Interview with Vintage
It's April 2011, and it seems like more and more live reggae acts are popping up all over Aotearoa, certainly something we ain't complaining about! One band pushing forward and punching above their…
NorthernXposure
When we think of Scotland down here in New Zealand, we think of all the cliches the rest of the world usually does - kilts, bagpipes, haggis, funny little tartan hats and that thick accent. Well,…
Atsushi Moisty Top Ten – April 2011
Originally from Japan and now living in Auckland, New Zealand, Atsushi Moisty is a song writer, guitarist, band leader, promoter, DJ, producer and teacher. Atsushi has been leading a ska and reggae…
Interview with El Fata
Let's get the ball rolling with a fairly cliched but none-the-less important question: who is El Fata? El Fata is a singer, a peacemaker. El Fata (real name Tobi) is the son of El Shaddai (Father the…
Interview with Spiderman from Jah Observer (UK)
Sad news for followers of vintage roots music: The Mighty Jah Observer Original Valve Sound System's founder and selector, Austin 'Spiderman' Palmer is retiring from the sound business. He leaves…
J Boog, Three Houses Down, Che Fu, Vintage & Aio
11 March @ San Fran Bath House, Wellington This March Wellington was treated to a visit from J Boog, a reggae artist making big waves in the international music scene. Of Samoan descent, born in Long…
Riddim Tuffa ft. El Fata – Tell Them Again
Tell Them Again - out on 7" or MP3 - is the first release for rising Edinburgh-based production crew Riddim Tuffa on their Tuffa Dubs UK label. It's a debut single that firmly announces their arrival…
Hi Kee – Self Reliance
Sizzla, Capleton and Anthony B - now add young upstart Hi Kee to this list of strong reggae singers. I once heard someone say that that Sizzla 'could purr like a kitten and then roar like a lion',…
Dub Terminator Top Ten – March 2011
New Zealand-based producer Dub Terminator is becoming widely known for his unique blend of Jah heavy roots and dubstep that is strongly influenced by reggae, dub, dancehall and hip-hop. Over the past…
Raggamuffin 2011
When the Raggamuffin line-up was announced a few months back I wasn't overly impressed. Mary J Blige - talented but not really my taste in music. Jimmy Cliff - a legend but a bit played out for me.…
Tighten Up Crew Top Ten – February 2011
The Tighten Up Crew started out in the late 90s running a night in a long forgotten venue on Gerrard Street in the heart of London's China Town, called - you guessed it - Tighten Up. Over the years…
Interview with Kris Kemist
NiceUp talks to Kris Kemist, founder of Reality Shock Records, UK. What is your own musical background? I grew up in a musical family still and started playing guitar from young. I caught the reggae…