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Sounds Like
Something written in a graveyard whilst holding a teaparty and singing nursery rhymes.
The Ragamuffin Children have been performing their ethereal alt-folk music in New Zealand since late 2006.
Brooke Singer and Anita Clark formed the group whilst they were living in a pirate house and studying music in Wellington. They had been playing occasionally at a small dimly lit venue called Happy, and soon decided they might like to record an album. With the help of some friends, they recorded in kitchens, bedrooms and garden sheds, trying to keep flatmates quiet, and birds from chirping while they recorded. (They failed; the birds can be heard...)
What eventuated was their debut ‘Werecat Lullabies’ released in June 2007.
The album was successfully received, and captured the hearts of many with its unassuming beauty, naivety and charm.
After the release they signed to Native Tongue publishing, and spent time touring up and down the countryside, playing living room concerts, bigger shows in bigger towns, making a music video and writing new material. During the summer of 2007/08, the young duo had opportunities to play at a number of festivals including the Parihaka Peace Festival, Canaan Downs Festival, Peregrine winery in Queenstown supporting Jose Gonzalez, and at various other events.
After a years hard work they headed off to Europe with the bands newest satellite member Benjamin James (also of Spartacus R) for a small adventure travelling from place to place and meeting many extraordinary and wonderful people, including marionette puppet makers, a famous music producer, musicians, clowns and a very nice family from Jersey.
They managed to fit in a few shows in Jersey and London before the headed back to New Zealand to record album number two.
Recorded at Wellington studio 'The Surgery' by Lee Prebble with funding from Creative New Zealand, The Seahorse Emporium promises a more mature and professional sound from the Ragamuffin Children.
The album includes instrumentation from some of Wellington's best musicians; A string trio from the Wellington Sinfonia perform upon a number of tracks. Jess Chambers, Rio Hemopo (formally of Trinity Roots) and Andy Hummel (Rosy Tin Teacaddy) provide backing vocals on the single 'Following the leader'. Michael Kane (Drums) and Tim Prebble (Bass), both from Wellington band Spartacus R, also feature. And last, but not least, Karena-Tui Miles-Hemopo (the fourth satellite member of the RMC) was flown especially from Christchurch to grace the album with her soaring backing vocals.
Our Websites currently under repair..
Lullaby Music video
Hi!
This is our music video for a song called Lullaby..
It was directed and edited by our friend Rachael Linton, who is a awesome.
xx
Ragamuffins
Attic Concert Video
Here is some footage from a nice show we played in Anita's attic..
It was lots of fun.We had biscuits,lollies,fairy lights and cups of tea!
If you would like to join or take a look at our other videos you can view them at http://www.youtube.com/ragamuffinchildren
Live version of Reading the stones.
Werecat Lullabies
Our Debut album released in 2007, is available online at..
Hey ladies, I’ve finally got the film I made for my thesis up online and the book is also available online. So go to www.myspace.com/rachaellinton if you’d like to have a look. Enjoy, Aroha love and I hope you are well.
Oh nice one, thanks guys. Yeah I've always enjoyed your stuff too. Hopefully you'll be coming through Welli sometime over the lead up to Summer! I'm pretty excited about summer already, we've got a big tour planned to release the new album. Choice, hope you're both well. Maz
I know! Bubble pipes are awesome! its tough to see them fade so easily. But I'm sure can find some at any store that should advertise "we make things out of cheap plastic". And Reading the Stones is awesome.
Sorry I missed you guys at Mighty Mighty! My best friend was in labour when I arrived for dinner, which lasted the duration of both your Wellington gigs- such is life!
Online Now!
