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Kiwi Band has always been all about the feel. Kiwi is, first and foremost, a rock band–but one that isn't afraid to go out on the edge of musical styles, or to acknowledge its wide range of influences. Gradually, over four full length album projects, Kiwi Band has evolved a style of its own; diverse, yet focused, and still all about the feel.
Singer/multi-instrumentalist Ed Artz and singer/bassist Lee Kendrick launched their musical partnership with their 1999 release "Fuzzy and Tangy." "Fuzzy's" first single, the infectious, ska-influenced "Emma Shake," struck a nerve with audiences, critics and local radio. Exposure from "Fuzzy and Tangy" enabled the band to raise its regional profile with several large scale event bookings, including a headline appearance at the prestigious Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.
In 2000, Kiwi wrote and recorded a sophomore effort, "Tunnel Hill," enlisting the services of noted producer/engineer Daoud Shaw. "Tunnel Hill's" raw and rockin' sound quickly became a favorite with local college radio programmers, and led to a three year stint as one of the area's busiest live acts. Kiwi played acoustic and electric shows at concerts and festival events from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, Virginia and Maryland.
In 2006, the band released "Too Hot For Pepe." Working once again with producer/engineer Daoud Shaw, this time also as session drummer, the album features a hot rhythm groove, while maintaining the creative vocal harmonies which have become one of the most popular elements of the Kiwi Band sound. Reviews compared the sound to Steely Dan, Al Green and Peter Gabriel. Positive response to "Pepe" led to a busy 2006-2007 for the Kiwi Band, including appearances at The Philadelphia Distance Run and the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival. 2007 also saw Kiwi Band hard at work on an acoustic concert video, released on DVD and the internet, and pursuing licensing opportunities which included corporate videos and a song in the indie short "Figment."
Now with their fourth album, " Don't Waste Time," Kiwi has realized the potential that many saw in the group from the outset. Working with multi-platinum selling, multi-Grammy award winning producer/drummer Andy Kravitz, Kiwi's sound is more powerful, cutting edge and commercial, without losing the musical subtlety and feel that distinguished their earlier efforts. According to noted Philadelphia musician Kenn Kweder, the album's first single, "‘Heart O Mine' sounds like a classic," and the recording is generating a buzz well in advance of its formal release date. The sound of the band is big, polished, and jumps out of the speakers. The songwriting is first rate, with strong melodies, memorable hooks and no shortage of musical surprises. Besides "Heart O Mine," standout tracks include the title track, " Don't Waste Time," "Wisdom," and "Too Close," but could easily include every track on the album. In short, "Don't Waste Time" may make the Kiwi Band an "overnight sensation." If hard work, dedication and persistence have anything to do with it, they can't miss!!
Discography
Album - Fuzzy and Tangy
Album - Tunnel Hill
Single - Christmastime
Album - Too Hot for Pepe
Album - Don't Waste Time - COMING SOON 2009
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