Laughton Kora - vocals, guitar & keys;
Francis Kora - bass & vocals;
Stuart Kora - guitar & vocals;
Brad Kora - drums;
Dan McGruer - keys & bass;
Influences
Meshuggah, AC/DC, Steve Vai, Bob Marley, Dr Dre, Faith No More, Steel Pulse, Sly & Robbie. (Final Fantasy)
Sounds Like
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FLOW - KORA LIVE 2006
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Kora are a 5 piece band with huge live presence – vocal harmonies sailing
on a powerhouse rhythm section. Solid musicians, the 4 brothers & Dan,
hail from Wellington & Whakatane, Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Kora are; Laughton Kora on vocals, guitar & keys; Francis Kora on bass
& vocals; Stuart Kora on guitar & vocals; Brad Kora on drums & Dan
McGruer on keys & bass.
Two of the four musical brothers from the Kora family, Laughton & Brad,
began playing together in the early 1990’s in a band called Aunty Beatrice.
They won the National Rock Quest high school competition in 1991 and the
East Coast region of the Battle of the Bands three years running. Dan
McGruer studied commercial music at Whitireia Community College and is
the only non-related member of Kora. He first hooked up with Laughton
when they performed together in Queenstown band Soul Charge playing
and writing their own music.
In 2001 Laughton & Dan went out on their own, recording four tracks
including Crazy Things & Barely Can See with guest artist Lilou from
Madagascar. Barely Can See has been released on Loop’s 2002 Select
004 and on the EMI 2004 compilation - Conscious Roots which has since
gone platinum.
In 2002, Kora was formed as a five-piece, with brothers Brad, Francis &
Stu. Kora recorded their music video Politician after winning Coke Cola’s
Launchpad and have been featured in several documentaries including
TVNZ’s the Living Room in April 2004. Politician was play-listed by 15
stations nationwide and held the number 1 spot on Radio Scopes
alternative charts for two weeks, whilst staying in the top ten for 8.
The Band headed to the studio mid 2004 to lay down a limited edition EP
for both their home market & overseas release. So far the EP has reached
No. 2 on IMNZ (Independent Music New Zealand) chart, No. 1 on the
Groove Guide New Release charts and No. 3 on Amplifier’s 2004 best seller
listings. EP Volume has reached Platinum status in NZ, it has also been
picked up by Inertia Music in Australia, Shiva Records in the UK and Unity
Records in Hawaii.
Kora have completed NZ shows including The Big Day Out, Rhythm &
Vines, Soundsplash & Splore & are lined up to appear in WOMAD 2008.
They have played with the likes of Spearhead (Michael Franti) &
Shihad.
Kora visited Australia for the first time during April 2005 with Salmonella
Dub & Fat Freddy’s Drop and subsequently touring in Aug 2007 to sell-
out shows in Melbourne, Sydney & Byron Bay. Kora are returning on 30th
December 2007 to attend the Pyramid Festival in Victoria.
They have just returned from a September 2007 show in London &
Scotland with Crazy P & Norman J.
They picked up a 2006 bNet Award for their radio release of “Flow”.
Kora’s debut self-titled album was released on 15th October 2007 and shot
straight to the top of the Official NZ charts – debuting in the Number 1
slot. Kora are showing no signs of slowing down.
“If you don’t know who Kora are it’s high time you found out. This band
has got to be one of the most diverse, energetic and exciting acts ... their
live show is “oh my god who the hell are these guys”...” the set 2007
“Kora is a force to be reckoned. The band’s funky, dub and reggae
beats and awesome vocal harmonies have gained them a hug fan
base.” Sticky Pictures for The Living Room TV2.
“Undoubtedly one to watch for the future, Kora are a band that’s
spread out both geographically and sonically.” The Package Feb 06.
“Kora had an amazing presence, rich vocal harmonies and a
uniquely pacific flavour. These boys were a highlight and next year
will be a headlining act” Live.
“KORA rock! ... have seen these guys go from strength to strength
from Whakatane back in the day…keep it up” The Source 2005.
Hey Guys, I have put together a New Engineering/ Networking deal: I mix you for free if, you arrange for myself to have me mix another band on your bill. Let me know if your interested in this sweet deal!
Peace Sunday, June 5, 1982, Rose Bowl, no nukes - nuclear disarmament - stop nuclear madness concert - NYC - Central Park - June 12, 1982, 1,000,000 person march and rally for Nuclear Freeze. Photography and presentation by Curtis Rainbow. 'Give Peace a Chance' music by Achim Schultz. Inspiration by Yoko Ono. Dedicated to John Lennon.
Hello, I am listening to kora and missing Rippon soooooo much! have just moved to Dorkland, when will you be up here!!!!!??????? tour dates please!!!! <3
Gee Im real stoked u guys accept my add! Mean, how u guys keep it real, sing bout real issues and Repp us Maoris HARD!! Arohatinonui kia koutou, Uz have made my day. x
Sitars n Bleeps - Melbournes first Eastern Electro and Dub festival! This Saturday 17th October at First Floor, 393 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. 9 PM!! Featuring Dub the Magic Dragon, Bulke, DJ Lord Lingham, DJ BP, with Visual Arts from Arnold Eye and Irons! It will be a call for racial harmony in the wake of recent violence towards Indian immigrants living in Australia! We will celebrate our cultural diversity and human likeness with performances from artists of a wide variety of racial and cultural backgrounds. One world, One people, One love!
hey kora fellas.... Poetikool Justice the Funk/Reggae/HipHop/Rock Fusion 5 peice that has been tearing up Australia for the past few years is heading over to begin their rampage on New Zealand. Being heavily influenced by a lot of music coming out of New Zealand like Kora, The Black Seeds, Tiki Taane, Skankamelia and so much more, Poetikool Justice have decided to bring their own style across the seas! Known for their intense and energetic live show, be sure not to miss what is bound to be some very special shows...
OCTOBER 22nd - Thursday - AUCKLAND @ The Dogs Bollix w/ Blackbird 23rd - Friday - TAURANGA @ Collesium w/ Special Guests 25th - Sunday - GISBORNE @ Stonebridge Winery w/ Blackbird, Brazil Beat Soundsystem and more.
"one fu*king insane party time hiphop live instrumentalist funk band that damn near whipped the crowd into an ear to ear grinning drug crazed kid's party on the dancefloor.. fucking tore the roof off the joint.. absolute fookin' caaarnage.. POETIKOOL JUSTICE, I freakin' salute you!"- http://spoz.blogspot.com
