Musician Nathan Haines, who has been living in London, is back in Auckland playing gigs around the country, including Viva and Ostro's Dinner and a Show this weekend.
What have you been working on?
Being a Dad! Our son Zoot was born on Xmas Eve 2014. I've started work on my 11th solo album. Making "5 A Day" in the UK last year was a great experience as we did everything ourselves from the recording to the mixing and I feel like I've filled in some gaps production wise.
What kind of show can we expect at Viva and Ostro's Dinner and a Show?
I'll be singing and playing saxophone with my guys and putting on a show. I always change it up. I don't repeat myself and I'm my own worst critic. I believe in hard graft and practise and stretching oneself constantly. Expect guys who can play their instruments - well - and who know the tradition of the music. That music is based in jazz and soul so there's a lot to be getting on with and learning. Especially as the bandleader!
What other shows have you got lined up this winter?
I am playing with pretty much the same band at Mt Eden Village Centre August 21 which is my last NZ show until the summer.
How has the concert experience changed since you first started out?
It hasn't really. We all still love it and the audiences seem to as well. The music I play doesn't have a sell-by date.
What do you love most about your job?
I wouldn't call playing gigs like this a job. It's an honour and a privilege. People are not forced to spend money to see us play.
And least?
There is no 'least' for me just abundance. The gig we're talking about is already sold out and has been for some time.
What are some of your favourite things to do and places to go in Auckland and London?
Any park in London is a godsend winter or summer. Being a resident DJ along side my wife Jaimie at Chiltern Firehouse in London last year was great fun. Headlining and playing with my band at Ronnie Scotts several times over the last 3 years felt real good. Thorne Bay in Takapuna on a sunny winter's day is up there with the best of the best. It's insane you can be on a beach here in winter and it's perfectly warm with no-one about - weather permitting of course.
What is inspiring you right now?
My son Zoot and my new studio space in Ponsonby. I finally have my synths set up again and a place to think up new sounds. I'll be pretty happy when the rest of my equipment gets here at the end of the year.
Anything else you'd like to add?
New Zealand has been so great to me and I love that fact I get to gig to attentive crowds. London is one of the worlds greatest cities and awe inspiring and has also given so much to me personally and musically. It's also got too full and the traffic now is just mental. My wife and I are in London and Europe for Sept into October and we're moving some stuff back and I'm selling my car there... so that must mean we would like to spend more time in this wonderful country.
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