Womad Q&A: Dragon
Iconic Kiwi hitmakers Dragon are known for producing a stack of rock anthems that most could sing-along to. Tara Shaskey talks to the group’s bass player Todd Hunter.
Womad is such a diverse lineup of talent from all over the world, for people who may not have heard of your group, can you please describe what your music is like?
Dragon music has a distinctly Australasian sound. Whether it’s in the harmonies that come from our Fijian heritage or the melodic songs that demand that you sing along or Legendary singer Mark Williams’ exotic Maori/Spanish background. If you are at a Dragon show and you don’t know these songs don’t worry - the person next to you will be belting them out.
Tell us about your journey with music?
The band formed on New Year’s Eve 1973 for New Zealand’s first ever rock festival. The band reformed in 2008 and nowadays the lineup comprises myself as the bassist, and the only remaining founding member, vocalist and guitarist Mark Williams, Pete Drummond on drums and Bruce Reid on guitar.
From where do you draw your inspiration?
We love playing live and we get inspired by people and bands who have only been playing for a few years and have a voice of their own. If they love what they are doing there’s a damn good chance we’ll love it too. Our whole thing is to be a working band that plays every weekend. We reformed in 2008 and haven’t stopped since.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
It would have to be when we preformed Rain at the Rhythm and Vines Festival in 2010. https:/ /www.youtube.com/watch? v=606JGugyGT8
Have you been to Womad before?
Yes, I went to Womad in Adelaide a while back and loved it. I’ll never forget it. At that time I was obsessed with any music that came out of Mali.
What are you most looking forward to about Womad?
Seeing other bands. I’m personally looking forward to hearing new music. Also drifting around Taranaki for a while. I was born in Waitara and Marc and I spent most school holidays staying with family in New Plymouth.
Why is it important for the people of the world to hear different styles of music?
Everyone has the right to be happy and music makes that happen.
Are you working on any projects at the moment?
We have just finished recording a Dragon album of new songs. We had much fun making it.
* Dragon will play the TSB Bowl Stage at 6.15pm on Friday. Womad NZ 2018 is on from March 16 to 18.