Sign In / Register
Winning a national competition called Dig the Gig has helped raise the profile of Ōrewa band Th’Goodside, which will perform a showcase at the famous Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles next year.
The band members, all from Ōrewa, are Grant Heyns (rhythm guitar), Evan Fairgrey (bass), Harry Le Cheminant (vocals), Oliver Wallace-Pram (lead guitar) and Visko Bryers (drums).
Formerly known as Bliss, they changed the name in October – drummer Visko Bryers says both names were references to iconic New Zealand band Th’Dudes, who are a key influence.
Dig the Gig is a competition for university bands with a unique system for selecting finalists – it lets the crowd be the judge. A decibel meter is used, and the bands that receive the loudest audience reactions go through.
The grand final, held in Christchurch in October, was judged the same way, with the addition of online voting and Visko says they were stoked to win.
Both the regional and national finals saw the band play to packed venues.
The prize included a trip to Los Angeles where Th’Goodside will perform a showcase at Whisky a Go Go on Sunset Boulevard.
Visko says their original material is written by different combinations of band members, describing their style as “alternative rock, heavily influenced by Th’ Dudes”.
Four of the members are former Ōrewa College students, who began playing music while they were still at school. Now in their 20s, all but one are tradies and Harry is a geologist studying for a Masters.
However, the big dream is to make it as professional musicians and with this in mind, they have been busy recording original tracks with their debut EP, Close to Home, just released.
Catch them at Parāoa Brewing Co, Whangaparāoa on Christmas Eve. You can also get more info and hear them play at www.ThGoodside.com
