Inspired after playing music in church for several years, Patu Colbert (Lead Guitar) formed reggae band 1814 with his sons Shaun and Jimmy in 2004. Based in the far north, in the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour is where the band gets their inspiration to write and produce their own music, which they describe is being addictive with sweet soulful vocals, upbeat grooves and wicked sax lines with a strong message of Peace, love and harmony. The band have enjoyed national success with their debut album Jah Rydem recorded at York Street Studios in Auckland, reaching number 1 on the New Zealand indie charts and their single Jah Rastafari making it to number 15 on the NZ top 40. They also received an award at the 2010 Maori Music Awards for their song Whakahonohono mai, being the most played song on Maori radio in 2010. With all the attention and success from the album and sell out shows in New Zealand and Australia, 1814 were approached to play major Festivals including WOMAD 2010 and Raggamuffin 2011, Head lined by Mary J Blidge, Jimmy Cliff, Maxi Priest, The Wailers and Kymani Marley, as well as opening for Nas and Damien Marley on their Distant Relatives Tour, Third world on their NZ Tour and Michael Franti & Spearhead in Auckland. 1814 consists of Patu Colbert (guitar), Shaun Colbert (drums), Clayton Holloway (keyboards, vocals), Jimmy Colbert (bass guitar), Erana Jones (Keyboards), Darren Katene (lead vocals), Chris Peirce (saxophone), Maihi Pinker (vocals) and Harmony Tepania (vocals). |