ARTIST: SAM V. PHOTO: SAMUEL BERNARD
July 24th, 2024
Bass player Mike Hall, renowned for his foundational role in Pluto and a versatile career supporting music luminary from across Aotearoa, steps boldly into the forefront with his debut single ‘Stop Dragging Me Round’. This pivotal release marks a departure from his established role as a bassist to embrace the spotlight as a singer-songwriter.
First single ‘Stop Dragging Me Round’ serves as a poignant introduction, encapsulating Hall’s introspective musings and melodic prowess gained through his experience working alongside some of our greatest songwriters and performers. Joined on the recording by Jol Mulholland and Matthias Jordan, Hall writes about patiently navigating the ups and downs of life while balancing dreams of being abroad… or just forgetting about those dreams. A contemplative journey through life’s uncertainties, it’s a lyrical exploration of patience and perseverance, of aspirations held close and sometimes relinquished.
A late night car break-in was the catalyst for the forthcoming debut solo album. When a hard drive containing seven years’ worth of song-writing and home recordings disappeared from the people mover one night, the disappointment was immense – until his friend, music producer Jol Mulholland pointed out that no-one was ever going to hear the material anyway, right? Challenge laid down.
Mike decided that maybe it was time to commit some of those lost tunes to vinyl – the ones he could remember anyway. The result is this upcoming album Nothing Stands Still, recorded over the last couple of years at the Oven, due for release on Friday 16th August, followed by an album release gig in September.
NOTHING STANDS STILL Album Release Gig
Wednesday 18 September @ Freida Margolis, Grey Lynn (R18)
with band members Jol Mulholland, Matthias Jordan, Brett Adams, Michael Franklin-Browne
Special guest Xani Hall
Tickets on sale now from UnderTheRadar here – limited capacity!
Although he started off his career as lead singer in a punk rock band, nineties hardcore darlings Balance, Mike Hall has since made a solid career as a bass player. As well as touring and recording with his own band Pluto, he’s played with the likes of Anna Coddington, SJD, Mulholland, Tami Neilson, Dimmer, Finn Andrews, The Bads, Tim Finn, Nightchoir, The Brunettes and more. Recently Hall has been a part of the hugely popular Liberty Stage Come Together Band.
Check out all things Mike Hall below:
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Photo credit: Amanda Billing