Chris Mac
Former Dunedin band Six60 is relocating to Germany after
signing a European record deal with Sony Music.
The group only moved to Auckland from Dunedin early last
year, following the success of its debut self-titled album in
2011.
''We're absolutely stoked,'' guitarist Chris Mac said from
Auckland.
''It's been an incredible 12 months for us. It feels like
we've only just left Dunedin, really, and now we're on our
way to Germany.
''We did a European tour early last year and got a fair bit
of interest over there.''
Six60 formed in 2006 after University of Otago students Matiu
Walters, Ji Fraser, Eli Paewai, Marlon Gerbes and Mac met
when flatting at 660 Castle St, from which the band took its
name.
''We've still got lots of friends in Dunedin. Our drummer,
Eli [Paewai], still lives in Dunedin. Our roots will always
be there,'' Mac said.
The band embarks on a North American tour next month and will
then return for a New Zealand tour, before moving to Berlin
in May.
Six60 plays at Union Hall in Dunedin on Saturday, April 20.
The group's self-titled debut album was released in October
2011, debuting at No 1 in the New Zealand charts and going
gold in its first week.
The band's move to Berlin coincides with the European release
of the album. The signing caps an extraordinary year for the
group, which won six Tui New Zealand Music Awards in
November, including best group, best single (Don't Forget
Your Roots) and highest-selling album (Six60).
Sony spokesman Volker Mietke predicted big things for the
band.
''Six60 is a one-of-a-kind band with a remarkable sound and a
unique frontman and singer.
''This is how a rock band should sound in 2013,'' Mr Mietke
said.
Tickets for the band's April 20 gig in Dunedin are on sale
from Monday.
-nigel.benson@odt.co.nz
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