The constant evolving Cornerstone Roots take time out from recording to road test new line up and new tunes before their upcoming third album release in mid September.
The band have been experimenting with new materiel and reworking some of the older classic cornerstone songs to push forward and add an unprecedented level to the distinctive Aotearoa roots scene.
Amidst the proliferation of manufactured pop music, polished formulas and quantised beats comes a band with raw power and a need to constantly evolve and redefine their music to share and to inspire others to push the boundaries beyond their comfort zone.
Aotearoa (NZ) Reggae Cornerstone
The original sounding roots band from Raglan, New Zealand with music that is message orientated, bass driven, soul induced ... the quiet underdogs of Kiwi reggae for the past eight years. They continue the path of many artists before touring the venue and festival circuit in between working on their craft.
Formed in 2001 after a session at the infamous local Raglan Musicians Club, the original three-piece outfit singer/songwriter/guitarist Brian and drummer Turongo Dixon (both Maori) and bassist Naomi Tuao (Samoan/Scottish) formed the rhythm section of Cornerstone Roots. The music at that time was raw and riddim focused with a mix of contemporary styled ska/roots/soul and reggae. The band quickly developed a strong local following with many of the early shows being filmed and recorded by fans. This prompted the band to record their first EP One Fine Day in 2001 where they set about touring provincial NZ where the cafes were crammed and live shows intense.
By the following year the Corners had released debut album Soul Revolution, described by some reviewers as brilliant and impressive. The album was recorded in Wellington with engineer Lee Prebble at Surgery where the rhythm tracks were recorded live in one weekend. The album release was backed up with 20 date tour of NZ ending at the Wellington Town Hall supporting powerhouse rhythm section Sly n Robbie.
2004 saw the band cross the Tasman eight times with the release of the Forward Movement EP which was nominated for best roots release in 2005. Veteran Studio One DJ Ranking Joe features over cuts off the EP and remix tracks are soon to be released.
Cornerstone Roots have supported some heavyweight reggae acts including Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, Sly n Robbie with Michael Rose, Jimmy Cliff, Lee Scratch Perry and Mad Profeesor. They have also recorded tracks with Ranking Joe & Big Youth
In 2007 the band released their long awaited 2nd album that featured a selection of old and new tracks. "Free Yourself" managed to find its way ino the Top 10 Independent releases and was in the top 20 Indie Album sales for 2007. The album is quietly working its way into the hearts and minds of people all over the world.
The band have evolved many times since its humble beginnings and have been described as an intense unit band that has the impact of a hammer hitting an anvil.
kia ora! I'll second random's comment- you guys were epic at the wee burrowing bullie!I felt the magick in your music and have been left inspired.....now my favourite live Aotearoa band!! There was one song that was REALLY magick-the long one with the fire crew invasion-was it Civilization ae? wud luv to have a recording of that =)) good luck with the rest of your tour, i will be makin sure i see you guys again =) Aroha gg
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