two-step beat which creates a loving marriage to the overall effect.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://beatspace-sofabeats.bandcamp.com/album/eternity-remixes

https://soundcloud.com/sofa-beats-1/sets/terra-nine-eternity-remixes

Terra Nine 'Eternity' Review

Artist: Terra Nine

Title: Eternity

Label: Sofa Beats

Released: 12th Oct 2019

Mike Wescott returns under his down-tempo guise Terra Nine, with eight new tracks of viola driven dub and psy-chill flavoured goodness following his annual European festival stint.

The album sets off in slow motion with ‘Dub Terratory’ where almost trance like sequences spring off the squelchy bass chords and electronic rhythms. The next piece ‘Metatonic’ lifts slowly from it’s ambient space music like intro into tabla percussion, fusing ethnic and harmonious angelic voices throughout the piece.

The journey takes another turn with ‘First Date’ where a fuzzy electro groove leads slows down and then leaps up slightly with piano keys and soaring voila, which I guess could well reflect the emotional turmoil of the title. There’s no speed fuelled car chase with ‘Vanishing Point’ it begins more akin to drum and bass with the brakes on, while the 10 minute road trip dips through atmospheric avenues and moments of angelic viola licks.

The following piece ‘Ocean’ retains those angelic voila licks but with somewhat of a dark underbelly than the atmospheric feel of the previous piece. Whilst there’s something of a fusion of 80’s euro synth-pop and 90’s trance slowed down with ‘New Vibration’.

There is a slow sweeping build up on ‘Incandescent’ that you could be fooled into thinking it will take off. That is, until the slow plodding beat is employed and your dropped into an atmospheric ambience. However, don’t rest on your laurels just yet as Mike springs into harmonious dnb for the majority of the track. Now unusually and finally we reach the title track ‘Eternity’ and it really is a beautiful piece where piano chords are infused into drum and bass and indistinct vocal samples.

Review by Woodzee

Links

https://terranine-music.bandcamp.com/

https://sofabeatsmusic.bandcamp.com/

Terra Nine 'Heart of the Matter' Review

Artist: Terra Nine

Title: Heart of the Matter

Label: Iboga Records

Released: 13^th January

This will be the last review on the blog for the foreseeable future. I simply don’t have the time or the enthusiasm to build new connections and keep the blog as fresh as it should be. I’ve wound down the interviews for a good while now as I feel there are only so many questions you can ask. I’d like to thank all the artists, djs and labels who’ve contributed over the years and will continue to host the Chill Out Sessions show every last Sunday of the month on Boxfrequency.fm

I first came across Mike Wescott A.K.A. Terra Nine on the Ajana compilation ‘A Magical Journey’ since then I have enjoyed many of his productions and promoted two nights where they have played as Terra Nine and their progressive trance side project Sirius Music. Mike uses a self built electric viola to trigger synths sounds on software very much in the fashion of Steve Hillage in System 7 with the guitar. The end result is a heavenly fusion of classical, dub, ambient trance and psychedelic breaks complimented live by vj Intelliki.

This new release begins in the stereotypical Terra Nine fashion with ‘Waveforms Out The Window’ where the electric viola is blanketed over skippy percussion and a growling low frequency synth voice. This is followed by 'The Present Moment' which features less stereotypical Terra Nine spoken samples, plucked viola amongst a dubby ambient feel. At this point we reach the title track a chilled and summery piece with glitchy psychedelic fx and stuttered drum rolls before it really takes off with choice spiritual spoken samples over Arabian influenced psy-dub! I have to say this track is right up there in my opinion as one of Mike’s best productions.

After the last track I suspected it could only go downhill here on in. However, the next track ‘One Da Da Da’ continues with the Spiritual spoken samples but with more of a dreamy feel, piano and little tweaks of the violin and only falls slightly short as a contender to the title piece. The final track ‘Flying’ has more of an ambient trance feel to it and combined with the electric viola creates an ethereal feeling that is apt to it’s chosen title.

Overall this is a strong release and it’s definitely the last three tracks that work for me. Especially, the title track which is a bit of a change of direction for Terra Nine and a welcome one in this instance as it’s such a good track.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://www.beatport.com/release/heart-of-the-matter/1907722

The Dream Eaters present Terra Nine vs Sirius Music

An evening of music and light featuring live acts, dj's and vj's. Covering an eclectic range spanning dub reggae, global grooves, house, techno, trance and joining the dots in between.


Terra Nine vs Sirius Music featuring VJ Intelliki
(Altar Records - Voted label of the year 2015 on http://www.psybient.org/)


Terra Nine is the electronic brainchild of Michael Westcot - Hardly your typical digital artist. A classically trained violinist, he produces a truly unique synergy of lush organic strings, mind bending psychedelic sounds and a fat bottom end full of twisted beats and dubbed out basslines... Running the gamut of trance, dub and psychedelic breaks... To experience is to understand... Terra Nine moves the heart and soul as well as the feet. 



Sirius Music is a new progressive trance project from Michael Westcot aka Terra Nine, marking a new musical odyssey into powerful yet simple grace and rhythm.. Powerful beats to move the heart as well as the body - incorporating real instrumentation combined with hypnotic digital soundscapes and moving imagery to excite and inspire. Sirius Music features Michael Westcot - on viola, keyboards, computer and other audio devices and Intelliki - providing extraordinary visuals.


INTELLIKI is a New Zealand based veejay, utilising inspiring images to accompany the music of the psychedelic chill / alternative act, TERRA NINE and the progressive trance act, SIRIUS MUSIC. She has been experimenting with visual design for the past decade. Her inspiration comes from earth, nature, futuristic landscapes and psychedelia.


INTELLIKI incorporates 3D animation with natural photographic
elements, time-lapse photography and occasional live video feeds, along with a massive selection of FX generators and video loops. She uses Modul8, Photoshop and a number of movie programmes to create her visionary art.


INTELLIKI has accompanied Terra Nine and Sirius Music on his numerous world tours over the past five years, performing live at festivals such as Rainbow Serpent (AUS), Subsonic (AUS), Waveform (UK), Glade Festival (UK), Sunrise (UK), Bakony Festival (HU), Misterika Festival (Ukraine), Trance Adventures (Slovenia), Samsara (Hungary), Ambiosonic (France) and Dimension NYE (NZ).


VJ Intelliki at Dimension NYE Event 2015 from VJ Intelliki on Vimeo.

Beyond Within (Sun Dept. Records)


Beyond Within is prime time butt shaking bass lines, crisp driving drums and big grinning head spinning psychedelic textures & grooves blasting out of Milton Keynes. Recently setting the dancefloor alight with shows at Sunrise (Leeds) and Sun Dept (Hamburg) 


Mosienko Project (Earth City Recordz)


Northampton based Mosienko Project showcases the multi-ethnic influences and genre-fusing of two dynamic and diverse producers: Gary Johnson-White and Barry Burford. Musicians, DJ's, Remixers and Producers; Mosienko Project embraces sounds from around the world, collaborating with many top vocalists and musicians: fusing influences from Roots, Eastern, Breakbeat, Chillout, Chillstep and Downtempo.


With DJ support from


Paul Neaves
Jamez23
Matthew Foord


Lighting by Optikal Intrusion


£6 entry advanced tickets go on sale May the 1st
http://skiddle.com/e/12709427
£6 before 10pm on the door £8 after

• Friday the 24 June at 20:00–3:00 Phoenix Bar, 94 Lower Bridge Street, Northampton. NN1 1PD

Terra Nine 'Lucid Dreaming E.P.' Review

Artist: Terra Nine

Title: Lucid Dreaming 

Label: Altar Records

Released: 12^th August

Hot on the heels of the recent Karune E.P. New Zealands Mike Westcot delivers 3 new tracks comprising his unique blend of electric viola, lush ambient soundscapes, breaks and trance.

The opening track 'Field of Wishes' is an eerie journey through atmospheric down-tempo electronics and lush viola that could easily slot into the background of any sci-fi flick. While the title track 'Lucid Dreaming' has a heavier breakbeat undertone the lush strings of the over-layered viola maintain the dream like quality that the title suggests. The E.P. closes with 'Positive Vibrations' a collaboration with Transient Dreams and going by the title you could be forgiven for expecting a reggae dub fusion. The reality is a slice of glitchy psybient for the viola to spring off and soar.

Overall this release didn't leave as deep an impression on me as the Karuna E.P. However, saying that it's not a bad E.P. and very reasonably priced. As always Mike delivers a dream-like quality that appeals to me which you certainly find in this release.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/terra9music?v=app_2405167945

http://www.altar-records.com/

Terra Nine vs Squazoid 'Karuna E.P.' Review

Artist: Terra Nine 

vs Squazoid

Title: Karuna E.P.

Label: Altar Records

Released: 13^th June

A collaboration that almost spans to the opposite side of the globe. Auckland based Mike Westcott electric voila fused ambient trance joins forces with Parisian global psy-chill producer Jeremy Bringué. The seed of this track was planted after an impromptu jam at a party in Jeremy's studio in 2013 where Mike played a few notes on the voila which grew into a few more and the basis of the piece was born add some bass, cello and more strings and they had found a piece that emotionally moved them to tears. They played the piece to some select artists who were interested in re-mixing the track and this is the long awaited result.

The E.P. begins with the original piece with an orchestral intro of hauntingly beautiful strings, while the electronics slowly and delicately gain volume and harmonic voices are added. Although they have their moments to shine they never overpower the orchestral spine of the piece.

Moving onto the re-mixes not surprisingly the first contender is Pete Ardron who often employs a classical underbelly in his own productions. In places his input is subtle with a little added ethnic percussion and at others he takes it up a notch some housey piano, wonderful key loops and panned reverb. The result is a lovely enhancement on an already heavenly piece.

The E.P. moves on with fellow Parisian Franck Jousselin (Kick Bong) who unexpectedly adds guitar to the strings and in places his own synth flavours that rest above the underlying sounds of the original but never entirely block it out. An interesting alternative that I wouldn't dismiss.

Unknown Reality (who previously were unknown to me) add a progressive trance vibe to the piece but maintain a strong orchestral emotion with their version. Once again I'm impressed with the result you can really fly into a dream with this one.

Next to imprint their take on the track is Terra Nine's label mate Astropilot who shifts the emphasis to the dancefloor with a rolling underbelly of a bassline, while still maintaining the heavenly voices and strings as you would come to expect with his own productions.

Another new face (or new sound even) for me is Cloower Wooma who utilise all the elements of the original strings and harmonic voices fooling me to believe this would be an atmospheric ambient take, where infact it they employ an elongated intro before stamping down the bassline.

Finally seeing out the E.P. is Suduaya who adds some dreamy piano and reverb to the voices with this blissful adaptation the term sofa sinking couldn't be more apt in this case. An absolutely superb slice of chill out.

Some may argue that 7 versions of one track is a bit too much. But in cases like this when you have such a lovely piece of music and a pallette of sounds from artists who know how to draw on the emotion and at times enhance aspects of it. I for one am glad there is.

Review by Woodzee

Links

https://soundcloud.com/terranine

http://www.squazoid.com/

http://www.altar-records.com/

Guest Mix - Pete Ardron (Orchid-Star)

I first came across Orchid-Star when Pete messaged me on MySpace to say he thought I may like their music, he wasn’t wrong I was instantly hooked on "Wildflower" and it seemed like an eon until it was finally released.

Now although Orchid-Star is essentially a band there were two other key elements that appealed to me the stunning vocals of Samanta Ray (an Australian opera singer of Indian descent) and the unique keyboard style which probably reflects Pete’s classical training. I’ve also caught live performances at Off-World festival and InSpiral Lounge and spoken to members of the band who seem a thoroughly friendly bunch.

I’ve not explored Pete’s entire back catalogue but I did purchase “Hanging On Perfumed Air” an album containing tracks written specifically for the parachute at Whirl-Y-Gig it’s not something I’ve used in mixes as the tracks run into one another setting a theme throughout the album which is bliss to listen to from time to time.

I recently reviewed Pete and Samanta’s “Interuterion” where Pete experiments and creates the album solely utilising Samanta’s voice (I'd instantly and wrongly assumed these pieces contained synthesizers) however, the album is aimed at meditation and relaxation while this mix (containing tracks and re-mixes of Pete’s, Orchid-Star and other projects including some unreleased tracks*) is far more uplifting and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Sun Is Shining Guest Mix - Pete Ardron (Orchid-Star) by Sun Is Shining on Mixcloud

*Not only has Pete graciously submitted this fantastic mix he has also taken the time to provide a timed track listing with release information and labels.

0:00 Pete Ardron and Samantha Ray - Interuterion - Serenity (from Interuterion, Pink Hampster 2012)
0:50 Orchid-Star - Butterflies (from Birth, Liquid Sound 2008)
8:55 Orchid-Star - Lotus Bloom (SandRa & Pete Ardron remix) (to be released this month, Pink Hampster)
15:22 Pete Ardron and Samantha Ray - Vissi D'Arte (Puccini) (as yet unnamed project, gigged at Waveform 2012 but no completion/release date yet)
19:58 Pete Ardron - Vignette (unreleased, from next solo album (if and when it happens!), 2012)
25:05 Dorothee Munyaneza - Inzozi (Pete Ardron remix) (2009, unreleased, hopefully to eventually to be turned into a full album project)
30:50 Orchid-Star - Wildflower (Polynectar Remix - Squazoid) (2013)
38:12 Pete Ardron - Qawwali Roll (from Inside the Voice Inside, Pink Hampster 2002, Cyberset, 2009)
45:02 Pete Ardron - Angel (unreleased, from next solo album - 2005, yeah this one's taking a while!)
51:00 Terra Nine - Whisper (Pete Ardron remix) (from Stream of Consciousness, Tempest 2009)
57:04 N'Faly Kouyate's Change - untitled track (album planned to be released in Oct '13)
1:01:19 Trancient Dreams - Forbidden Sea (Pete Ardron remix) (2012)
1:09:03 Afro Celt Sound System - Hypnotica (Pete Ardron remix) (2010)
1:18:09 Dorothee Munyaneza - Iminsi (Pete Ardron remix) (released on DVD version of Dorothee Munyaneza - Dorothee Munyaneza, Luminary Records 2009)
1:23:39 Teresa Gabriel - Wings of the Angel (unreleased in this form, recorded at my place, 2005, only responsible for engineering and refusing to let her do anything other than live takes - still one of my 2 all time favourite acoustic recordings, the other also from the same afternoon)
1:28:04 Pete Ardron and Samantha Ray - Interuterion - Serenity 

Links

www.peteardron.com

www.orchidstar.info

www.pinkhampster.com

Sun Is Shining presents Terra Nine photos

Thanks to Mike (Terra Nine/Sirus Music), Claire (Intelliki) for the wonderful visuals, DJ's Robin Triskele, Jamez23 and all who came to our event @ the WatershedMK. There's more in the pipeline so hopefully we may see some new faces in the future. 

The debut E.P. from Sirius Music is now available from Altar Records

Thanks to Mike (Terra Nine), Claire (Intelliki Visuals), DJ's Robin Triskele, James (Jamez23) and all who came to our event @ the WatershedMK. There's more in the pipeline so hopefully we may see some new faces in the future.

Terra Nine Breathe Review

Artist: Terra Nine

Album: Breathe

Label: Altar Records

Release Date: December 2011

I first came across Mike Westcott’s Terra Nine project on the Ajana Records compilation “A Magical Journey”. In fact I was so impressed with the use of the electric viola in his work I embarked on a mission to interview him for our blog.

I was suitably impressed when reviewing his last release “Stream Of Consciousness” which featured re-mixes by Ott and Pete Ardron of Orchid Star. This time the honours go to Astropilot and Squazoid and I’m even more impressed with this release.

The album opens with “Transmutation” where lush synth chords are layered over rainforest atmospherics and twitching notes of the viola. This creates a wonderfully warm and inviting surround sound. The beat takes a while to kick in and although it lifts the track I was happy enough without one.  The next track “Star” like the title track features alluring vocals from Aviatrix and has more of a trance vibe about it.

In all honesty I could go on about the richness of sound and production quality of every track on the album. Mike creates a fusion of chilled organic strings, trancey keys and beats with a twist of psychedelica. Think System 7 with an electric viola!

However, I am going to pluck a favourite from a very strong album and its hat’s off to Mike for his re-mix of Astropilot's “Memories Maze”. This in my opinion is better than both the title track and Astropilot's re-mix of that. The tracks open’s with a soothing synth which is soon accompanied by a synthetic vocal chorus. The viola creates wonderful loops which keep the mind entertained until the rich exotic Eastern vocal and then at five minutes in the didge-like 303 and vocal fx are introduced it becomes aural ecstasy. I can’t put this track into words you just have to hear it.

The other re-mix by Squazoid a name unfamiliar to me is a wonderful piece in its own right. This track also has an Eastern vibe with psychedelic vocals and drags Terra Nine into the low bass realms of dub step. 

Review by Woodzee

Terra Nine interview

Terra Nine is Mike Westcot from Auckland, New Zealand. Mike has combined the sound of the electric voila with electronica. The result ranges from orchestral ambience to more beat driven techno and has taken the Terra Nine show worldwide.

1. My first knowledge of an electric violin was in the early 90’s with Ed Alleyene-Johnson’s “Purple Electric Violin Concerto”. Although, if I had read my album covers more closely I would have realised that John Cale used an electric viola on the Velvet Undergrounds “Venus in Furs” and they have been around for longer than that. When did you first come across the instrument and what attracts you to the viola rather than the violin?

My first exposure to the idea of an electric violin was as a 12 y.o., seeing Jimmy Page use a violin bow to play his electric guitar....making these awesome sounds as a result - after that, my violin classical practice time was not quite the same - degenerating as it did from then on (once I’d finished my scales) into a cacaphony of harmonic notes...

Later on I bought my first electric fiddle - a Barcus Berry Vioelectra - a lovely shiny jet black 5-string model, but I found that the strings were too close together and I didn't like the sound of the violin E-string - preferring the more mellow tones of the bottom C-string up to the A-string. So I did some mods to the fingerboard using a file and came up with a 4-string ‘viola’...it’s worked well ever since…

String-based musical influences for me as an impressionable teenager included Robert Fripp and David Cross in King Crimson, L Shankar and Jean Luc Ponty in the Mahavishnu Orchestra, John Cale in The Velvet Underground and Adrian Belew in early Talking Heads ….all of whom did amazing violin work, or played guitar using violin-like styles....

2. Stream of Consciousness is the sixth release by Terra Nina along with many tracks featured on compilation albums. How would you say the music has evolved since the last release in 2007?

The latest album features the inspired vocals of Aviatrix, aka Kerensa Stephens on a number of the tracks and is stylistically more uptempo and song oriented - with influences including breaks, drum n bass dub and a little bit of dubstep. Cath and Al Dragojevic also feature on this new release, perf,orming live bass, didge and percussion, while Damian Verna (Red Eye Express) and Ben Heppel (Stickleback) contribute the rhythm section in the drum n bass track So Human.
This release also features remixes by OTT and Pete Ardron of Orchid Star (and Glow) fame, both of which make this album less chilled and more ‘danceable’

3. Terra Nine as a project also includes a band comprising vocals, didgeridoo, harp and bass guitar. When selecting the band members did you have people in mind or where you more interested in the instruments required?

Both really - all the member of Terra Nine were chosen for their musical excellence and instrumentation, as well as the fact that we are on the same page musically and are all good friends.

4. For those who have not heard your music and are interested where would you recommend they start?

Start with the latest album and work back…;-) you can find links to everything at: www.myspace.com/terra9music
and at: www.terranine.com

5. You’ve taken the live show worldwide before. Which of the countries you’ve played in have you enjoyed the most? Are there any live dates currently?

I have loved playing everywhere really - Germany, Spain, France, Hungary, Slovakia, Australia, NZ and the UK - my festival faves so far would be Hadra and Ambiosonic in France, Al Andalus in Spain, Full Moon in Germany, Bakony in Hungary, Rainbow Serpent in Australia, Canaan Downs in NZ and Waveform in the UK.

The NZ and Australian festivals are always special to me because they are close to home and all my friends are there…

So far, confirmed Terra Nine gigs include Rainbow Serpent 2010 next January in Australia and Waveform 2010 plus Festival of Life next September in the UK… plus there will be a slew of other shows in Europe and the UK…Locally, here in NZ, I may be playing at Splore in February…but it is not as yet confirmed.

6. New Zealand seems to have an abundance of reggae artists. Many of which are exploring electro-acoustic fusions. Are there any less well known artists you would recommend?

Yup …Ecophonic for one, plus Ddub are another good band, although my faves are Pitch Black and Salmonella Dub and thety are pretty well known…