Bruce Paine Newsletter Interview

Which NZ artist/band do you think will be a huge international success one day?

There are so many talented artists in this country it is extremely difficult to say. I wish everyone a fair and equal chance of success!

Who would you most like to tour with?

I would enjoy working with talented musicians from such rich ethnic backgrounds as Spain, Portugal and South America.

What is your most embarrassing concert moment?

Fortunately there haven’t been any really embarrassing moments but there have been some awkward ones. Once, enthusiastic fans showered me with pink carnations when I played the first item of my concert. Another time at an outdoor concert, a cat circled my stool a few times before climbing a trellis behind me. I was afraid of being pounced on from above!

What are you planning on doing during 2005?

In 2005 I plan to promote my new CD "Guitar @ Museum" in New Zealand and overseas. In early July I have a concert with the Hampshire Area Guitar Orchestra (winners of the 2003 Guitar Orchestra Competition of Great Britain) and in late September I will be touring the South Island with the Auckland Choral Society on their 150th anniversary. While in Europe this August I will visit France and Spain as a tourist!

What is in your CD collection at home?

It’s varied but here’s a small sample;
Akbar Khan Indian Sitar,
Michel Camilo and Tomatito (Flamenco guitar and jazz piano),
"The Melancholy Roar Niagara" by Stepan Rak
Portuguese Fado sung by Misia,
Nigel Kennedy and the Kroke Band,
The Ukele Orchestra of Great Britain "The Meaning of Life",
The Prague Guitar Quartet,
Split Enz,
Cat Stevens

What advice would you give other budding musicians/bands?

Work well, be open to other musicians and ideas, communicate, be grateful for and take every opportunity offered no matter how trivial it may seem, and most of all enjoy what you do and be sure that audiences do too!