7 April 2009
In Port Vila last year, we interviewed Ian ‘Beeman’ Wilson — frontman of Tannese reggae group Aimos Groove. Originally named Aimos Youth, these guys have definitely grown up; when we caught up with Beeman, the band had just been nominated in two categories of New Caledonia’s Fleches de la Musique awards for their album Loving God.
In this interview from November 2008, Beeman talks to us about the style of reggae Aimos Groove play, as well as copyright, making money as a musician in Vanuatu, and the creativity running through the musical families across their home island of Tanna. Then, we eavesdrop on the band in rehearsal…
Interview - Ian ‘Beeman’ Wilson of Aimos Groove (5:00)
As it turned out, they didn’t win the Best Album crown, but they snatched up the Reggae prize. Significantly, the competition in those categories included fellow Vanuatu band Naio — a key inspiration for the group (who were, in fact, originally called Naio Junior!).
Our good friends In The Loop gave Beeman a call to congratulate the band after the award was announced.
In The Loop - Aimos Groove wins Fleches de la Musique prize (8:48)
(Archived programme no longer available!)
Well done, Aimos Groove!
Posted in: Audio, Fest'Napuan | No Comments
27 February 2009
You may not have heard them yet, but Remedy - a fresh R’n'B outfit with conscious lyrics, drawing membership from Vanuatu and Aotearoa - are a musical force to be reckoned with.
Their entry to Pacific Break, a song called ‘Melanesia’, was one of the top entries to impress our judges in 2008. Fest’Napuan organiser Ralph Reganvanu heard the song on our compilation CD, The best of Pacific Break 2008, and was so impressed that Remedy have now been invited to play at the festival this year!
The Pacific Break team would like to congratulate Remedy on this exciting news!
Musicians, take note - even if you don’t win the prize, you could still find yourself playing at Fest’Napuan. And who knows what else might happen?
Posted in: Fest'Napuan, Pacific Break competition | No Comments
27 February 2009
We’re delighted to announce that the Pacific Break competition will be happening again in 2009, beginning on Sunday March 1! We were blown away by the passion and skill of Pacific musicians who entered the competition last year, and encourage all original unsigned artists to send us their music.
Download your entry form here. (Requires Adobe PDF Reader.)
(If you entered last year and didn’t win, we invite you to enter again - there were so many great entries that choosing a winner was a very difficult decision!)
26 Roots play at Fest’Napuan 2008 (photo: Dan Cole)
If you need a little more encouragement, check out this video interview with 2008’s winning band
26 Roots on Australia Network TV’s
Pacific Pulse program:
Pacific Pulse - 26 Roots (video)
Radio Australia will celebrate by airing a 55 minute special feature recorded live at Fest’Napuan 2008.
Tune in on Saturday February 28 at 2005; Sunday March 1 at 1205; and online only, on Sunday March 1 at 1505 and 1805. (Suva time)
Keep visiting us here at the blog as we keep you up to date with the latest entries, news and tips!
Posted in: Pacific Break competition, Photos, Video | No Comments
