Culture

From winning the 2020 OUSA Bring the Noise competition, to opening for dreamy musician Mousey at Dive earlier this year, Neive Strang and her band have been making waves in the Ōtepoti music scene. Neive is the lyrical genius behind the operation, backed up by drummer Benny, guitarist Jack, and bassist Oliver. Dynamic duo Benny and Jack chatted to Critic Te Arohi on behalf of the band about their recent EP ‘I am the Ribbon’ and new producing ventures in the pair’s home music studio.
 
The now-band moved in together straight out of high school and started playing together for competitions, often coming out on top. “We’ve known each other so long that we’re sort of like a well-oiled machine,” said Benny. But Benny and Jack go back even further: “I’ve known Benny for a long time. We started playing music together in high school and we’ve consistently been in many different bands since then together,” said Jack.
 
The duo struck gold this year in finding a flat without neighbours and with a spare room to compile their accumulated musical equipment. “We kind of just crammed everything into that room and it turned into quite a functional space,” said Benny. After getting their hands on a desk and some microphones, it became a home studio of sorts which allowed them to get more creative with their music. “The space has really opened up a lot of ideas and possibilities for us when it comes to our own music and also helping other friends and people possibly record, whether that just be demos or proper instalments of music for their catalogues,” said Jack.
 
Drifting between alternative rock and folk, Benny explained that their music attracts a range of people. “I think compared to a lot of bands we have a very diverse audience…a lot of the older crowd really rate our music.” Jack elaborated, “We’ve played a lot of different kinds of gigs as well… a lot at Starters Bar and U-Bar but then we’ve also played a few more in the folk scene – there’s quite a big folk scene in Dunedin.” They’re certainly a breath of fresh air for this non-DnB-enthusiast living in the breatha dominated Dunedin scene.
 
Benny describes their sound as being similar to that of the Pixies – ethereal, yet boppy. “We like to make captivating music, for sure. Like, something that you can dance to but also songs that kind of draw you in.” Fresh-out-the-oven EP ‘I am the Ribbon’ is best listened to on a long drive along the Otago peninsula, or walking the top of the Pineapple Track on a windy day. “Anywhere you can kind of let your mind wander…an environment where you can listen to the lyrics,” said Benny. “Our music is very rooted in Neive’s song-writing. It is very personal.” 
 
Although their EP tour was cancelled with Red Light restrictions at the beginning of the year, you’ll be sure to see the frequently-gigging, poster-enthusiastic band about. “If you see a real hot poster, that’s probably ours.” Yummy. Be sure to check out their music on streaming sites and follow their socials (Neive Strang Music on Facebook, @neivestrang on Insta) for upcoming gigs!