INTERVIEW: Marty Greentree, NZ's Tahuna Breaks back in London   22 Jun 2015

Charlotte Everett

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Kiwi legends Tahuna Breaks are back in London, with a gig this coming Friday at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen. NZNewsUK London Editor Charlotte Everett caught up with front man Marty Greentree ahead of their latest European tour.

Marty, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. This year, Tahuna Breaks have been together for 10 years. How are you guys reflecting on the past decade?
A real mix of emotions really; contentness, gratitude, a little bemused by it all and surprised at how fast it’s gone. I feel like we’re deep into bonus territory at the moment and have given our bucket list a good crack and then some. I can genuinely say that what successes we have had, exceeded all my initial expectations... a solid 8/10!

You released a new live album/DVD earlier this year. How did that come about, and what’s the response been like?
The live DVD/album was another bucket list item really and just a good way to celebrate 10 years – it took a hell of a lot of planning, rehearsing and a bit of pressure having a film crew and recording the audio live.  We were lucky to have had an awesome crew on board and fortunate that there were no major technical dramas because we had no plan B and only had one take to capture it.  We recorded that show in September 2014 and played gigs and festivals throughout summer off the back of it, so basically a 4 month birthday party (ouch)! The feedback has been really positive – I think because it captures our strength as a band: performing live. 

So you’re back in London at the end of this month with a gig at the Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen. It hasn’t really been that long since you were last here, and gigging there! What’s the vibe like in London, and what keeps you coming back to us?
I love the intensity, the hustle, the variety and the confidence this place has.  I could never live there; I tried to in the early 2000s, but could never settle.  Always a good time, but never a long time is just perfect for me.  

Are the Kiwi crowds here different from how they are back home at all?
Nah not really, equally as beautiful, maybe extra appreciative and supportive of Kiwi bands who go over.  I've also found that most people who manage to live and work in Europe generally have got a few clues and their sh*t together, and have a well rounded view of the world.

What can fans expect from your upcoming show?

Stuff you can dance to – Supercharged Funk, Disco Soul and Rock ‘n Roll. A sweaty good time. We've had a couple months, so we are fresh and good to go!

A day after London, you’re playing Glastonbury. How are you guys feeling about that?
Pretty gutted really – who wants to play some sh*tty little festival on some muddy farm in the middle of nowhere... I just hope they have some decent bands playing... hahaha! Nah ABSOLUTELY STOKED – bucket list tick!

Early July, you’re touring Belgium and Switzerland. What’s your fan base like there?
No idea, we'll soon find out! I enjoy the challenge of playing to crowds who have never heard of us and trying to win them over. Most satisfying.

Beyond the European tour – what’s next for Tahuna Breaks? And when will you be back here again? 
Who knows, I just take it year by year and play every gig as if it’s my last.  Always open to opportunities, but equally happy if it all ended tomorrow.  I’m a very lucky guy. 

Tahuna Breaks are playing Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen this Friday 26 June, 8pm. Tickets available via Ticketweb. 

About the interviewer:

Charlotte Everett has been contributing to NZNewsUK as a columnist and journalist since 2011, and currently serves as London Editor – a post she has held since mid-2013. She has been based in London since mid-2007 and is an active member of London’s Kiwi community, also serving as Vice President of the NZ Society UK. She has a broad writing portfolio, including music/entertainment, theatre reviews, travel, rugby, Kiwi success, vegan food, and WW100/ANZAC. She is also an experienced freelance tour guide, and leads city walks across London several times a week. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook or WordPress.

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