Dukes Newsletter Interview

What is the best gig/event you have ever performed at, and why?

Playing at 35,000ft was better than most 9 to 5’s. The flight over to the MTV awards in Sydney. MTV and Air New Zealand put on the meanest show, preshow party courtesy of 42 Below and lots of flash hors-d’oeuvre’s, live music, etc etc and then onto the Airbus which was equipped with enough champagne to sink a ship let alone a plane, and then once the plane hit altitude, we played at the front of the plane and strolled back and forth down the aisle. Very up for it audience too…that’s gonna be hard to beat.

What is your favourite NZ venue?

Maybe the Dux de Lux in Christchurch, Ross has been good to us over the years. Or the Wunderbar in Lyttelton, super cool, seen some very good shows there.

What can we expect to see from the Dukes over the next year?

We’d like to put an album out, play more up north with good bands…

What other NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

At the NZMM show at Galatos last year, Collapsing Cities were awesome. Great hooks and really danceable rhythms, just real fun, lots of smiles and bad dancing. The Have, so good a band, they’re like the most well-oiled Holden or Ford you can think of…they make you play better.

If you could, what rumour would you start about yourselves?

That we’re supporting Prince on tour and we’re the only band his royal purpleness will go out and see.

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

Ah. Listen to good music. Dig for it.