Over the past few years, the New Zealand music industry has been in overdrive, producing worldclass acts left, right and centre.
One of the latest superstars to emerge is sibling duo Broods, trailing hot on the heels of the uber-successful, fellow Kiwi, and Grammy Award winner, Lorde.
Originating from New Zealand’s Nelson, 2014 has been an epic year for Caleb and Georgia Nott, with the release of their self-titled EP in January and debut album ‘Evergreen’ in August, catapulting them to dizzying heights in just a matter of months.
After uploading their hit-single ‘Bridges’ to YouTube last year, the song went viral, ripping the pair out of obscurity and has since seen them appear as support acts for names such as UK pop-songstress Ellie Goulding and most recently, the UK’s man of the moment, chart-topper Sam Smith.
It’s therefore incredibly refreshing to speak to Caleb, who amid simultaneous interviews and airport immigration, is super cool as he take it all in his stride. “Our team is really chilled out and we’ve chosen the people we work with because of their character, not just because of their ability, so it’s almost like a family that you get to choose,” chuckles Caleb.
“It’s also great being in a band with my sister, Georgia, because it’s really important to have someone there who really understands you and someone you can talk to when you’re having a shit day. We’ve always been close, so it works really well.”
With their childhood surrounded by a musical family, it meant music was always going to be an integral part of the siblings lives. Therefore, it was no surprise when Caleb and Georgia were able to learn an instrument from an early age.
With Georgia’s wispy vocals, reminiscent of Imogen Heap and Sarah Blasko infused with Caleb’s digital mastering — likened to that of Deadmau5 — Broods’ sound is a sure-fire combination for success.
It wasn’t until April last year though that things really started to take shape for Broods, with both Caleb and Georgia dropping out of university to pursue their music career. Shortly thereafter, the pair collaborated with Joel Little, the producer behind Lorde’s Grammy Award winning debut album, ‘Pure Heroine’, and that’s when things really took off. “I love Joel to bits and everyone always asks what it was like to work with him, as if he is this massive producer,” Caleb explains.
“He is really famous now, but I’ve known him for three years and before all of this, so for me it’s like writing with an old friend. I knew him back when he was still writing ads for commercials, so to see all of his hard work pay-off is really awesome.”When asked what he felt was behind the current wave of successful Kiwi music acts, Caleb puts it down to modern technology and an innate love for making music of all genres. “I think the reason why New Zealand music is really taking off is because there never used to be the kind of accessibility that there is today.
“The internet has provided musicians a way to get their music out there, so that’s why people are paying more attention.”
En route to Vancouver from Chicago when we chat, the next leg of the Broods journey will be to head down under in November. “I can’t tell you too much about what to expect just yet because it’s still in the making, but I can say that the show will be on an entirely different level to any of our previous shows, so we’re really excited,” Caleb says.
Broods Tour Dates
Sat 22nd Nov – Metro Theatre (Sydney)Sun 23rd Nov – Metro Theatre (Sydney)
Wed 26th Nov – Forum Theatre (Melbourne)
Thurs 27th Nov – The Hi-Fi (Brisbane)
Fri 28th Nov – Capitol (Perth)
