Resisting the temptations or not?

With 2015 drawing rapidly to an end and a New Year poking its head over the horizon, I thought I'd turn this week's column over to a bunch of local musicians.

Here are some New Year's resolutions from the musical community – perhaps they will inspire your own. Have a good one everybody, thanks for reading this year, see you on the other side... WW


Marion Arts – Bonjour Swinger, singer, songwriter, educator

This year it's difficult to choose one resolution out of so many: I resolve to resist the temptations presented by capitalism; to persist with my efforts to study te reo Maori, increasing the aroha rates of NZ; to not be blown up by ISIS; to accentuate the positive; to support my family and friends as best I can; to spend more time with my dog Giuseppe; to look after my health while still enjoying the sensual pleasures of food and wine; to not get jumped on by my goat; to complete a publication of my best guitar compositions.

Sean Bodley – guitarist, composer, teacher

To focus on getting my music out to new people who haven't heard it by utilising the internet to its full potential. On a musical front, focus more on learning to write for other instruments that I use in my recordings – brass, woodwind, etc. And, of course…more guitar!

Graham Clark – Brilleaux frontman, author

I have just published a book – my resolution is to get out there and promote it, and sell the bulk of them. That done, I can commence with my next project which is to produce a book about Ritchie Pickett, a local musician who I admire and would like to pay tribute to.

Andy Craw – musician, owner/operator of The Matua

My New Year resolution is to become ‘A Cruisy Guy'. I have recently realised I'm a serial complainer. In 2015 I actually complained to the Manager of The Warehouse that their complaints department was inadequate. It took three people at our new Post Office to handle my complaint about them, leaving two rows of customers unattended and complaining about me. In 2015 I also complained to the Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Times, The Herald, Land Transport, Westpac Bank, and others too numerous to mention.

If I stop complaining now I reckon somebody in 2016 will describe me as ‘That old cruisey guy' and I will love it!

Simon Elton – B-Side Band guitarist/singer, concert promoter

This year I hope B-Side Band will be playing gigs in Tauranga/Mount, Hamilton and Rotorua and Auckland. On a personnel level I would like to spend more time with my daughter's family in Christchurch and my son's family in Sydney, as their children grow so quick. Also think positive, keep fit and enjoy life, it's later than you think.

Tim Julian – musician, head honcho at The Colourfield Studio

Having become an aficionado of the Scottish ‘aqua vitae' – read: single malt whisky – I'd like to spend some time in 2016 investigating the relationship between music and single malts. The result of this would be an album of music with tracks written specifically to be listened to while irrigating one's palate with a particular single malt that I have personally chosen to accompany it. This is, I feel, a worthy project and I will possibly be applying to the relevant agencies for funding (Read: Some mates who also like a tipple of the water of life).

Debbie Kirk – Jam Tarts bass player

1. Lose weight. 2. Drink less and exercise. 3. Learn something new.
Nigel Masters – Kokomo bass player, Boatshed Studio supremo
Next year I'm planning to stop buying pianos and taking overseas trips, it's time to knuckle down.

Richard O'Brien – TV host, singer, songwriter, superstar
At the risk of sounding pretentious, my New Year's resolution is to be more creative and doodle more and write a few more songs. In other words, try to end each day with something to show for it.

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