.png)
Chris Vigz Biography
.jpg)
BEHIND THE MUSIC OF CHRIS VIGZ
Over the years I've had some great musical adventures. I love exploring different styles of music, and have worked in bands as diverse as Latin, Metal, Pop, Soul, Japanese drumming and jazz.
Check out my portfolio below and a selection of these recordings here.
EXPERIENCE
A quick overview of my experience in live and studio settings, here in New Zealand and abroad.
ZEPHYR
Upon landing in Wellington, I got straight back into the cockpit and joined one of the leading local covers bands, ZEPHYR.
A regular gigging outfit, we cover major events around the whole of NZ (the Lions tour 2018), corporate events, (Methanex) and of course, weddings!
SONRISA
The flamenco & Latin fusion of Sonrisa was a great challenge. I had a chance expand my skills with a hybrid kit that included multiple percussion add-ons, and to learn advanced Cajon playing techniques.
Studying with Dave Hassell, one of the UK's leading Latin drum teachers, inspired my passion for Latin music - so much so that I had to visit Cuba to see the real deal in action!
NARUKAMI TAIKO WELLINGTON
As part of my continued obsession with rhythm and drums from around the world, I took up Japanese Taiko drumming in 2015. This ancient style was a completely new way of connecting to rhythm for me - totally fascinating!
Narukami Taiko is one of the biggest groups in the Wellington region. We play traditional and modern pieces, including some written specifically for us, and hold regular technique workshops with leading practitioners from around the world. We perform at major Wellington events such as Japan Day, Round the Bays and the Lux light festival.
LEFT BELOW
One of my most exciting projects was Left Below. An original alt-metal outfit, we recorded 2 albums (Spotify) and worked with leading UK artist Nick Miles.
In addition to this we toured the UK and supported artists such as Pineapple Thief. We also featured on the cover disc of Prog Magazine UK, which was an awesome-feeling achievement!
UK STUDIO WORK
I've done a fair amount of session work with bands across the UK. The most notable have been:
Recording albums for Winnebago Orchestra, which got a 4* review in Rolling Stone magazine.
Album and EP sessions for singer/songwriters Malc Evans and Stephen Harrison.
Big band recordings for Consortium Big Band.
2 albums for Left Below and portfolio recording for Zephyr.
THE KITCHEN SINK!
Other really cool stuff I've done includes:
Being part of a world record for the most drummers playing the same beat (man, that was loud).
Playing with the legendary Consortium big band from 2013-2014.
Lead percussionist with the Midland Youth Orchestra and City Symphony Orchestra.
Studying African Drumming under Barak Schmool and Latin Kit under Dave Hassell.