Black Seeds come home
After 15 years in the business, The Black Seeds have grown up in every sense.
This year, German Rolling Stone described the sevenpiece act as ‘‘the best best reggae band in the world at the moment’’.
Front man Barnaby Weir said The Black Seeds were enjoying ‘‘ niche success’’, and attributed their growing credibility in that part of the world to regular tours, at least every second year, and record releases.
‘‘They like that slight variation of reggae and dub music, soul and kind of a fusion of funk and soul,’’ Weir said.
‘‘I couldn’t explain why, but we’re different enough to be exotic in some way and they just get it.’’
With growing crowds, the Black Seeds had become accepted among the professional bands, he said.
That meant getting to play on the main stage at big festivals with high production standards.
‘‘We’d like to spend more time there, but it’s not always do-able.’’
They are also growing up in a family sense. ‘‘We’re mid-30s,’’ he said. ‘‘ It has always been a family-style band anyway, but the kids are growing up now and need constant attention, and you can’t just be touring around the world.
‘‘Well, some bands can, but we keep it realistic for ourselves.’’
Although Weir is not one of the fathers in the band, he has other pressures on his time, with involvement in Fly My Pretties and other projects.
However, The Black Seeds as a touring and recording band remains his priority.
‘‘ Managing the time between the bands is quite easy really.
‘‘When I know I’ve got a quiet period with the Seeds, I can plan in something with Fly My Pretties or with something else.’’
Amsterdam is Weir’s favourite overseas location.
‘‘ We’ve got a really good base of Dutch fans who come, and we play a few gigs every time we go, so that’s one of my favourite places.’’
In New Zealand, the Wellington Town Hall is his favourite indoor venue.
‘‘And I love the gigs at Wellington Botanical Garden in the summertime. ‘‘That’s a beautiful venue.’’ The band members were excited to be playing in their home town after a long time away, Weir said.
‘‘We’re looking forward to playing there, and we’re really stoked. Can’t wait to play there.’’
The Black Seeds will play at the James Cabaret on November 15, 8pm.
They will be supported by DJs Flash Harry, Lord Echo, Hammondhead and Black Butter & friends.
Kapi-Mana News