The Brag

Electric Wire Hustle
Finding The Fast Track
Jordan Smith

It’s been barely three years since Electric Wire Hustle’s serendipitous formation, and Taay Ninh (keys/dj/producer of the trio) is currently living the dream. When we talk he comes across as content, gracious and passionate – mixed with that extra-strong New Zealand flavour of Relaxed. Back home from a tour of the US, and EWH are still walking on (long white) clouds. “When you’ve been dreaming about getting over there for so long, and it actually happens… We were so fortunate to work with so many great people over there, that have gone out of their way to support us, spread the music and bring other people on board to help champion it. It’s only just sinking in how amazing it all was.”

Electric Wire Hustle’s self-titled debut album, a silky blend of RnB, soul, funk and electronica, is every bit as worthy of the success and attention it’s garnered. Still, everything moved so rapidly for the band that they’ve found themselves in somewhat of a spotlight while still in their formative years. Ninh surprises me by mentioning he still has a “day job” (in a joyous clichО, he works for a merino wool clothing company), and describes the time in the studio as a transitory period for the band. “It was a really interesting process, because while we had a natural click musically, we were getting to know each other on a personal level at the same time as we were creating together.”

When listening to the polished and professional grooves of the album, it’s easy to forget that when they recorded, the trio was still dealing with standard practical difficulties of any unsigned band – like recording space and instrument availability. “Some [of the album] is made purely through the software available on a laptop, other parts are from going to a friend’s studio – who has an actual Rhodes bass keyboard – or recording in a vocal booth outside of the city, cause that’s what was available to us at the time. So it’s quite organic in that sense.

“We all love music from that rich era of analog equipment,” he continues, “but the album was [made with] whatever we had at arm’s reach, or whatever we could borrow off friends.” Now at the other side of an international album release, with an impressive string of American, Australian and European tour dates to boot, EWH’s reach is surely getting a little longer…

The band are often asked if there’s something in their music that’s unique to New Zealand. Whilst he initially points to their laid-back, behind the beat, island feel, what Ninh seems keener to identify with is the ideology behind New Zealand’s contemporary music culture. “There hasn’t been any hesitation to grab an influence from anywhere around the globe, whether it be a reggae influence from Kingston or a hip hop influence from Brooklyn or whatever, and mould it into something that’s our own.” When quizzed further on the NZ music scene Ninh eagerly responds, “It’s thriving man, it’s thriving.” While he admits that EWH is looking to spend prolonged periods of time in the northern hemisphere in future, the band is genuinely committed to keeping the kiwi music culture alive. “All of a sudden it seems like [NZ] is giving out a whole lot more shine internationally. Maybe we’re getting a chance to have an influence on what’s happening on a global scale within the soul and beats movement.”

Far from being overwhelmed by this attention, Electric Wire Hustle’s plan for the rest of the year is clear and simple. “It’s time to put our heads down and turn all these experiences into new music. There’s no shortage of inspiration, that’s for sure…”

What: Electric Wire Hustle is out now on BBE
Where: Tone, Surry Hills
When: Wednesday November 17