Indie-rock project Voodoo Bloo has taken the New Zealand music scene by storm with its unique blend of hard-hitting sounds, emotional songwriting and danceable distorted chaos.
After dropping a string of singles, Voodoo Bloo is now upping the ante with the December 4 release of debut album JACOBUS, which has a strong focus on mental health.
Ahead of the album release, the Wellington-based act will play two shows in support of LIfeline Aotearoa, whose mission is to reduce distress and save lives; with a focus on increasing awareness and understanding of suicide prevention in New Zealand.
Voodoo Bloo will play Auckland’s Neck of the Woods on Saturday October 17 with Skinny Hobos and Animalhead; and at Wellington’s Meow on November 28 with Miss June and Curlys Jewels. Tickets available HERE
Created and fronted by Rory McDonald (who many will remember from his days as the frontman of the rock band Lucifer Gunne), Voodoo Bloo is influenced by the likes of Marilyn Manson and System of a Down, combined with the songwriting style of Car Seat Headrest and Neutral Milk Hotel.
“I started Voodoo Bloo as I wanted to start a new chapter in my musical career, whilst still using the knowledge I gained from my previous band, to try and make something really special to me,” says McDonald.
To date Voodoo Bloo has two singles from the forthcoming album, including ‘MMA’ and ‘Her Name Is Human’. New single ‘Ha Ha Ok OK’ is set for release on November 20, followed by the album JACOBUS on December 4.
The album was recorded at PlasticGroove studio, mixed by Scott Seabright and mastered by Ryan Smith; with Greg Haver acting as the mix production advisor. Working on the upcoming album has helped McDonald process the loss of a close friend.
“Last July, a close friend of mine for many years, took his own life while I was away overseas. This was obviously a massive shock to myself and the people around me. But being isolated from my friends while in a different country led me to writing a lot of lyrics during one of the strangest and scariest points in my life. The writing of JACOBUS was a very cathartic process at a time when I didn’t have many people around me to talk to,” says McDonald.
“The first half [of the record] is about how I believe a lot of young people in this country (and even worldwide) get into these situations where they feel lost or that the world is against them. The second part, describing the grief and acceptance of the loss of a very dear friend, who I promised would not just become another statistic in a problem that doesn’t seem to be declining.”
McDonald hopes the album will be relatable to someone who may be struggling with mental health or who has experienced an event similar to what he has been through.
LOVE IS FOR THE BEAUTIFUL -
CHARITY GIGS IN SUPPORT OF LIFELINE AOTEAROA
Skinny Hobos, Voodoo Bloo, Animalhead -
Neck of the Woods, Auckland - Saturday October 17
Miss June, Voodoo Bloo, Curlys Jewels -
Meow, Wellington - Saturday November 28
Tickets, in support of Lifeline Aotearoa, available HERE