Celtic band Hobnail all grown up
Talks with the founding member of Kiwi band, Hobnail
Dyed-in-the-wool New Zealand band Hobnail have grown up. The Wellington-based group, which showcases a blend of folk, celtic, country and rock, boasts a 23-year-long career after being formed in 1994.
Founding member Rob Joass said in its time the troupe, which has played extensively around New Zealand and overseas, has endured many changes.
Joass, on vocals, guitar and mandola, said through it all the group had matured in many ways.
Over the years they had moved away from the ‘‘party band’’ pub performances and started playing more concert-styled venues, he said. Hobnail, originally named Hobnail Boots, is currently touring the release of its new album
Reflecting its mellowed vibe the band would perform at 4th Wall Theatre when it stops off in New Plymouth next weekend.
‘‘This is a venue we’d typically play now. It’s much more of a sit down grown up audience - as we’ve grown up,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re all happily middle-aged now and have families and don’t want to be staying up to one o’clock in the morning drinking our heads off.’’
There had also been a significant shift in the group’s sound throughout the years, Joass said. ‘‘The music has evolved as we’ve gone along and we’re certainly better musicians than we were when we first started,’’ he said. Initially the ensemble’s musical offerings were heavily influenced by a celtic and country sound but now they were known to incorporate other genres.
The band’s lineup was also switched up in earlier years. Joass and violinist and vocalist Jo Moir have been with the group from the beginning, while bass guitarist Hamish Graham joined a little after its inception and Caroline Easther, on drums and vocals, came on board about 12-years-ago.
‘‘Occasionally we’ll have another person come and join us, we’ve got a couple of, sort of, satellite members.’’
Despite the group’s evolution Joass was certain there was one element that had not changed.
‘‘Somewhere in our DNA we still like to see toes-tapping.’’
The group’s latest and seventh album was recorded in April this year, partly at Lee Prebble’s studio, the Surgery, and partly at Rob Joass’ home studio, Mad Dog.
Taranaki Talent
The finals for a talent quest which will feature a range of abilities and ages from Taranaki is on next weekend. Auditions for the Taranaki Talent Quest were held across the region earlier in the month and turned out many undiscovered stars including an 82-year-old singer and a group of
80-year-old line dancers. More than
10 finalists will perform in front a panel of judges on October 7 at the New Plymouth Club. Prizes will be given to those who finish first, second and third as well as a prize for best all-round performer. Tickets for the finals are available on Eventbrite. or at the New Plymouth Club reception.
Family Art
A day of family fun and creativity will be held at New Plymouth’s Puke Ariki. The Big Day Art will be hosted by Home Work artists Jennifer Laracy, Jacqueline Elley, and Caitlin Finnerty who will set up creative art stations in the museum foyer for anybody wanting to take part. The event will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 7. All materials provided.
Sydney Hotshots
A bevy of men ready to turn up the heat in New Plymouth are crossing the ditch to entertain with their fit bodies complete with washboard abs. With performers from London, Vegas, Rio, Barcelona and Australia, the Sydney Hotshots will tear off their fantasy costumes and whisk willing audience members onto the stage while showing off their new choreography. The show Secret Fantasies will come to The Mayfair on Saturday, October 7.
October Exhibition
"We're all happily middle-aged now and have families and don't want to be staying up to one o'clock in the morning drinking our heads off"
Musician Rob Joass