The brainchild of longtime musical collaborators Kris Muir (guitar, vocals) and Dru Norriss (drums), Christchurch-based alternative-power-pop-rock trio The Helpful have begun 2012 with a bang. Within a few short months the group have released their debut EP, recruited bass player powerhouse Robbie Blakelock, and completed preparation of an energetic and authentic live show in anticipation of audiences to come. 

The band’s painstakingly self-produced first release, Waiting for Paradise EP, is a product that represents something unique on the current local and national music scene. When asked to describe the sound, Muir points to the band's varied influences. "It's a real amalgamation. Bands like Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Elbow - this is the stuff we’re into". Written and recorded in 2009, more than two years elapsed between completion and an appropriate time for release. Muir continues: “It was both a labour of love and an incredible learning process. To engineer the whole thing ourselves was a massive challenge, but I think one that’s really paid off. We just took our time and used our ears, and I think we’ve turned out something pretty special.”

Looking to the future, Blakelock says that the band are already in the process of recording their next EP. “This one’s going to be an evolution of our sound, that’s for sure. Everything’s a bit faster and a bit grittier. It’s got a great sound of collaboration which sets it apart from the first EP.” They are aiming for a mid-winter 2012 release.

26 year old queer songwriter from pōneke x

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