Culture

The final night in Radio One’s Onefest series for 2010 draws together soul-inspired low-end theorists from across Aotearoa. Their renown is booming by the day. You will doubtless hear their talents expounded in articles and interviews in the future – but, for now, here are their words on records and gear that they just really fucking like.

Isaac Aesili (Karlmarx)
   Favourite Record: Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key Of Life. This revolutionised recorded music in general. It taught me the depth of soul music and the diversity of the funk, as well as being a micro philosophy for life and love personally.
   Favourite Musical Gear: Micro Korg. So small, but so phat – the all-rounder that has brought the right vibe to so many of my songs.
 
   Woosh (Nightshade)
   Favourite Record: Massive Attack – Blue Lines. Classic!
   Favourite Musical Gear: Cajon Drum. I first discovered this at WOMAD. Kalo [other member of Nightshade] made me one by hand for my birthday last year!
 
   Ghost
   Favourite Record: DJ Shadow – Endtroducing (for home-listening); Mr Scruff – Cheeky (for the club). Picking one only is virtually impossible, so here are two. I keep coming back to Endtroducing, I can say quite honestly that record changed my life! And Cheeky is such a feel-good tune – I love playing that out! 
   Favourite Musical Gear: Vintage Rhodes. I don't own one, yet, but I'd love to! What a sound.
 
   Booof
   Favourite Record: Shuggie Otis – Inspiration/Information. Shuggie turned down playing with the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, recorded this opus when he was 20, and then chose to fade into obscurity rather than compromise his musical ideal. My hero.
   Best Musical Gear: Sony CD Walkman. Best $25 I ever spent. Fuck an iPod.