Forever twisting genre, technique and persona, Kody Nielson continues to be one ofNew Zealand's most vital musicians. Nielson's groundbreaking production, songwritingand exhilarating live performance with art punk pioneers The Mint Chickshelped to secure the group fans worldwide and five New Zealand Music Awardsfor their 2007 gold-certified album Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!Since the group's disbanding in 2010, his solo project Silicon has been praised bythe likes of Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake, as well as winning the prestigiousTaite Music Prize for the 2016 album Personal Computer. Alongside his work withBic Runga and their group Opossom, Kody has been an integral collaborator inbrother Ruban's project Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and is presently touring withUMO as drummer.Now, Nielson returns with Birthday Suite, notably the first full-length to be releasedunder his own name. Set for release via Flying Nun Records on May 9, this auspiciousrelease date marks Kody's own birthday; with each of the record's 12 songswritten for one of the artist's family and friend's birthday. Birthday Suite's instrumentalconcept also sees each single on the album unveiled to coincide with thenamesakes on birthday.Birthday Suite is an energetic, elaborate set of instrumental arrangements comprisedof drums, bass guitar, strings, electric piano and synthesizer. A concise andchallenging experimentation, Birthday Suite takes ques from everything from the baroqueto Afrobeat, Jazz Fusion, Psychedelic Rock and offbeat explorational soundswhile maintaining a commitment to classic songcraft and musicianship.First single Bic's Birthday - sees baroque melodies skating with graceful aplombover funky drum beats, calling to mind Wendy Carlos or CAN, while second singleRuban's Birthday is a short, sharp composition melding psychedelic string arrangementswith swirling drums and organ.His constant ability to agitate and explore his own boundaries, has seen Nielsoncement his position...

Trackliste

A1 Bic's Birthday
A2 James's Birthday
A3 Ruban's Birthday
A4 Darien's Birthday
A5 Frida's Birthday
A6 Po Po's Birthday
B1 Bubba's Birthday
B2 Azure's Birthday
B3 Christopher's Birthday
B4 Jo Jo's Birthday
B5 Cherhys's Birthday
B6 Dee Dee's Birthday