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MENU meets: Tui Sound System

MENU: So lets start with the obvious what’s your name and where are you form?

TUI: Hi, my names Reti Hedley aka Mr Samysamson and I’m from a tiny little town called Turangi. But I have spent my later years in Hamilton.

MENU: So your apart of few musical projects is that right?

TUI: Yeah, Tui vocalist MC Cypher and I are in a band that formed in the Torn called Knights of the DUB Table, we are actually realizing our album very shortly. As well as knights and Tui I do the covers scene and have just recently been jamming with Cornerstone Roots.

MENU: So what is Tui Soundsystem?

TUI: Tui Sound System is the result of bedroom producing.  It all started when my mate Tim (MC Cypher) said that I should start performing my remixes and originals, which were all just sitting on the computer at that time.. Funny enough on the same day he told me that I should give it a go I scored my first gig opening for a band called Native Sons.  Since then I’ve just kept producing and performing. I love to collaborate so I have a group of MCs who will join me on stage, each gig might be a different combo of MCs but two regular Tui MC’s are MC Cypher and MC Tua.

MENU: How would you describe Tui’s music?

TUI: The music is heavily influenced by classic 1970’s dub that branches off into modern styles like Drum & Bass, Dubstep and Jungle.  But instead of playing my tracks off Vinyl or CD, I like to play off a live Ableton session so that can I can mix and remix pre-existing material in real time.   

MENU: What do you love most about performing live?

TUI: I guess the danger of screwing things up gives me an adrenalin boost, especially when remixing live. And you’ve got to the hype of being in front of a crowd and interacting with them, it’s just a buzz.

MENU: What’s the worst musical experience you’ve ever had?

TUI: When I was in high school I played at this musical and afterwards my mum forgot to pick me up. So I walked 25ks with my amp, my guitar and my school bag. It took me about 3 hours. Next morning EXCELLENT, mum made me some breakie!

MENU: And the best?

TUI: Every time I get to play my own music in front of an amped crowd, it’s always a wicked experience.

MENU: What are your plans for this summer?

TUI: Got a lot of gigs coming up with Knights, Tui and Cornerstone. But for Tui we’ve got a few gigs coming up and a Highlight for Tui this summer is going to be Kaikoura Roots Festival. Also keen on putting some work into a few remixes I’ve got simmering and hopefully have them ready to drop in January.

MENU: So to finish off, you Tui Sounds System are releasing their Debut EP can you tell us a bit more about it?

TUI: Yes the 6 track EP titled ‘Commonality’ will be released in stores on the 23^rd of October. We will also be holding an EP release party down at flow bar on the 23^rd so come check it out!