Fresh Talent: Autozamm

They've signed a record deal, released two singles and videos, received heavy airplay on the b.Net, Channel Z and The Rock, played support for Powderfinger, released an EP 'Shade of Brown' and have just finished a nationwide tour. Not bad for a band whose current line-up has only been together for a year.

Wellington-based Autozamm formed two years ago as a three-piece with Mike Carpinter (guitar/vocals), Ben Litchfield (bass/vocals) and Craig Mason (drums), expanding to a four-piece when Nick Major (guitar/vocals) joined.

"We had songs written and it didn't take long to get those songs because we're all capable musicians - so it was just a matter of practising," says Mike.

With influences including Pacifier, Nirvana and Weezer it is no surprise that Autozamm's pop hooks and spiky rock infusions appeal to the masses.

Mike says the band's main point of difference is that there is no lead vocalist.

"Nick will sing 50% of the set and I'll sing the other. It's very much kinda shared around."

Although Autozamm quickly caught the ears of record companies, the band took eight months to deliberate before signing a contract with Auckland-based independent Flaming Pearl Records.

"We recorded five songs and I took them to a few people, then I took it to Bernie Griffen from Global Routes. He was really into it and I think it's really important to get someone who loves your music rather than just sign away to someone who wants to make money off you," says Mike.

Since then, the band has received $15,000 worth of video and recording grants from NZ On Air.

The video for You Don't Know Me was one of 29 finalists at the Kodak Music Clip Awards and Mike says working with producer Ed Davis has been a highlight.

"Nick happened to flat with Ed for about a year not really knowing that Ed was this amazing video maker, so working with him was cool 'cos he's given us a couple of really good videos that have got a lot of play."

Playing live is very important to Autozamm.

"If you go out and play a shit gig you're gonna shoot yourself in the foot,"says Mike. "We just practice hard to try and impress people when we're live."

"One of the best gigs we played was support to Powderfinger. That was pretty amazing 'cos that was a completely different crowd from what we'd expect to play in front of - it was fully like a ZM, More FM kind of crowd. It was a really good gig, just a good vibe."

Autozamm plan to release an album next February before trying their luck overseas.