Editing PD Corp

''PD Corp'' was an original band based in Rotorua, active between 1988 and 1991. Formed in mid-1988 for a one-off gig to back songwriter/guitarist [[Jono Jack]], the name ''PD Corp'' was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the state of New Zealand politics in the late 1980s – state-owned assets were being sold off and privatized. ''PD Corp'' might have been a name for a privatized prison service (P.D. standing for 'periodic detention'). Although the band would later rather have had a better name, but it stuck and PD Corp became more than a one-off gig band. 

[[Jono Jack]], a singer/songwriter from Rotorua with a Christian leaning and had been a member of a number of bands, most notably the [[Number Thieves]] and [[Simon Pure]] with [[Alan Deare]] and [[Johnny Armstrong]], who later formed the band [[Book of Martyrs]] together. A falling out between Jono and the other members of [[Simon Pure]] lead to Jono writing his own material. (Both Jono and Alan would go on to write pointed songs about each other in their respective bands). At this time Jono worked as a sales rep for Cadbury and went on to use his (then new) company car, a Ford Sierra wagon, as a 'band wagon' for ''PD Corp''. 

When Jono needed a band to back him with his new material he called on local drummer and electrician [[Malcolm Lofroth]] (ex-''Lounge Lizards'', who had released an EP 'Kathleen' on Ode Records) and 18 year old bass player and graphic designer [[Andrew White]] who had been gigging around town since the age of 15. Fed-up with the blatantly copy-cat/contemporary sounds of local Christian influenced bands Jono was determined to get an original and 'indie' sound happening. Influences at the time included New Zealand bands like the Bats and the Clean, along with Aussie bands ''Hunters & Collectors'' and ''The Johnnys'' and U.S. bands like ''R.E.M.'' For some fun, Jono, Malcom and Andrew made up alternative names for themselves for a fictional band called the 'Deacons'. Andrew called himself 'Sir Issac Waveski III' and the name stuck throughout PD Corp, being shortened to 'Waveski'.

The three members of PD Corp felt like they were on to something and regular practices were held in Jono's lounge in mid-late 1988 concentrating on bringing Jono's songs into a band setting. Jono was the master of sales and management, able to make and do deals in the most unlikely situations. Thanks to Jono's fast talking and fearlessness, gigs for PD Corp came fast. At first these were small church hall and school gigs (this was Rotorua in the late 80s after all) then larger scale 'cred' gigs. Records are sketchy regarding the very first gigs; the first large scale gig being the '5 bands for 5 bucks' gig at Greerton Hall in Tauranga on August 6th 1988. The line up also featured [[Jono Jack]] solo. 

''PD Corp'' were seeking the addition of and extra guitarist and Myke was the man for the job. Having had less exposure to the 'alternative' music that Jono, Malcolm and Andrew were into and influenced by, Myke soon got a crash course in 'alternative' music and playing styles to suit the PD Corp vibe to which he deftly and successfully mastered. Myke would commute from Te Puke for practices which became more serious. Jono and Andrew demoed new songs on Jono's 4-Track while several cover songs including the Clean's 'Anything Could Happen' and Hunters & Collectors' 'Give Me A Reason' (with Myke and Andrew swapping guitar and bass duties) were learnt to pad out the set list. A couple of gigs were played at North Island prisons including Rangipo. The prison gig circuit is where Jono had originally met Myke whose band ''Bent Straight'' had played regular gigs to inmates. 

Jono quit his job at Cadbury to concentrate on music full time. A large amount of staple PD Corp songs had been written at this time and remained in the set til the very end. These included the "hit" signature PDC tune 'Make It Reel', the pointed 'Vivisection', and slap-bass loop-like riff of 'Man Of Honor' about the Mafia. Several of Myke's songs were added to the set – the laid back bluesy 'Happy' and ballad 'Love'. The lyrical content covered politics to religion. 

The new line-up's first big gig was with Myke's band ''Bent Straight'' at the Mount Maunganui Soundshell on 17 December 1988. This was the last ''Bent Straight'' gig and Myke played in both bands on the night. ''Fred Renata'' from Tokoroa was the sound man for ''PD Corp'' that night and called on for more desk duties in the future as the 'unofficial PD Corp sound man'. More gigs followed including New Years Eve 1988 at Mt. Maunganui: 'Vibes' included several other 'name' 'contemporary Christian' bands including ''Charisma'', ''Real Time'', Palmerston North's ''Black and White'' and Auckland's ''Houseparty'', which featured ''Phil Fuemana'' and ''Matt Ruys''. Andrew had learnt bass from Phil and had played in bands with Matt (and would work with him again the future). 

''PD Corp's'' aim to be taken seriously was reflecting in their first major support slot for Flying Nun band ''The Bats'' at Auckland University. The gig took place on 6 March 1989 at the University Cafe. ''Fred Renata'' was recruited for sound duties. The band played a well received set and felt they were finally on the road they wanted to be on. More gigs took place including gigs in Tauranga and a support slot for Rotorua's [[Book of Martyrs]] album release gig at the ''Shambles Theatre''. Other bands on the bill included Rotorua original bands the [[Calamari Bushmen]] and ''Pet Semetary''. 

Throughout this period and into the future Jono was promoting himself as a solo artist in his own right playing solo gigs up and down the country and also 'opening' some ''PD Corp'' gigs. Often his set would include acoustic versions of ''PD Corp'' songs and/or songs not deemed workable for a full band. Initially it was felt in a small way by members of the band that Jono's focus on his solo career was getting in the way of ''PD Corp's'' advancement. This was to come to a head later. Andrew accompanied Jono on several of his solo tours and 'fact finding' missions as well as putting together art for Jono's gig posters (as well as ''PD Corp''). Andrew and Jono rented an office space in central Rotorua where the band would practice and take care of 'business'. 

Around June of 1989 Malcolm quit the band for personal reasons. His ideals had changed and a rock'n'roll career didn't fit him anymore. As Malcolm was an integral part of the band's sound much concern was had about a suitable replacement. In July the band called on drummer Scotty Pearson from Mount Manguanui to fill in for a gig. The deal worked out so well that Scotty became the 'unofficial' new PD Corp drummer, meeting up with the band in various cities for gigs and the odd practice in Rotorua or the Mount when schedules worked out. The first gig for the new line up was at the ''Nite Spot Cafe'' in Te Awamutu on August 25th 1989 with the second the night after in New Plymouth at the ''Queen's Hall'' with Tauranga's ''Shake Babble On'' and New Plymouth's ''Diesels''. 

These 'gig-a-night in a different town' jaunts for PD Corp would continue thanks to Jono's management and salesman skills. At this point the band had developed a very strong set of originals and the constant gigging was resulting in tight playing. Myke, who had quit his AFFCO job and was now also living off the dole (as was Jono) had recently purchased a 12-string Rickenbacker electric guitar on credit, which gave the band a more signature 'chiming guitar' sound in the vein of ''R.E.M.'' and pushed them up another notch. Myke proceeded to drop the guitar on its headstock on the concrete floor of a church at a gig and was heard to utter a not-so-quiet expletive. The Ricky sported gaffer tape to mask the scars from then on. 

In September of 1989 Andrew also quit his job to go full-time with the band. This meant all three main members of ''PD Corp'' were full-time with the band, living off the dole to get by. Also in September the band rented a new space in an old picture theatre in Ngongotaha called ''the Ark'', just outside Rotorua. The space also doubled as a new pad for Myke who shifted from Te Puke to be with the band in the Rotorua area. A stage was built in the old theatre for gigs. (The old old theatre held special significance for Andrew as he had seen Star Wars there for the first time and ABBA The Movie). The set list at this time included Jono's originals 'Don't Wanna Know' (about the condition of NZ), 'Vivisection' (animal rights), 'Make It Reel' (old friends), 'Man of Honor' (the Mafia), 'Hand To Mouth Society' (NZ's dole culture), 'Board Up Your Windows' (Maori 'uprising'), 'Before The Song' (song writing), 'Destined To Be' (destiny), 'East Coast Blues' (North Island's East Coast) and Myke's 'Values' (about respect) and 'Happy'. Covers included a rock version of 'Kumbyah' originally done by ''Guadalcanal Diary'' and 'F.A.I.T.H.' by the ''Violent Femmes''.

More ''PDC'' gigs were played in the later half of 1989 alongside Jono playing solo gigs to fund recording of his solo album. On September 26 1989 the band were flown to Christchurch by TVNZ to appear on the TV show 'Danny's Cafe'. The show aired on Sunday mornings on TV2 and featured bands and comment set in 'Danny's Cafe'. ''Danny Watson'' was the host and 'cafe owner'. The band recorded three songs 'live to air' with 'Man of Honor' and 'Make it Reel' making the final cut. The show screened twice in October 1989. 

The band was approached by an avid music fan and aspiring music manager from Auckland by the name of ''Letia DeKlerk''. Letia was keen for the band to gain more exposure and better gigs. She was officially on the 'pay-roll' and started making contacts and bookings right away including a gig at Auckland's 'Venue' with ''Step Up Jack'' (featuring ''Sean Donnelley'' now of ''S.J.D.'' and ''Michael TeYoung'' now of ''Recliner''). 

In October 1989 Jono started recording his solo album at [[Tandys Studio]] outside of Hamilton. Andrew and Myke recorded a 'joke song' called 'Baby Baby' which the band later included in their set and became one of the most requested songs at gigs. At this point tensions between Myke and Jono were starting to develop which started to flare up from time to time. 

In early December 1989 the band headed into [[Tandys Studio]] for the first ever ''PDC'' 'proper' recording session. Due to limited funds and time, the band decided to record live straight to tape (stereo). [[Zed Brookes]] and ''Dennis Marsh'' were the engineers. Four songs were recorded: The ''PDC'' signature tunes 'Make It Reel' and 'Vivisection, new song 'Before The Song' and Myke's original 'Values'. The tracks were mixed and mastered the same day. Duplication took place at Jono's house and the covers, designed by Andrew, were photocopied on purple paper and the tapes hand-assembled. The EP titled [[Piece of Plastic]] (or POP) was released later in December and went on to sell over 80+ copies at gigs and stores.

On December 12, 1989 in Rotorua and December 14 in Auckland, Jono released his solo album 'Vein Labour'. The irony of the album's title was probably not lost on the other members of PDC and Jono's solo career really was starting to take priority at this point, much to Myke's displeasure (although Myke had contributed a solo to one of the album's tracks). The cassette-only release was a professional one with full, printed art designed by Andrew and duplication of several hundred copies. It was released on Luke Hurley's Lotus label, another irony as it was seen that Jono was trying to (or at least was heavily influenced by) Luke Hurley's guitar and lyrical style, along with the likes of ''Billy Bragg''. Jono and the band had struck up a relationship with Luke which included double billings with the band and/or Jono. The ten tracks on 'Vein Labour' included acoustic versions of PDC songs such as 'Make It Reel' and 'Before The Song' as well as staple Jono Jack tracks 'Thai Border' and 'East Coast Blues'. Although the release was largely self-funded, a grant from the Mainstage Creative Trust was also utilized. From this point on, every PDC gig was a Jono Jack promo for the solo album as well as the PDC EP. 

In late December 1989 ''PD Corp'' supported Hamilton's popular [[Revs]] at the ''Rock Cafe'' in Auckland, then played a gig at Auckland's ''Gluepot'' with ''Hoi Polloi'' and the ''Diablos''. The Gluepot gig took place the night before New Zealand's first major 'Christian' rock festival on a farm just outside of Te Puke. At the 'Shelterbelt' festival, ''PD Corp'' were booked as one of the headline local acts, along with the ''Revs'', ''Hoi Polloi'', ''Guy Wishart'', ''Steve Apirana'', ''Derek Lind'', ''Real Time'', and more. The big international act was hard rock/blues/metal act ''REZ'' from Chicago U.S.A. Pre-dating the likes of [[Parachute]] by two years, the festival ran over three days and was an adventurous project for organizer ''Phil Taylor'' (ex of Myke's old band ''Bent Straight''). Jono had been an active member of the planning board for the festival. ''PD Corp'' had secured the prestigious last slot of the festival on New Year's Eve 1989, right after the headline act ''REZ'' had finished. By the time ''PDC'' hit the stage the whole place was buzzing and the band proceeded to play one of their best sets ever to a crowd of several thousand. ''SPAMM'' magazine held a poll asking festival goers for their favorite local act at ''Shelterbelt'' – ''PD Corp'' came out on top, followed by ''Hoi Polloi'' and [[The Revs]] (Scotty was to join ''Hoi Polloi'' as their drummer in 1994). ''Shelterbelt'' capped off a successful year for the band and the future was looking exciting. 

Early January 1990 saw the band play two nights at the DB Hotel in Mount Maunganui with ''Hoi Polloi'' and ''the Yahoos'', and a multi-band gig at Auckland's ''Powerstation'' on Jan 20. What should have been a great gig for the band turned in to a disappointment with no proper sound check and being relegated to the early hours of the morning, after most people had left the venue. Still, it looked good on the CV. 

The tensions between Myke and Jono were coming to a head. Myke felt Jono was not making any room for his songs although Myke's song 'Values' was one of the more popular PDC songs both live and on the EP. Myke felt that Jono was being too protective of of his own songs and didn't want someone else taking more of the limelight. Further to this, Jono wrote Myke a letter effectively stating that ''PD Corp'' was 'his' (Jono's) band. This was enough for Myke to call it quits and he gave notice to leave the band.

With several gigs booked Myke agreed to stay on and play them. In late February 1990 ''PDC'' played two nights at Wellington's Car Park venue with old drummer Malcolm, filling in for Scotty who was not available to play. On its promo posters the Car Park loudly hailed ''PDC'' as sounding "identical to R.E.M.", which was a bit of a stretch. However, the band's sound now centered around twin Rickenbacker guitars as Jono had recently purchased a fire-glow 6-string electric and a Fender Twin Reverb amp. The sound was more jangly than ever and really firing. The gigs went well although turnout was typically thin. Jono, Andrew and Myke enjoyed playing with Malcolm again. 

At this point Scotty had also announced he would no longer continue with the band for various reasons. However, the nature of Myke and Jono's animosity was a large part of the reason. Additional gigs that were booked at Wellington at the ''Car Park'' and Auckland's ''Gluepot'' and ''Ze Cafe'' were cancelled. Meanwhile Jono and Andrew had booked an upcoming 'fact finding' trip to the States in March to see where it might take them. 

On February 26, 1990 the band played [[Waikato University]]'s [[Orientation]] with Hamilton's [[Levitating Daffodils]]. This was the last official ''PDC'' gig with Myke and Scotty. Tensions were high throughout the gig which had a good turnout and was well received. Myke let his displeasure towards Jono known during, and at the end of show, promptly departing at the end of the gig and relocating to Auckland soon after. The irony was that ''PD Corp'' were now playing the sort of gigs they wanted but the band had now imploded. 

On March 2 and 3, 1990 two gigs as 'PD Corp Mark 1' (Jono, Andrew & Malcolm) were played at Rotorua's infamous ''Fenton's Tavern'' to raise some extra cash for Jono and Andrew's forthcoming U.S. trip. The gigs included covers to keep the pub crowd happy. 

Jono and Andrew had decided to keep going as ''PD Corp'' if they could find suitable band members. A 'musicians wanted' ad was placed in the forthcoming issue of ''Spamm'' magazine. For a laugh, Myke's new Auckland flatmates saw the ad and pinned it to his door. ''Letia De Klerk'' left for the U.S. and was no longer band manger, although she would look out for contacts in the U.S.

On 27 March 1990, Jono and Andrew left for the U.S. armed with a list of music contacts and demo tapes. Jono took his acoustic guitar for busking duties and any solo gigs. The pair hit LA, Baltimore, Nashville, Minneapolis and Jono went on to Chicago while Andrew headed back to Nashville. Jono played several impromptu gigs and pushed his solo album. A new song written by Jono originally titled 'Park Bench Man' (later named '3 Months, Nearly 4' and then 'Waste') was recorded on April 2 by Jono, Andrew and Mike Futch and Mike's house in LA. The song, recorded on a 4-track, featured Jono on guitar, Andrew on bass and Mike ..boards with programmed drums. It was to later feature prominently in ''PD Corp'''s set list. This recording was the only serious 'band' work done on the U.S. trip apart from some contacts made and a short tour of potential recording studios in Nashville, including 16th Ave. Sound. Jono continued to promote his solo record and play where he could including a couple of coffee shops in Minneapolis. 

Jono and Andrew returned to NZ on 29 April 1990. Andrew joined a covers band while ''PDC'' were in hiatus although Jono and Andrew had regular PDC meetings and practices. In June, Jono and Andrew met with husband and wife Pete and Leslie Ward from Hamilton who became the new members of ''PD Corp'' (PD Corp Mk 3). Pete took on drum duties while Leslie became a dedicated backing/second vocalist. The fact they had a van was an added bonus. Rotorua guitarist [[Chris Paki]] was then enlisted on lead guitar duties. Chris had been a regular in the Rotorua scene for several years and fitted in well to the line up, also contributing vocals. 

Regular practices took place with the band learning a full set of 14 originals including new songs by Jono: '3 Months, Nearly 4', 'Chair of a Certain Time' and 'Falling In Silence'. New songs, 'Different Place', 'Will We Ever' and 'Version', Andrew had written music or lyrics for. Several easy covers were learnt to pad out the set for any pub gigs where punters needed appeasing. None of Myke's songs were retained in the set except for 'Destined To Be' which Myke had written music for but Jono had claimed as his own.

''PD Corp'' were now using the moniker 'Free Market Pop' in conjunction with the ''PDC'' name. On 16 July 1990 the new look PD Corp played its first gig at Rotorua's Hyatt hotel. Leslie's vocals combined with the more adventurous and catchy new songs gave the band a different, more accessible feel but it was still Jono's familiar style that carried through. It was ''PD Corp'' but not quite as we knew it. 

Andrew sent out letters to potential record companies with contacts he had made and plans were hatched for the next stage of the bands career. ''PD Corp'' and the songs were sounding good. Recording was the next logical step with extensive touring. 

In late July the band played Palmerston North over two nights and in Rotorua. August saw a two night stint at the ''Ohakune Hotel''. In September 1990 the band did an extensive tour organized by Jono, leaving from Hamilton/Rotorua and going to Dunedin and back over the course of 14 days. The tour included gigs in Christchurch over three nights – ''Zetland'''s and the ''Carlton Hotel'' with ''Luke Hurley'' and the ''Palladium'' night club; ''Regines'' in Dunedin; an all ages gig at the ''Christchurch Town Hall'' with ''Rikki Morris'', ''Kim Willhouby'', ''Luke Hurley'' and actor ''Andy Anderson''; a lunch time gig at Lincoln University in Christchurch and two nights at the Joint in Nelson with local band ''No Time For Talking'' . A further two nights at Wellington's Car Park and a Massey University gig on the way back home fell through. Turn out to the gigs was small although the band was firing. For the ''Regines'' gig the band had travelled from Christchurch to Dunedin and back to Christchurch again all in one day, only to find about seven people at the gig. The Christchurch Town Hall gig was a highlight, playing on a large stage with a decent PA. Actor ''Andy Anderson'', who was speaking at the event and on stage before ''PD Corp'', asked the band to play two songs with him as his 'reformed alcoholic' address was not going down well with the kids. Andy and ''PDC'' performed impromptu versions of 'Johnny B Goode' and 'Eagle Rock'. 

In October the band played at the ''Otumoetai Trust Hotel'' in Tauranga, and at the Labour Day 'Mega Blast' at Rotorua's ''Homestead Tavern''. Organized by Jono and Andrew, the Rotorua ''Mega Blast'' gig was well organized with radio ads, posters and sponsorship. ''PD Corp'' headlined the bill with Hamilton's [[Book of Martyrs]], Christchurch's ''Big White Undie Band'' (featuring Rotorua boy ''Dave Bishop'') and Rotorua's [[Calamari Bushmen]]. 

Around this time Pete and Leslie announced their intention to leave the band. They did not feel like they could continue with the schedule of band and devote time to it although there were no doubt other reasons. The band had several gigs still booked including a Tauranga gig at ''Harrington'' 's nite club, two lunchtime gigs at Te Awamutu College and a major one at Hamilton University's [[Gurus]]. The ''Guru'' 's gig was the last official ''PD Corp'' gig and was a good one with a large crowd. Jono and Andrew did a somewhat frivolous interview on [[Contact FM]] the day of the show to promote it. They announced that it was the end of ''PD Corp'' but they would continue to work together. The irony once again was that this last ''PD Corp'' gig was in Hamilton at [[Waikato University]]... One final gig was played in Rotorua a few days later along with [[Chris Paki]]'s old band ''Rescue Shop''. 

==Members==
*[[Jono Jack]] - vocals, guitars
*Andrew White - bass
*Myke Dowson - vocals, guitars
*Malcolm Lofroth - drums, vocals
*Scotty Pearson - drums, vocals
*[[Chris Paki]] - guitars, vocals
*Peter Ward - drums, vocals
*Leslie Ward - drums, vocals

==External Links==
*[http://www.myspace.com/pdcorpband PD Corp MySpace page]

[[category:Hamilton Related Bands]]