Dubbed as “one of the most promising acts to breakthrough the NZ music scene in recent yearsâ€, Tahuna Breaks’ unique combination of funk fuelled grooves, reggae and just a hint of drum n’ bass has seen them become a favourite on dance floors across New Zealand.Their popularity has seen them having the honour of sharing the stage with such top Kiwi bands as Fat Freddy’s Drop, Concord Dawn, Tiki Live, Katchafire, Cornerstone Roots, WBC, Sola Rosa and Unity Pacific and even grace the small screen with an appearance on Top of the Pops, Coast and Juice TV Music Awards.
Having formed in January of 2005, the Auckland-based group finally celebrated the release of their debut album ‘Reflections’ in October 2007 receiving excellent reviews across the board. The album has already achieved, debuting at 3 on the Independent charts and having two tracks included on successive NZ on Air “Kiwi Hitdisksâ€, graced many of the top 10’s and the videos for ‘Voodoo†and “Real Life†are sitting happily on the playlists of Juice TV, C4 and Alt TV, as well as gaining airplay on Australia’s Triple J radio. All of this, several tours under their belt and with a hectic 2008, encompassing three nationwide tours, including the selection as the ‘emerging artist’ for the Orientation national circuit as well as playing to sold out crowds around the country in their May tour. The band also completed their first International commitments in March when they travelled and played to well receiving Australian audiences.
So what’s in a name? As much as the band would like to be able to share a tale involving the wondrous adventures to the Tahunas of New Zealand, the name in fact comes from a street which they spent many a day and night practising at and jamming together, nestled in none other than Auckland’s Freemans Bay.
Their practise sessions have seen them tucked away in a garage in Onehunga and even out in the remote Piha on the West Coast, though now Tahuna Breaks are proud to call a carpet-clad storage space in Parnell home. Amongst the empty milk bottles and fancy green plastic chairs they can jam to their hearts content, not having to worry about Noise Control or neighbours complaining about the ruckus.
The band originally started with Tim G on the drums and James, bass guitarist, meeting at school. Old family friend Marty joined the mix as vocalist and chief lyricist, then Kelsey came to the join after meeting the lads at a Black Seeds concert, adding not only a touch of style to the rouge triplet but also some high class saxophone skills. To top it off came Tim B on the trumpet and keyboard, Lizzy on Trumpet and Tom on the guitar and the list was complete.
DEBUT ALBUM "REFLECTIONS" IN STORES NOW!!!!!
Big thanks to www.musicworks.co.nz
Check out our friends at www.surf.co.nz
Tahuna Breaks and more NZ music on Amplifier.co.nz
