CITYSHOWCASE.CO.UK

Afternoon Raj

ArtForm: CityShowcase Act/Composer, New Zealand

www.afternoonraj.com

www.facebook.com/afternoonraj

www.myspace.com/afternoonraj

Afternoon Raj was fused through friends, Hawkes Bay roots, musical consensus, brain chemistry in 2008.

The Raj blend a mixture of classical training, NZSM education and effervescent, fluorescent, sometimes pre-pubescent energy to create compositions of real authenticity. The band is a legacy of progressive rock originating from California, with a wide array of influence ranging from Jazz, Dub, Electronica, D&B, Ska, Funk, Latino, Japanese, Indian, Gypsy,Moroccan and Jamaican music.

Since forming they have been active in the local music scenes and released their energetic debut EP in March 2010. Positive vibrations are their focus; encouraging universal change through awareness. This philosophy is expressed in any way as long as its big and bounces. Expect dance rhythms with insightful messages; rich acoustic and electric tones, epic crescendos, and of course a dam good time. Get ready for the new thang.

Afternoon Raj are the sound of Hawke’s Bay in the big city, they are the sound of Summer.” - Cupcakes and Mase, Dominion Post, 2009.

Notable appearances:‹ 2010 Classic Hits FM NZ City Showcase Competition Finalist ‹ 2010 North Island “February Humidity” EP Release Tour ‹ 2010 Red Bull
Studio Live/Show ‹ 2010 Life Flight Trust Charity Fundraiser with All Whites and PM John Key ‹ 2009 Earth Hour Awareness Concert, Civic Square, Wellington

James Mason -Lead Vocals, Bede Eagle - Lead Guitar/Sitar Guitar/Vocals, Nick Symonds - Guitar/Synth, Andrej Morgan - Drums/
Vocals, Matt “Funky Dunk” Lockie - Bass Guitar.

All 5 members are from Hawkes Bay, NZ - currently based in Wellington, NZ.
The band defines their sound as Eclectro World Rock, which pulls together a wide range of genres and energetic rhythms, strong influence from Asian, Arabic & Latino sounds with explosive energy sure to make you move.

Afternoon Raj continues to go from strength to strength as they gain more recognition for what they do. In 2010 alone they have been asked to play important charity events, been selected for the Redbull Studio’s bNET Live To Air Nationwide Concert and student shows, and recently being named one of the five finalists for the Classic Hits 2010 Napier City Showcase Competition.

Honest, genuine, authentic. There is something special about Afternoon Raj - be it the sunny tones from their hometown, their ability to write powerful, moving tunes or their infections upbeat vibe. Encouraging universal change through positive vibrations is their focus, and this philosophy is expressed in any way as long as it’s big and it bounces. Expect dance rhythms with insightful messages, rich acoustic and electric tones, epic crescendos, and of course, a liberating excursion in the realms of the majestic.

Biog as for City Showcase 2010