Hosting an extensive, eclectic roster of underground artists, Powertool Records originally began as a vehicle to release the projects founder Andrew Maitai was involved with, the first being his band Joed Out and then bandmate Ben Barrett's solo project Feyodor.
Since it's landmark release Here Comes the Bulletholes in 2003, featuring Powertool artists and friends such as Chris Knox, the label's roster has widely expanded to include overseas acts, such as Attics and Cellars (Jason Zumpano from Zumpano, Destroyer, Sparrow), Rough Church, The Black Watch, and avant-garde singer-songwriter and musician Azalia Snail.
Now, 11 years on Powertool is releasing its fourth Bulletholes instalment, Exploring the Unknown. Featuring music from Matthew Banister (ex-Sneaky Feelings) and Dunedin's answer to Roy Orbison Aj Sharma among many others, the record-release roadshow stops in Dunedin tonight before finishing in California later this month.
• Two of the most compelling and unique personalities emerging from Lyttelton's burgeoning folk-scene, Delany Davidson and Marlon Williams (The Unfaithful Ways) are bringing their talents together to release Sad But True - the Secret History of Country Music Songwriting Vol 1.
Williams was nominated earlier this year for the Apra best country song for his track Ghost of this Town, while Davidson is an international troubadour releasing records overseas and spending months on the road wowing audiences with his looped-pedal-anchored performances.
A collection of well-known standards, eclectic cover versions, and original material, Sad But True will be the first official release available on Lyttelton Records, from November 9.
With both artists trading in vintage tones, almost-forgotten aesthetics, and most importantly, gentlemanly charisma, the show will be an evening of charm and old-fashioned showmanship.
Davidson and Williams perform their Sad But True pre-release exclusive at XII Below (Friday) and The Church (Saturday) next weekend.
• Next Saturday the Amped Music Project, a mentoring programme for high school musicians, sends off 2012 in style with a final show at The Den, Dunedin.
Twelve bands, including graduates Astro Children (who have just released their debut EP to a sellout crowd) and A Distant City (who will release their debut November 9) will perform.
The event will also see the release of the Amped Mixtape - a collection of songs from bands which participated in the first round of the project this year.
What's on
Powertool Records Present Bulletholes 4: Exploring the Unknown - the Roadshow at the Crown Hotel, entry $10, or $20 with a copy of the album.
Delaney Davidson and Marlon Williams, Sad But True pre release exclusive, 12 Below, Dunedin, October 26; The Church, Dunedin, October 27. A limited edition pre-release bonus single can be downloaded from www.lytteltonrecords.co.nz/sneak-preview
Chickstock 4, October 27, 4pm-10pm, The Den, 320 Princes St. All ages, alcohol-free.
