Shapeshifter are a live
drum and bassDrum and bass , is a type of electronic dance music which emerged in the mid 1990s. The genre is characterized by fast breakbeats , with heavy sub-bass lines...
act from
New ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses , and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori named New Zealand Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud...
. They have been heralded as a musical phenomenon for their ground breaking live shows and unique blend of heavy soul/drum and bass. Their reputation as pioneers of modern music was built by a unique approach to electronic music which had previously been restricted to computer-based studio musicians and has earned them widespread critical and commercial acclaim.
History and Biography
Shapeshifter formed in 1999 after the four founding members met at music school. They had a range of musical backgrounds ranging from dub, jazz, and hip-hop, to metal, funk and electronica. As a result, they decided to bring these influences together to create live drum and bass. After playing locally and releasing an early EP entitled
D.N.A, they quickly became known as a fresh, innovative act.
In 2001, Shapeshifter released their debut LP entitled
Realtime. The album included a collaboration with sublime vocalist Ladi6 on the track "Move With Me" as well as Kaps (Fabel) and Tiki (Salmonella Dub) on production.
Realtime was awarded the 'Best Electronic Release' title at the 2002 BNet NZ Music Awards, and was also nominated at the RIANZ NZ Music Awards for 'Best Electronic Album'.. The album is noted for its heavier sound compared with the band's more recent material.
In 2002, Shapeshifter relocated to Melbourne. They toured extensively, playing to sell-out crowds with very positive reactions from their audiences. The group performed at events such as the 4ZZZ Market Day Festival in Brisbane in which over 10,000 people attended, the Bellingen Global Carnival, and sold out shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Byron Bay.
In late-2003, vocalist Paora Apera (aka P Digsss) joined Shapeshifter's live line-up, making the group an even more formidable and soulful 5-piece with a stronger stage presence. The new line-up was road tested on
Salmonella DubSalmonella Dub are a Dub/Drum n Bass/Reggae/Roots band from Kaikoura, New Zealand. They were formed in 1992 by Andrew Penman, David Deakins and Mark Tyler. The band has toured extensively New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Ireland...
's
One Drop East album release tour of Australia in August/September. Shapeshifter played 12 shows in various cities to an overwhelming crowd response. Musically, the group evolved rapidly to include the new vocal elements in old and new tracks, resulting in a fresh, universal sound communicating to a wider audience. Other highlights included their first tour of Europe at locations including London, Edinburgh and Rotterdam.
In 2004, Shapeshifter then released their second album
Riddim Wise. This was their most advanced and appealing work and a definite step towards a more liquid funk style of drum'n'bass. Recorded at the groups own home studio in Melbourne, the album features collaborations with Aotearoa's most prodigious and exciting vocalists; Dallas Tamaira aka Joe Dukie (Fat Freddy's Drop), Karoline Tamati aka Lady 6 (Verse 2/Sheelahroc) and Paora Apera aka P Digsss. The album was praised as a steady progression from 'Realtime', with an emphasis on funky dancefloor grooves, whilst maintaining strong musical elements. The album became the #1 Independent NZ album release and also the #1 NZ National Dance Album in New Zealand history.
The band's third album
SoulsticeSoulstice is an album released by New Zealand drum and bass band, Shapeshifter in 2006.It is the third album from the group, and the first to have former part time contributor P Digsss as a permanent feature in the groups line up. This is reflected throughout the album as many of the tracks contain...
was released in August 2006, with lead single "Bring Change" receiving extensive video and radio play. The album takes in influences from the world’s of soul, reggae, funk, rock and of course drum and bass, all rounded off with a superb sonic quality, unique to this band. Soulstice obtained Gold sales status in New Zealand in three weeks and has since achieved Platinum sales. September 2006 saw Shapeshifter tour throughout New Zealand spreading their acclaimed drum and bass soul styles. In cutting-edge Shapeshifter fashion, they performed with leading orchestras creating a revolutionary experience and selling out their shows weeks in advance. In 2007, Shapeshifter released a live album entitled
Shapeshifter Live which was recorded on 29 September 2006 at the Christchurch Town Hall – the final show of their orchestra tour and in the band's hometown. This 6-track album contained a previously unreleased song called "Good Looking" and appeared along-side other popular Shapeshifter tracks such as "Tapestry", "Bring Change" and "One".
In 2008, Shapeshifter embarked on their forth European tour playing soldout dates in Paris, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Scotland and England. The tour also promoted their single "One", released in May 2008, and off the back of the successful tour and critically acclaimed single, the decision was made to release
Soulstice in the UK and Europe. This was released on 17 November on Mums The Word Records with a special re-designed package that includes new artwork and exclusive remixes from drum and bass legends D-Bridge (Exit Records), Hospital’s soulful star
Nu:Tone*For NU tone , see Call-progress tone.Nu:Tone is a drum and bass artist on the Hospital Records label...
and the prolific remix kings
The NextmenThe Nextmen are a critically acclaimed UK production/songwriting group consisting of Dom Search and Brad Baloo . Often incorporating hip hop drum sets and electronic basslines into their sound, they have worked with many artists from the UK, US and Jamaica...
. Shapeshifter also toured Australia at the end of 2008 and during their summer tour of New Zealand, they played new unreleased tracks including "Dutch Sorrow", "Right Here, Right Now", "Day One", "Twin Galaxies", "Warning" and "System" some of which are rumoured to be on the next album, "The System is a Vampire", due 12 October, 2009. Shapeshifter also released a remix EP in late 2008 featuring two alternative versions of their song "Bring Change" by themselves and fellow New Zealand drum & bass artists, The Upbeats. A remix of their song "Long White Cloud" was also included, remixed by Nu:Tone. Shapeshifter also released a remix of their hit tune, Electric Dream which was remixed by New Zealand drum & bass act, State of Mind.
Shapeshifter also have their own recording label called Truetone Recordings. Their first album,
Realtime, and early EPs were released under Kog Transmissions.
Side Projects
Shapeshifter band member, Devin Abrams, runs a successful solo side project under the name Pacific Heights. He has released three albums entitled
Frozen Fears (2003),
Borne Together (2004) and
In A Quiet Storm (2008). He also regularly DJs under the name "DJ Reno".
Vocalist P-Digsss is part of The Sunshine Soundsystem, who play around New Zealand with a hip-hop, funk, dancehall, reggae and jungle flavour. They regularly play the Kaikoura Roots Festival, Rippon Festival, Destination and have supported big drum & bass/electronica acts The Nextmen, Aphrodite and London Elektricty.
Nick Robinson DJs under the name "Nicky Research" and Sam Trevethick DJs under the name "Sambora".
Shapeshifter also has a close working relationship with ex-Salmonella Dub front man Tiki Taane. Upon the release of Taane's debut solo album,
Past, Present, Future, in 2008, Shapeshifter were asked to tour with Taane to help promote the new album.
Band Members
- Sam Trevethick (keyboards, guitar, percussion)
- Paora 'P Digsss' Apera (vocals)
- Devin Abrams (synths, saxophone)
- Redford Grenell (drums)
- Nick Robinson (bass, keyboards)
Discography
| Date of Release |
Title |
Label |
Charted |
Country |
Catalog Number |
Sales |
| Albums |
| 2001 |
Realtime |
Kog Transmissions |
- |
NZ |
|
|
| 2004 |
Riddim Wise LP |
Truetone |
- |
NZ and AUST |
|
Platinum |
| 2006 |
Soulstice Soulstice is an album released by New Zealand drum and bass band, Shapeshifter in 2006.It is the third album from the group, and the first to have former part time contributor P Digsss as a permanent feature in the groups line up. This is reflected throughout the album as many of the tracks contain...
|
4 |
NZ, AUST, EUROPE (2008) |
TONELP002 |
Platinum |
| 2007 |
Shapeshifter Live |
- |
NZ, AUST (2008) |
|
| EPs |
| 2001 |
D.N.A. |
Kog Transmissions |
- |
- |
|
| 2003 |
Styles |
- |
NZ |
|
|
| Been Missing/Relocator |
- |
NZ |
|
|
| 2008 |
Remixes (Shapeshifter EP) |
Truetone A truetone is a ringtone which has has been encoded with a sampled audio format such as MP3, AAC, or WMA. It is also referred to as a mastertone or realtone....
|
- |
NZ |
|
|
Featured appearances
The group have appeared on many compilations and soundtracks since 2001 in
New ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses , and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori named New Zealand Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud...
. The following is a list of these albums that have featured tracks by Shapeshifter.
- (2001) - The Gathering 3: Unity Through Divesity (Virgin
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. It was later sold to Thorn EMI, and then, in the US, merged with Capitol Records in 2007 to create the Capitol Music Group....
) - DNA
- (2002) - The Gathering Aotearoa 2002 (Loop) - Tapestry
- (2002) - Heads Up!!! Music From The 2002 bNet Music Awards (Festival Mushroom) - Move With Me featuring Ladi6
- (2002) - In 2 Deep (Fabel Music) - Move With Me (Remix)
- (2002) - Loop. Select 003 (Loop Recordings Aot(ear)oa) - Move With Me featuring Ladi6
- (2005) - Dub Conspiracy - "Tapestry"
- (2005) - Kaikoura Roots Festival 2005 - Been Missin and Ganja Love
- (2007) - Nuclear Free Nation (Motu Karihi Kau) (CD/DVD) - Bring Change
Singles
| Year |
Single |
Album |
NZ Singles Chart |
Certification |
|
"Realtime" |
Realtime |
- |
- |
|
"Tapestry" |
Realtime |
- |
- |
|
"Move With Me"
(featuring Ladi6) |
Realtime |
- |
- |
|
"Been Missing" |
Riddim Wise LP |
- |
- |
|
"When I Return" |
Riddim Wise LP |
- |
- |
|
"Long White Cloud" |
Riddim Wise LP |
- |
- |
|
"Bring Change" |
Soulstice |
- |
- |
|
One |
Soulstice |
- |
- |
|
"Electric Dream" |
Soulstice |
- |
- |
|
"Dutchies" |
The System Is A Vampire |
- |
- |
Awards
Shapeshifter have enjoyed a strong following throughout
New ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses , and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori named New Zealand Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud...
. This is well illustrated in the group's awards and nominations at the publicly voted bNet New Zealand Music Awards, held annually.
- 2000 - Winner of the Best New Act
- 2001 - Nominated for Best Live Act and Best Electronic Release (D.N.A. EP)
- 2002 - Winner of the Best Electronic Release (Realtime)
- 2002 - Nominated for Best Song (Tapestry) and Best Album (Realtime)
- 2003 - Showcase performance at Awards ceremony.
- 2006 - Winner of "Best Album"(Soulstice
Ashley Llorens is a native Chicago emcee, currently based in Washington D.C. He is the founder of Wandering Soul Records, an independent label specializing in the production and distribution of soulful hip hop music. SoulStice obtained a Masters Degree in Electrical Computer Engineering in 2003...
) "Best Song" (Bring Change)and "Best Live Act"
- 2007 - Winner of "Best Electronic Release" (Soulstice
Ashley Llorens is a native Chicago emcee, currently based in Washington D.C. He is the founder of Wandering Soul Records, an independent label specializing in the production and distribution of soulful hip hop music. SoulStice obtained a Masters Degree in Electrical Computer Engineering in 2003...
) and "Best Live Act"
In 2005, Shapeshifter's video for Long White Cloud won Best Electronic Release at the Juice TV Music Awards.
External links