Chuganaut
Chuganaut formed in 2002. Their sound is loosely based around alternative rock and twisted metal, but in their own words, is 'nothing you can put your finger on, with 'mellow & heavy extremes.'
Biography
Chuganaut began life as a covers band playing the pub circuit, who began to incorporate original material into their sets. The first many heard from them was the song Party Geek with its distinctive 'chug-a-lager' chorus, which received extensive airplay on the Generator.
Chuganaut won the national Battle of the Bands competition in 2003 (the second Htown based group to do so in a row), also taking out first place for Most Outstanding Guitarist, Most Outstanding Drummer and the People’s Choice Award. They also won the Bay of Plenty Regional Finals of the Battle of the Bands in the same year.
In 2004 Chuganaut released two singles, produced its first music video and released a single (Brightside) on the Axe Attack Metal CD Compilation Vol 1.
The following year, Chuganaut opened the 2005 Big Day Out to a crowd of thousands. They soon released their debut EP, the 6-track Wolf. Released through Intergalactic Records and being the prize for winning the 2004 World Battle of the Bands, two of the tracks were recorded at Area 51 studios. The 'Wolf' CD is complemented with a video of the same name, directed by Greg Page of Fish n Clips, and is being aired on Juice TV, XSTV and C4TV.
As their first step in what they hope will be international career, Chuganaut played live in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, Australia in December 2005. Their debut album, 11:11, should be out sometime 2007.
Chuganaut News
In addition to playing more shows than almost any other Htown group, the band promote themselves in other, less conventional ways - one being the publication of a newsletter, the Chuganaut News - available at places like Tracs, Starbucks and others.
Members
- Stu (vocals, guitar)
- Lil (drums)
- Munro (bass, backing vocals)
- Nail (guitar, backing vocals)
Releases
Party Geek Single 2003
Wolf EP 2005
11:11 One album, 2007
Grrroovage appears on the 2004 compilation Kaleidoscope World Series 6
Bright Side appears on the 2004 compilation Axe Attack Metal CD Compilation Vol 1
Published Articles
- Chuganaut debut album with double the impact, Taranaki Daily News, 25 January 2007, P20
