New Zealand’s Shapeshifter are returning to Australia

New Zealand’s hottest drum and bass group Shapeshifter will be making their way back down to Australia and they couldn’t be more amped.
Speaking to the group’s incredibly friendly vocalist Paora Apera (P Digsss), Forte caught a glimpse into what fans can expect from the upcoming shows in Sydney and Melbourne.
“We are well excited, we haven’t played Australia for a wee bit and we have some new tunes which we are excited to play,” he says. “It’s always a good feeling getting back on the horse and getting the band back together so we are looking forward too it.”
Forming in 1999 after four of the members met at jazz school, Shapeshifter have gone on to become one of the biggest dance acts to come from New Zealand, but it hasn’t always been an easy fete.
“At the moment, the dance music culture in New Zealand is amazing,” Paora says. “It’s a lot more mainstream nowadays. We first formed in 1999, so we are getting pretty close to two decades. But back then, it wasn’t that common; we didn’t get much radio play or anything but we worked hard.
“We just played our asses of and that’s how we got a lot of our fan base, but back in the day not many people were making dance music with a full band arrangement, so it was tricky. It’s all a part of character building.
“We are just always trying to learn and do new things. Every day is a school day for us.”
Now at the height of their career, the group is gearing up for the release of their forthcoming EP. Of course not before they give the fans a taste of something new, which found its way in the video clip for their single ‘Oculus’, which touches on overcoming the adversity of natural disasters, in particular focusing on the 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch.
“The band originally comes from Christchurch and that’s where they all went to jazz school,” he explains, “So Christchurch is dear to Shapeshifter in many ways and at the time when the earthquake happened we saw a gorgeous city destroyed.
“That’s massively inspired a lot of our music lately. It’s been getting some nice responses and feedback. It’s a joyous song so we had to give it a video that suits its popping energy.”
Touching on the impact of the film clip Paora left us with something to think about.
“I think it’s important as well. We aren’t necessarily a political band but at the same time there are always people saying that artists should leave politics out of music and to that I say, ‘what, are you even living in the same world?’ Politics is all a part of it. It’s hard though, you don’t want to be jamming it down people’s throats but if there a cause that inspires you by all means get out there and support it.”
When & Where: 170 Russell, Melbourne – October 26.
Written by Alex Callan