Strong following for Kiwi favourite

Shapeshifter's fifth album Delta shot straight to the top of the Kiwi album charts, and their ensuing tour sold out venues across the country.

Shapeshifter's still winning fans here and overseas, writes Paula Yeoman.

One year after forming in Christchurch, Shapeshifter were voted Best New Act at the 2000 Net Music Awards. This year, they're leading the charge at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards with an impressive five nominations - Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Best Group, Best Electronica Album and the People's Choice Award.

It rounds off a hugely successful year for Nick Robinson, Sam Trevethick, Devin Abrams, P Digsss and Darren Mathiassen, in which their fifth album Delta shot straight to the top of the Kiwi album charts and their ensuing tour sold out venues across the country.

So what is it about Shapeshifter that has resonated so deeply with New Zealanders for 13 years, and what keeps them going?

"I like to think that we've just made good music," says Robinson. "Not just music you can party to, but music you can live your lives to as well."

There is no arguing just how loyal and die-hard Shapeshifter fans are. We're talking the kind who follow the band from town to town every summer and those who packed into each and every one of their three consecutive gigs at the Powerstation in Auckland this year.

"We love those people," laughs Robinson. "New Zealand's just always been crazy for us, in a good way."

Shapeshifter have also grown a strong following in Australia and Europe. But there are still parts of Europe and other territories to conquer, says Robinson.

"Building new crowds is exciting and it keeps our feet well on the ground. You know, we might get great crowds here in New Zealand but the first time we played in [the] Czech [Republic], for example, it was just to a few people. Now we've built it up to the point where we're getting good New Zealand-sized crowds, which is a real buzz. That keeps you going, because you just want to keep having adventures."

Next on the list is the United States, where the band will play their first gigs next year.

But not before performances at Rhythm and Alps and Rhythm and Vines, as well as a handful of gigs at summer hot spots this December and January. And of course, a big night out at the VNZMAs where Shapeshifter are not too bothered how many - if any - awards they walk away with. "It's just a real buzz to be nominated," says Robinson.

The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards will be held at Vector Arena on Thursday, November 21. Visit shapeshifter.co.nz for summer gig dates, including Matakana Country Club on January 2 and Coroglen Tavern on January 3.