The Haze are a young rock band from Christchurch made up five year 9 students from St Andrews College and Christchurch Boys High School.
Since forming in 2010 The Haze have already played all over Christchurch including Rangiora Muscle Car Madness, the Addington Fair, What Now? and they're in the semi finals of the Erin Simpson Shows' Band competition.
The Haze also took out CHARTFEST 2011 Band Search with a high energy performance, impressing judges with their ability and potential. As part of their prize pack the had the opportunity to open for Tainted at Zebedees and pick up a slot at the Youth Week 2011 National Launch Event at the Ilam Supertop. As well as some great shows, the band won a prize pack from CJ Musicworks and the trophy and title of Christchurch’s best school band.
The Haze performed exceptionally in the high pressure and rapid environment of a TV studio. They were professional and efficient throughout their sound check, rehearsal (even at 6:30am!) and performance. I'd gladly recommend them to anyone looking for a fresh, young act for any occasion. - Joseph Veale, Senior Sound, What Now, Whitebait TV
"As an event organiser I was pleasantly surprised at the confidence and musical ability of this young band....they played some all time rock classics with proficiency you would not expect at this age. Will definitely be booking The Haze for future events" - Ken Howat, Christchurch City Council
"The youthful exuberance of The Haze coupled with their solid performance of classic rock songs make for musical entertainment that can't help bring a smile to one's face. The enjoyment these young boys get from playing and performing is infectious. Support The Haze!" - Coralie Winn, Gap Filler Director and Co-Creator
We caught up with The Haze after their win at CHARTFEST 2011 for a quick Q&A...
1. Well done on winning Chartfest 2011, how was it for you guys?
Real good, this is the first competition we had entered, so to win against older bands with a couple of our brand new original songs was real cool.
2. How did you guys get together and what are your influences?
We met early in 2010 at Heaton Intermediate. We found that we had all been born in the wrong century. We are all really in to good solid classic rock. Our originals are definitely influenced by the covers that we play.
3. Who are your favourite bands and artists?
Led Zeppelin, Guns 'n Roses, Queen, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Dance Exponents, Feelers and all rock anthem artists.
4. Whats the best show you've played and why?
Addington Fair and Concert. We organised it with Gap Filler and Addington Action to cheer up the locals after the Feb quake. We got The Eastern, La Petite Manouche, the A Capellago World Choir and Mark Humpage to come and play with us.
5. If you could play with any band/artist in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?
Max: Queen, Guns 'n Roses
Cameron: Queen, Led Zep
Jacob: Jimmy Page, Led Zep
Sam: Bon Jovi
Chris: Kings of Leon
6. You scored a great prize pack for Chartfest launching National Youth Week and opening for Tainted. How did you get on playing for the metal crowd at the Tainted gig?
It was a heavy, heavy metal night. We thought we might be too light for them, but we played hard and they really got in to our stuff particularly Deranged Child and our cover of Sweet Child Of Mine
7. Any shows coming up?
We are booked for ten gigs as The Haze Unplugged during Kidsfest. Another fair and concert at St Mary's Addington and we are already set to play again at the Rangiora Muscle Car Madness early next year.
8. Plans for the future?
Just had a band meeting and we decided, we want to play plenty more live gigs, write some more originals, go on a South Island tour over summer, print band t-shirts, put out an EP, get some air play and improve our rehearsal gear (we like to be busy).
To help us do this we are putting lots of money aside from our paid gigs and asking everyone we know to vote for us to win gear and get funds from the Erin Simpson Band Battle and get an AMP scholarship.
www.erinsimpsonhow.tv - We have made it to the semi final, they will allow semi final voting during second week of June. AMP Scholarship - www.doyourthing.co.nz/2011-03304/max-earnshaw
9. Anything else you want to say?
The Christchurch music scene is great, it's cool being part of it.
