Evicted

EVICTED BIOGRAPHY 2016 Zimbabwean Afro-Rock band “Evicted” have been a prominent musical force in their native land and the region, using & abusing music genres for years and building a reputation for their incredibly energetic live shows and diverse musical influences. The current line-up consists of Derek Bailey on Lead Vocals and Guitar, Theo Rhode on Lead guitar, Dominic Benson on Bass, and Justin Soutter on drums. Founding members Derek Bailey, Nick Newbery and Adam Francis started the concept of Evicted, The name taken from their ability to be removed from wherever they were rehearsing due to excessive volume. With the aim of blending traditional Zimbabwean music genres such as Sangura and Chimurenga with rock, punk, reggae and funk, they began playing covers of popular local songs such as Andy Brown’s legendary “Mapurisa”, mixing them in with standard rock, reggae and funk classics. While studying a Bachelors degree in music, Derek Bailey and Nick “Newbz” recorded the first Evicted album “Place Called Home” in 2009 in Queensland Australia, it was completely self produced. Dominic Benson had since joined on bass guitar adding his unique virtuosic skills and bringing a big dose of funk and afro jazz into the mix. They recorded a remix of “Mapurisa” incorporating a heavier, rock infused sound, along with 10 original tracks and released the album independently through ITUNES Australia, and followed with a headlining stint on the prestigious international charity concert “Zimfest” in Brisbane. “Mapurisa”, a song which crept its way onto radio airwaves in South Africa, Zambia, UK and Australia, became something of a cult hit in Southern Africa and beyond. “Mental”, joins it as an instant party classic, while the dark, sombre tones of “Misled” are an outlet for the bands frustration with the hard times in their beloved home country. The plaintive notes and the heartfelt appeals to “renew all that was gone, show me how to fly” in the ballad “Place Called Home” plant seeds of hope and irrigate them with a mix of anger and despair. What grows out of it are fruits of emotion that unite all who listen with a desire to move forward through Unity, something the band strives to incorporate into their music and message. In 2010 the band relocated back to Zimbabwe, wasting no time on their return, with a South African tour in April, which saw them passing through Joburg, Durban, and Pretoria, wowing audiences with their unique and passionate blend of traditional African music and Rock, now dubbed “Afro-Rock Fusion”. Or as described by Blunt Magazine, “Switchfoot meets The Ataris meets Rural Africa”. Several line up changes followed, with Theo Rhode joining on lead guitar and Justin Soutter on drums, Evicted had now evolved into a tight, diverse unit, redefining their sound. The band’s love for traveling and experiencing different cultures has lead to them spending the last few years touring as a self sufficient unit. Literally, trailblazing a “scene” where it previously didn’t exist, honing their craft, and performing plenty of headlining shows in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique, heading to incredibly remote areas proving Evicted are a hard working touring band who will play anywhere, (even where there is no electricity). The band were soon performing at major festivals, earning support slots and sharing the stage with top international acts as far across the musical spectrum as Prime Circle, Mi Casa, Oliver Mtukudzi, The Parlotones, Locnville, Jeremy Loops and many more. They headlined Zimbabwe’s biggest annual charity concert Rock Down Harare, moving on to international festivals in Victoria Falls such as Falls Fest, and the Vic Falls Carnival in 2013, and the Siavonga music festival in Zambia which they also headlined. They performed at the prestigious HIFA 2013 opening show themed “Whats Next” showcasing Zimbabwe’s top talent. They have won Zim’s ‘Battle of The Bands’ two years in a row, and were featured in the American film “Punk In Africa” showcasing bands that incorporate african sounds into their music. The film has screened worldwide at major film festivals. Throughout the touring and long hours on the road the band have been absorbing the sounds and cultures of africa. Writing songs in Shona as well as English and testing the new material in their live shows to amazing responses. Recording began in 2014, and in april the band released 3 demos onto their soundcloud page as a taste of whats to come. Evicted are known as band of musicians who strive to sound like the region they inhabit rather than trying to fit into a current musical trend. In August 2016 the band released the first single “Ndoita Sei” exclusively through ITUNES, the music video quickly went viral on Facebook, the track is based on a true story of a friend who was robbed of his belongings after a one night stand. The band are planning to drop a second single in December, with a full new album set for release in 2017. "Afro-Rock Fusion" Traditional Zimbabwean music fused with rock & funk. A unique blend of ethnic and western styles backed by amazing passion & energy.