I don’t know about you, but I haven’t heard much about the kiwi band over the past couple of years which is a shame considering that their latest album Ignite is possibly one of my favourite Shihad albums (yes, its right up there with General Electric).
Ignite was recorded & produced by the band themselves in drummer Tom Larkins personal studio. According to Karl having complete control over how an album sounds is a ‘logical progression’.
“If we did get a producer, we would need someone that the band respects. At this point in our career though, we really should be doing it ourselves,” states Karl.
Perhaps the reason why we have not heard too much from the Shihad camp in recent times is because they have all been busy doing their own things.
Tom has been busy producing albums for Young and Restless, The Galvatrons, Calling All Cars and The Getaway Plan.
Lead vocalist Jon Toogood has been spending all his time recording a solo album. “It has no guitar on it, just bass & keyboard. He’s not singing on it… it’s more of a collaborative thing,” says Karl. The solo album will supposedly be released sometime this year.
The band has also been busy collecting awards in New Zealand. Last year they won the Legacy Award at the 2010 New Zealand Music Awards & they were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
“Initially it was kind of shocking,” says Karl on receiving both awards. “I thought you only got them when you retired.”
The future is looking bright for Shihad, whether they decide to stick together as a band or each work on their individual projects. Although, Karl is quick to inform me that the band have already decided that they will be releasing their 9th studio album in 2012.
“We are at a strange part of our career. We are still happy about making music, we still kind of get along with each other (laughs). We appreciate each others company when where not around each other!”
If you would like to see Shihad in the flesh go along to one of the following shows:
05 Jan – Hotel Great Northern – Byron Bay
06 Jan – Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
07 Jan – Villa Noosa – Sunshine Coast
08 Jan – The Zoo – Brisbane
For more details click HERE.
