What is your preferred mode of travel for the summer tour?
A van, preferably a new Toyota Hiace, chauffeur-driven by the best of the best, Nathan Icke aka BAD DAD.
Who's in charge of the stereo/iPod, and what's on it?
Well, whenever he is near the stereo, Paora holds those reigns pretty tight, although I'll get in there and try to open some minds to the Deftones. There is always a mix of what's going on in the more daytime-electronic side of town from all over the world, although the UK gets the most play. Having said that, Machinedrum will be on high rotate. Every day for me it's Barrington Levy. That's my reset to chilled.
Favourite place to grab a feed while out on the road?
Oooh, well it depends on the time and place obviously. But there's nothing quite like eggs bene after a late night. I also assume my steak-and-cheese-pie connoisseur persona while road-tripping the North Island.
Your favourite summer venue?
It's always hard to beat Waihi, there's something special about that place. This year though Matakana is going to be epic! The Freddy's boys and ourselves are pretty amped for that show.
Where else are you looking forward to visiting along your tour route?
Getting back to Wanaka and stopping by the Oakridge Resort is something I have been looking forward to since winter.
Best spot for a quick dip in the ocean, or an inviting swimming hole?
I'm from the South Island, and we are blessed with incredible swimming holes, but as far as ocean swims go, the further north, the better.
What song will you be playing to really get the crowd going?
Hmm . . . all of them? No really, it depends on the crowd, every time is different. You never know which song will get the biggest reaction or unify people. Monarch is always a goodie.
What are your plans for New Year's Eve?
That's our most gruelling travel day - starting at 7am after a late show, two decent flights, a lot of driving, a soundcheck, heaps of waiting around, and a main stage performance ending at midnight at Rhythm and Vines. Post-midnight the brakes will come off and we will be enjoying the company of friends from all over the world. Can't wait!
Do you have any New Year's traditions?
Kissing whoever is closest to you.
Do certain styles of music make more sense during the hot and sweaty months of summer?
Everything makes more sense in summer! Dub, metal, jazz, bass music - anyone who has ever been to an outdoor concert or a dance party will understand summer makes everything better.
Is it tough having to work over the summer break when everyone else is on holiday?
Not at all. Saying it's hard would be so whiney. We are having the time of our lives up on stage. We are communicating music and emotion to tens of thousands of people, all coming together to celebrate and dance.
Ideal summer music fest dream team line-up?
Little Dragon, James Blake, Lorde, Jill Scott, Deftones, Bob Marley, Barrington Levy, Horace Andy, Machinedrum, the Upbeats, Friendly Fires, Meshuggah, Aaron Tokana Band, Tool, the Melvins, Bill Evans Trio, What So Not, Slayer, Frank Ocean.
Shapeshifter play Leigh Sawmill, Dec 19 and Dec 20; Station Village, Lower Hutt, Dec 27; Riwaka Hotel, Dec 28; Rhythm and Alps, Cardrona Valley, Dec 30; Rhythm And Vines, Gisborne, Dec 31; Matakanaval, Matakana, Jan 2; Coroglen Tavern, Coromandel, Jan 3; Waihi Beach Hotel, Jan 4
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- TimeOut