NLC to release new single with NZ on Air funding for video

NLC are (from left) Shaye Muir, Te Kawa Herangi, Hoeta Maxwell, Peter Riley, Baz Muir, and Josiah Nolan. Absent are Marcel Martin and Faiva Junior Brown. Photo / Supplied

Whanganui reggae-fusion band NLC has released five albums in eight years, but rather than rest on their laurels, they are set to release a new single, Good Time, on Friday.

The band won the Best Roots Reggae Award at the 2019 National Waiata Māori Music Award for their album Know Your Roots, and frontman Baz Muir said Good Time was the first taste of the eight-piece's follow-up EP, set for release this year.

"It's got a nice, upbeat reggae feel to it, and a summery vibe that people will enjoy," Muir said.

NLC has recently received funding from NZ on Air for their new single, another first for the band.

The funding allowed the band to shoot music video for the new track, which was filmed in Whanganui over two days by Peter Pedro Films from Auckland.

"There have been a few applications that we've sent in, and we've got used to getting an email back saying 'thanks for your application, but unfortunately it's been unsuccessful'.

"We were over the moon to finally get some funding. The audio is done, and the video is all but finished. We're all ready to go."

Muir formed the band with Marcel Martin, and Shaye Muir, and the current line-up has been together for the past three years.

"We've had various other artists come through who've gone on to start solo careers or join other bands, but we've always kept that core.

"Right now we've a really good bond and connection."

The band's sound had "evolved quite a lot" since the release of their first album, Muir said.

"That comes from spending time in the studio, and just spending time together. The more and more you do that, the more things change.

"We've still got that reggae core, but we've moved around from Roots Reggae - that Bob Marley kind of sound - to something they call Lovers Rock Reggae. The L.A.B-type reggae, we've sort of evolved into that a little bit as well.

"Reggae is still that main genre, but with other influences around to give it a really unique sound.

"If you listen to album number one and then album number five, you can really hear the growth of the music, and the musicians. It's all about learning and keeping an open mind.

"We'll be looking at doing a tour in the middle of the year, and hopefully build some traction from there and get booked for more festivals next summer.

"We've got the Choice is Good EP coming out, and there's another music video sitting there waiting for the right time to be released. It's called Truth, and it's based on the [Covid-19] pandemic. I think it's definitely worth seeing and listening to."