Aum Newsletter Interview

How do you describe your music?

Our music ranges from progressive ambient textures to Dubstep, Drum & Bass, and experimental electronica. We create our music in the studio and then re-work, and remix it live, using live instrumentation, sequencing and live dubbing.

What inspired you to become and start Aum?

We both have a passion for electronic music, especially with Drum & Bass, and found that Hamilton was lacking in diverse styles of independent music. We also found that there was a lull in Hamilton’s club scene/culture and wanted to get things moving again. With the help of The Collective (Consisting of local DJ’s/producers), Hamilton is now on the way to having a respected club scene and a booming sub/club-culture.

What will your next release be?

We just released our debut album titled ‘Aletheia’ in December 09, and are currently finalising artwork for our next EP release titled ‘Happiness’ which we aim to release around Feb-March. The EP features a refreshing change of pace from our album material, with more focus on ambient qualities. As usual this will be available as hard copies and digital MP3 downloads via selected stores and online at www.amplifier.co.nz.

Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?

We highly rate the electronic music scene this country has to offer, especially in terms of Drum & Bass and Dubstep producers/DJ’s, who set a world recognised standard in quality and vibe. Artists of note at the moment are Optimus Gryme, Truth, The Upbeats and Cern, all of who are touring at the moment and releasing tunes around the world.

Who would you most like to support live?

We have been fortunate enough to play a support slot in Hamilton for Optimus Gryme’s album release tour, as well as playing alongside Truth and Sick Cycle at ‘Grounded’ Wellington, which hosted 22 National and International DJs/Producers.

We would really like to play with Paddy Free, who for a number of years has pushed the boundaries of live electronic music performance with Dub legends Pitch Black.

What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?

Exploding Beers.

What can you never leave home without?

Studio.

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

We will be doing an ‘Aletheia’ tour of the North Island around February which we have just started rehearsing for which will include live and DJ sets. We also have a new EP release coming out as mentioned earlier.