The 2013 project was led by local DJ and music officiando Simon Wallace. It featured 10 bands from five different high schools in Dunedin, New Zealand. 

Six gigs were held at a variety of venues in Dunedin plus the Penguin Club in Oamaru. The venues were all keen to support young up and coming musicians as were the mentors we recruited from the Dunedin music community. 

Each band was paired with a mentor to give them feedback on their songs and performances. We also ran a range of workshops in song writing, stage craft, working with a sound technician, the music industry, designing posters and recording.

In fact we recorded a compilation CD of all the bands - a real hard copy CD - that looked beautiful. Go to Portal Records or Two Tone Records to buy one as there is some great music on there!

OR HEAR THE CD ONLINE HERE!

AMPED Music Project’s tour to Balclutha and Oamaru took place over the weekend. Coordinator Jess Young said “the tour was a great success! It was a challenge for the bands and introduced them to new situations and audiences. Thanks to everyone who came out to support the bands and the venues for having us.”

The Rosebank Lodge, Balclutha hosted six young bands, including local act H.C.. The gig was well attended by 50 young people who enjoyed the wide range of musical genres on offer. 

The Sleeves had some catchy originals and their vocal strength shone through in their music. Levi Kelly with his brother on a snare box captivated the audience. Jeremy Spruyt did well playing his first solo show with a great set of covers. Toy Destruction turned up the volume with the drummer playing in ear-muffs accompanied by some funky bass guitar. H.C. played a diverse set to an appreciative home crowd with some awesome Rage covers.

AMPED and the bands were stoked to play a gig at the iconic Penguin Club in Oamaru. Bands from Waitaki Boys High School, Waitaki Girls High School and St Kevin’s College joined three young Dunedin bands.

Playing to a crowd of 75, Vincent Adams and Joseph Balfe took to the stage with impressive solo performances on acoustic guitars. PSB brought a fun energetic vibe to the stage and Tone Deaf were anything but tone deaf with a wicked cover of Walkie Talkie man. Dunedin acts – John George MacLeod’s Melon Platoon and Toy Destruction provided entertainment with costumes and instrument swapping. Super Mutant Happy Land warmed up the crowd with excellent song choices.

H.C. who participated in the project earlier in the year have shown their dedication travelling to Dunedin for gigs, workshops and recording. “It was cool to take the project back to H.C. and their community since they have been such an essential part of the project,” said Young. 

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE TOUR ON FACEBOOK

Congratulations to newly formed Blast! You Scoundrels for winning the high school competition we ran in conjunction with Radio One.

Miriam Buhler, Jack Brosnahan, Ike Saunders and Daniel Potter took out the prize of recording time at the Radio One studio, advertising campaign and some sweet shoes!

Tune in on 91fm to hear their track Dangerous Times!

Dates:

30 November – Rosebank Lodge, Balclutha 7-10pm

with The Sleeves, Seaton, Levi Kelly with local act H.C. and others to be announced.

1 December - The Penguin Club, Oamaru 7-10pm

with Toy Destruction, John George MacLeod’s Melon Platoon feat. Miriam Buhler, Super Mutant Happy-Land with local guests.

AMPED is taking some of the best bands on their first tour outside the Dunedin area! First stop is Balclutha on 30 November at The Rosebank Lodge, followed by Oamaru’s Penguin Club on 1 December.

Young said the tour would be a great challenge for the bands and introduces to new situations and audiences. “We will be working with local bands from Balclutha and Oamaru as well as schools and local youth groups. We’re really looking forward to sharing the project with other people.”

The line up ranges from pop to metal to funk so there’s something for everyone! Come along and support our young people doing their thing.

Ten of Dunedin’s youngest bands record album and hit the road on a regional tour!

10 Dunedin high school bands have been busy recording and mixing their original songs for the first ever AMPED Music Project’s recording project.

AMPED Mixtape Volume 1 was recorded at Blue Line Music Studio over a hectic two days and mastered by Daniel Potter.

It’s available for free download from http://ampedmusicproject.bandcamp.com/ with everything from satirical funk music to metal meets the bagpipes. Check out the freshest talent Dunedin has to offer!

The album was released on Saturday 27th October at the twice yearly music festival Chickstock IV that saw 160 people turn out to watch 13 young bands who have participated in the project.

 In a new development of the programme we recorded ten of the bands that participated in the project in the first half of 2012. AMPED coordinator, Jess Young, said the album is a testament to their hard work and awesome talent.

  The recording of the Amped Mixtape was made possible due to a grant by the Bendigo Valley Sports & Charity Foundation. AMPED is a project of the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust and is sponsored by Alcohol Advisory Council NZ.