Shapeshifter (band)

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Shapeshiter
Background information
Origin	Christchurch, New Zealand
Genre(s)	Drum and bass, Dub, Soul
Years active	1999-present
Label(s)	Truetone
Members
Nick Robinson Sam Trevethick Devin Abrams Redford Grenell P Digsss

Shapeshifter is a drum and bass act from New Zealand formed in 1999.

1 History
2 Band Members
3 Discography
- 3.1 Featured appearances
- 3.2 Singles
4 Awards
5 External links

[edit] History

Shapeshifter formed in 1999 after the four founding members met at music school. Dub, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Metal, Funk and Electronic music backgrounds were brought together to create Drum n Bass live. The track was a hit on the BNet radio network and secured the group recognition as a fresh innovative act.

2001 saw the release of debut LP "Realtime", the produce of a steep learning curve, hard work and inspiration. Highlights included collaboration with sublime vocalist Ladi 6, on the track 'Move With Me'. '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'. In 2002 Shapeshifter relocated to Melbourne. They toured extensively, playing to sell out crowds with reactions from audiences reaching fever pitch. The group performed at events such as the 10,000 attendance 4ZZZ market day festival in Brisbane, and the Bellingen Global Carnival, as well as sold out shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Byron Bay.

In mid-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 Dub'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 dates in Edinburgh and Rotterdam.

The band's third album Soulstice was released in August 2006, with lead single "Bring Change" receiving extensive video and radio play. The album quickly went gold; the success gave Shapeshifter the opportunity to appear with the Auckland and Christchurch Symphony Orchestras in two special live shows. The band had major media coverage, both due to these shows (previously reserved for major, mainstream-pop acts such as Bic Runga) and Soulstice's success.

Due to name similarities with American hip hop group Shape Shifter and UK dance music group The Shapeshifters, the group plans to release music overseas under the name The Kiwi Shape Shifter Experience.

[edit] Band Members

Nick Robinson (bass, keyboards)
Sam Trevethick (keyboards, guitar, percussion)
Devin Abrams (synths, saxophone)
Redford Grenell (drums)
Paora 'P Digsss' Apera (vocals)

[edit] Discography

Cover	Date of Release	Title	Label	Charted	Country
Albums
	2001	Realtime	Kog Transmissions	-	-
	2004	Riddim Wise LP	Truetone Recordings	-	-
	2006	Soulstice	Truetone	-	-
EPs
	2001	D.N.A.		-	-
	2003	Styles		-	-
	2003	Been Missing/Relocator		-	-

[edit] Featured appearances

The group have appeared on many compilations and soundtracks since 2001 in New Zealand. The following is a list of these albums that have featured tracks by the Shapeshifter.

(2001) - The Gathering 3: Unity Through Divesity (Virgin) - 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
(2002) - Loop. Select 002 (Loop) - Creation

[edit] Singles

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	-	-

[edit] Awards

Between 2000 and 2004, Shapeshifter have enjoyed a strong following throughout New Zealand. 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.