Singer for Ishtar, Uni student, and I work in retail as well. Busy busy, but somehow there always seems to be time for more music! Being classically trained I never thought I would end up in a Hard Rock band, but I love it! I have been known to play the odd bit of piano, my next instrument purchase will be a digital piano, coz I am sick of not having one at home. I am a sucker for a good wine, and have a soft spot for V8s. (although I am too poor to own one, haha) There is nothing better than good times with good friends. "Don't abandon your dreams because of those who lack the vision."
Ishtar are an Auckland, New Zealand-based hard rock group. With a huge, dark sound and balance of melodic hooks, cinematic aural soundscapes and big riffs, Ishtar are considered one of Auckland’s best live acts. Comparisons have been drawn to 70s Stadium rockers Led Zeppelin, Queen and Van Halen, Gothic female-lead rockers Evanescence and Nightwish and 80’s metal gods Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest & progressive acts Dream Theater, Faith No More and Rush, however Ishtar are more a modern spin on and sum of the above parts than a slavish imitation of any particular band.
Originally formed in 2000 the band cut several demos early on, a number of songs getting airplay on The Axe Attack and BFM. They wrote an indie film soundtrack and played a new year’s gig to several thousand people at Aotea square before splitting in late 2002
Ishtar resurfaced in 2003 when guitarist Simon Whitlow put together a new, tighter, more dynamic line-up including drummer Dave Cannon. Vocalist Mel Wright joined in 2004 as did bassist Jamie Denton, first to fill-in, then permanently in 2006. Playing regularly around the Auckland scene Ishtar built a reputation for their kick-arse live set. They also spent time in the studio. In Dec 2004 Ishtar recorded ‘The Enemy Within’ at Studio 203 with Andrew Buckton. A Heavy rocking number with revolving two handed tapping motif and killer bassline their debut release showcased an accessible yet chops heavy approach. They also recorded the stripped back acoustic ballad Plea with just Simon on guitars and Mel on vocals. In 05 The Enemy Within was included on Reconstruction, a NZ unsigned artists Tsunami charity CD. The Enemy Within got airplay on The Axe Attack and both tracks were playlisted on Valdus Radio.
In 2006 Ishtar built on their reputation for putting on great live shows including playing to a packed out Shadows bar on occasion and playing the Studio twice. They also completed work on their debut ep, South of Sanity. An eclectic, hard rocking set including 4 new songs recorded at the Rock Factory and 2 songs from the Studio 203 sessions, ‘South of Sanity’ covered much of the breadth of the band’s live show from the hard-rocking ‘Enemy Within’ to their live anthem ‘South of Sanity’ the epic, celtic influenced ‘Pendle Hill’ and Kashmir-esque ‘Temple of Ishtar’ to the heavy rock and roll of ‘Secret Love’ and acoustic ballad ‘Plea’. Several of the songs have been played on radio from several community stations round the country to ‘Pendle Hill’ getting play from Rock Factory engineer/Wednesday night DJ Michelle Klaessens on Kiwi FM. Howick rock radio station Valdus Radio particularly have championed Ishtar, playing the entire EP daily and sponsoring their EP launch in the days leading up to the launch.
Ishtar are planning big things for 2007 including a single release and accompanying video from South of Sanity, a tour of the North Island and recording work towards their second release.
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hows things? Just wondering if you got our invite to Karin & my 30th party! Its on Saturday October 27th.
We may have a P.A set up so if you and Simon wanna bust out a tune, that would be FANTASTIC!!
Really hope you guys make it , you are welcome to bring whoever with you. It should be a fun night ;)
looking forward to hearing you guys play again sometime! I am busy advertising for Bass players, vocalists and guitarists for my original band me and one of the guitar players from Maskara are forming.... Its sure taking time finding people who fit!!
Hey you! Im Just reminding you about my awesome gig you should come to if your not busy! its my 'Ultimate Metal Tribute 4' @ the Kings Arms on Saturday 8th September. Maskara (playing all the classic 80s Hard Rock /Hair Metal set of bands like Motley Crue, Skid Row, Def Leppard, The Cult, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Guns n Roses etc...) on at 8:45pm, AC/DC tribute with stage props & a Cannon (!, for real!) at 10:30pm, and Metallica tribute at 12am -their last show ever performing Metallica songs. Doors open from 7:30pm $10 each on door... And Il send you that invitation probably next week... Love your work :)
Hey miss!! What happened to you on say? i was told not to miss the party because you were goin to be there and who wasn't there!!! Naughty Mel ;P ya missed a good night!
Finished exams yesturday YUSSS nah i aint the pushy type mate, you already had enough pepl just wanting to touch your clothing or something, figured you wouldnt want another hahaha next time huh? ill get up on stage wid ya and do a rap hahaha YEAH RIGHT
Howzit Mel! I know it's last minute but if you're up to nuthing on Saturday, Brutal Panda are playing at The White Horse in Pakuranga. It's for the World Battle of the Bands, thats why it's last minute (You know how intergalactic rolls lol) :-p It be cool to catch up anyways :-) Hey, you still organising that gig at the sawmill?
