Albert Williams- Vocals/Guitar/keyboard.
Chris Conaglen- Lead Guitar.
Tonya Cooper- Rhythm Guitar.
Troy Cooper- Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals.
Patrick Whatman- Drums/Backing Vocals.
Influences
The Actualities are influenced by these lovely bands/singers. Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Sigur Ros, The Shyness Clinic, Muse, Elliott Smith, So So Modern, the Phoenix Foundation, Cursive, Refused, Coldplay and Sufjan Stevens
The release of 'Workers Leaving the Factory' marks a more honed and professional sounding Actualities. While still doing the majority of the admin work themselves, they have enlisted the help of James Goldsmith handling the production side of things, Grayson Gilmour as James' omnipresent recording assistant and Mike Gibson who mastered the mini album. Hopefully all this combines to make a more polished and professional recording than their first. The band have played many shows since their self titled debut EP was released in 2006. They have got more confident at their respective instruments, so much so that they started tackling new ones like glockenspiel and piano that will make an appearance in upcoming shows.
Keep an eye on the upcoming shows, hopefully we will be embarking on a national tour in January. If there is somewhere you would like us to play, send us a message, we'd be only too happy to oblige.
The Actualities are three years young. The Wellington-based five piece formed at high school with a sound that is complex and difficult to pigeonhole. Their first self-titled EP was released in 2006.
The sound of the Actualities falls roughly in alternative rock territory, but a one word descriptive doesn’t do it justice. Drums, multiple guitars, bass, keys and vocal harmonies form heavy orchestral melodies, broken by strong beats and lyrics worth listening to. The band demure on naming influences, but do agree on a passion for Radiohead, although they differ in other musical tastes. Live, the Actualities are professional and concentrated, taking music seriously but able to laugh at themselves.
The Actualities cite acclaimed solo artist Grayson Gilmour as a mentor and an impetus for the recording of Workers Leaving the Factory. The band has played support for Gilmour and his band So So Modern, as well as Odessa, Connan and the Mockasins, Ghostplane, the Bonnie Scarlets, Ryan McPhun and the Ruby Suns, The Inkling and Alps, and have been included in shows by A Low Hum and Craftwerk. They see the diverse range of bands they have played with as “exciting” and take pride in being “able to mix in with anyone”.
The band describes this album as more constructed than their previous. “It’s mastered a lot more,” says Albert Williams, guitar/keys/lead vocals. “It’s heavier; it’s been recorded with the intention of more of a rock feel, more of a live feel.” “It’s more reasoned, it took a long time,” says Patrick Whatman, percussion. Wafting melody strains drift through spiky rock, with swelling synthesisers and strings.
Listen closely. “It’s important to investigate the concepts behind the album. We’ve left that there for the listener to have more than just the music,” says Williams. “There are secrets about this album that need to be explored.”
The band are planning to tour New Zealand after the release of Workers Leaving the Factory. They also intend to record again with Grayson Gilmour in 2008.
BY ISOBEL CAIRNS (she is awesome).
OLDER PRESS STUFF
Passionate and yound, but with a mature sensibility, the Actualities seem to get a genuine pleasure out of playing live which is often met with a similar response from their audiences. So go and see these guys. You can expect to smile and expect to dance.
LOUISE MAXWELL- GROOVE GUIDE
Since forming a little over two years ago the Actualities have been making a name for themselves in around Wellington. . Make sure you take every opportunit to see them; these guys are going to be big.
ELLEN FALCONER- RIP IT UP
Fresh out of Wellington High they favoured a soulful blend of British white boy crooning and some rather un-Chris Martin like post-punk breakdowns. Stick them in the 'one to watch column', which means you should remember their name and go see them next time they play somwhere.
SALIENT
Hey guys, We're making a mish up to Wellington from Invercargill this Friday to play at Hole In The Wall with our good friends Fire & Intergracia. Hope to see you there!
Thanks heaps for the add and for supporting Kiwi Music! We've just released our single "Now" on our Myspace. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Hey guys, We're on our first New Zealand tour all the way from Dunedin & we'll be in Wellington at Hole In The Wall this Saturday the 2nd of May smashing out some monster grooves with Riverblind.
please do us a favor and vote for us to play on main stage at cornerstone festival. just go to the following link, register, and vote! every day! and get your friends, family, teachers, and enemies to vote as well!! http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/newbandshowcase/AllLeftOut/
