AK 82

Rip It Up, Issue 56, 1 March 1982, Page 4

AK 82

Murray Cammick

With AK.82, 0n the cover, it's deadline day and 1 time to write a little story, publish a few.quotes from others and ask readers for their ideas on the subject. The last few years in AK rock' n'roll have been a lot of fun and many have grown accustomed to getting their live music highs in sweaty pubs listening to neat NZ songs. Going to Logan Campbell Centre to watch the often tired, perfunctory performances by visiting stars can be tedious work compared with the privilege of being there as good songs are knocked into shape by one of several of the best local bands. So why are so many persons saying it's not exciting anymore?' I dunno, but maybe the Doon's recession has now hit AK central? Is it daylight saving? Why are no 45s by Prime Movers, Bongos, This Sporting Life yet? On the recording front, Ripper has moved to Wellington, Rem is putting up posters and Propeller is no longer the lively singles label it once was. "Propeller has got a financial problem with the jump from singles to albums," says Simon Grigg. "Financing album depends on the goodwill of recording studios : and : advances from major record companies." Grigg has just returned from Australia where , he negotiated with Mushroom Publishing. An advance was forthcoming, money that Propellor urgently needed. Both the Blarns and the Meemees are recording albums and studio time is not cheapl«BHlHß| Sister label: Furtive will release a four band EP soon but no new bands have been signed to Propeller. Grigg does not see finance as the only problem. "There are no innovative bands coming through because,there are no * underage venues. The Auckland scene will be in a sorry state by later this year if .no inventive bands emerge." But unlike last year, 1982 will

see the release of numerous local albums, Blam Blam Blam, D.D. Smash and the Screaming Meemees albums are near complete and Danse Macabre will . record one for Reaction. And like the indie singles of 1981, they'll sell even if they're not safe enough for Auckland radio. Radio , B is playing lots of NZ music but .- little is new, except Gurlz', excellent Legend' ditty and the previously unexposed tracks on B's Ripper compilation Coats Milk Soap. . . • . •

One thing is certain, if existing media are inadequate, new means to reach our local audience will be developed. If Auckland radio will not play Enzed music, or venues are empty, new means will be found. And for the live scene to improve substantially, entrepreneurial risk taking must be more, equitably shared between the venue, the booking agent and the r - -rr/'-S ' ; •*

band.. . In this issue several persons comment on the current state of the Auckland live scene. Next issue we'd like your ideas for 'B2 (in a sentence or two) on what the Auckland scene needs is... . Post to RIU, PO Box 5689, Auckland 1. ,