Artist Performance: Speech Act Theory

We have not been sitting still, the Sine Community is growing and the platform is getting more diverse and with that comes our new video on Speech Act Theory, an alternative electronica band based in our own Aotearoa, New Zealand. The Sine Live Sessions are recorded with the viewer in mind, all shot in one […]

We have not been sitting still, the Sine Community is growing and the platform is getting more diverse and with that comes our new video on Speech Act Theory, an alternative electronica band based in our own Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Sine Live Sessions are recorded with the viewer in mind, all shot in one take and performed live in front of the camera. Like you would enjoy listening to your favourite band in a bar, cafe or club.

About Speech Act Theory

Initially a studio concept which started in the later part of 2019, producer/musician Pete Hickman wanted to create an electronica project that paid homage to his influences such as groups like Zero 7, Massive Attack, Ultraísta, Boards of Canada, Death in Vegas, UNKLE among more. The idea was to fuse electronica music with live acoustic drums and other instruments. This is where the vision came to bring his love of electronica and a live band together.

After releasing their debut single in 2021 through Tauranga's Blood & Wires label, 2022 has been a busy year of successive releases and high-energy gigs after a long wait through lockdowns.

With drummer Ben Bradford, Guitarist Jamie Crerar and on the Bass Michelle Anderson accompanied by the Brodie Macdonald as vocalist bringing it all together. In an interview we have asked Pete where the challenges lied to integrate electronic music with more classical parts of a band.

Pete answered: ‘The challenges of integrating synthesiser electronic music with a band was trying to keep it sounding organic. Everything we do has Ableton live as the brain so there is that fundamental electronic influence feeding the live performance.‘

One of the big challenges early on was I wasn’t sure what instruments there were gonna be as you either go full on electronic or often full on band so trying to balance the two was challenging. Also just trying to get the right people involved. It’s not always the speediest band as there is a lot of preparation so patience is definitely needed. But I feel the payoff is well worth it.’

Would you be keen on learning more about electronic music, make sure to follow, like and subscribe to our channel or alternatively, if you’d like to be covered on one of our episodes reach out to us at [email protected], we’re looking forward hearing from you!