Artist description New Zealand band emptyquarter is a crazy amalgam of various influences including rock, funk, soul, ska and punk and even big-band-swing resulting in a party-at-ground-zero-groove-vibe-carnival of sound.

Music Style Rock/Punk/Funk

Musical Influences The Birthday Party, Head Like A Hole, Shihad, The Skeptics, The Clash, G'n'R, Fishbone, Living Colour, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cherry Poppin Daddies, The Residents, Einsterzende Neubaten, The Jesus Lizard, Janes Addiction, Tool, The Beatles, Radiohead,

Similar Artists Funkadelic, The Rolling Stones, The Birthday Party, Fishbone, Head Like A Hole, The Living End, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, The Specials, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath,

Artist History With its members fleeing from the town of Wanganui in search of greener pastures in early 1995, EQ officially formed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1996 when Slim Master Slim joined Stris, Susan and Charlito. Their first infamous gig was in Wellington, 14 March 1997. EQ gigged around the local Wellington scene for several years building a following of fans based upon their growing reputation for wild, sweaty and highly energetic shows. In 1998 emptyquarter released a live/studio EP titled "Witchswede Demo", named after the bizarro witch-hat Susan is seen wearing on the cover. The studio tracks were recorded in Wanganui, the live tracks in Wellington. EQ drummer Slim Master Slim (SMS Productions) mixed and mastered the final versions. The Witchswede Demo was sold at EQ gigs and in stores around Wellington and the lower North Island. After a break from the live scene for a few months, EQ ionised its direction and came back with a mostly new set sending them off on a more original sound. This set translated well on record and at live shows, whipping crowds into large frothing frenzies. The results of this are evident in their second Single/EP titled "Make No Mistake, We Want 'Ya Cash!" featuring three spirited songs recorded in single live takes by SMS Productions at Pushkin's Practice Space in Wellington. In April 2000 emptyquarter relocated to Melbourne, Australia in search of a wider audience... and cash! This is where Del 'ROCK' Meanderson joined their smelly flanks as second guitarist. Since early 2001 the group has been gigging heavily around Melbourne venues building a rapid following and honing their shows, sound and songs.

Group Members Stris - Gats / Charlito - Bass / Susan - vox, trumpet / Slim - Drums / Drock - Gats

Instruments Bass, Gats, Drums, Vox, Trumpet

Albums "Witch Swede Demo" (1998), "Make No Mistake - We Want Ya Cash!" (1999)

Press Reviews "emptyquarter is a crazy amalgam of rock, funk, swing, ska and punk resulting in a party-at-ground-zero-groove-vibe-carnival of sound." - Ray Hughes / Rucckus (NZ) "...an inspired performance from a fresh band with more energy on-stage than I have previously witnessed... Some wonderful guitar sounds and a solid, driving bass ensured that powerful, original music was being well communicated... They have fresh new music which deserves to be heard." - Simon Sweetman / Salient Magazine (NZ) "(emptyquarter) displayed an energy I have rarely seen matched by any band, local or otherwise... This was a unit that took its art seriously and delivered it undeniably. A restrained violence, a majestic ensemble of noise, power and melody. I liked. A lot." - David Sharp / Cityvoice (NZ) "Live they were magic...party craziness at its height. Intense? These guys were legendary." - Kieran / Seventh White Lie e-zine

Location Melbourne, Victoria - Australia

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