Von Klap (RoundUp08 Winner) - Featured Artist Oct 2008

RDU unleashed RoundUp 2008 on an unsuspecting public; the beast of a band competition is growing more formidable every year. In the 5 years since its inception RoundUp has spawned a plethora of Christchurch’s musical elite, included in the hallowed halls of RoundUp glory are The Tiger Tones, Bang! Bang! Eche!, Slipstream and The Undercurrents, Shapeshifter, The O’Lovelies, The Deceivers, The Insurgents, Heavy Jones Trio and P Bass Expressway.

This month we feature the 2008 Winners - Von Klap (RoundUp) and Insomniac (Decknology DJ)...

* * *

Rockabilly / Country / Folk
www.myspace.com/theklapmyspace www.vonklap.com
Contact: Tim Moore Ph: +64  21 244 2256

The Klap have been called many things in their short but illustrious history... venue doors which have often been slammed in their faces so many times have suddenly been opened. Christchurch's new favourite sons have been given the key to the city - well almost. Jeff Fulton talks to lead singer/guitarist/raconteur Bobby Dennis...

The KLAP Interview

So Bobby, what's it like to be crowned the RoundUp champions for 2008?

F***ed, but f***ing good thank you. I was quite upset when I found out Sam had entered us. I don't normally like setting myself up for failure. That's what I told him, and it's what we all thought. I'm pretty critical, but this was really the last thing I was expecting.

Some have called you urban cowboys who use innovative instruments, how would you describe your style of music?

Post punk pirate pop.

Tell us... how you guys get together?


Damien and I decided that we wanted to be in a band. We weren't terribly good at any instruments, but we had a concept. A Tom Waitsy, country, folky, loungy sort of concept. We diddled around for a while with Matt, picking up instruments from here there and everywhere. We had a few songs, most of which will never see the light of day again. We just wanted a bit of fun.

I can't really remember how Sam got involved. By that stage we just wanted to be drunk, obnoxious and annoying. We were sort of riding on Cowboy Machine's back. They were playing and wanted support. We wanted bar tabs. I've seen some old footage of us, it's horrific. Despite Sam's belief (on occasion), we've calmed down a bit now, donned some slippers and started caring about what we're doing, playing and writing. It got old. It seems to have worked in our favor. Tim (from Cowboy Machine) had always done a bit of singing for us. He joined, so he could see the black keys for free.

As part of your RoundUp prize package you get to open the Southern Amp Festival at Westpac Arena Showgrounds on Nov 9th, hows that going to be?


I had to look at some photos and do some research (I've never been to Southern Amp)...
Pretty sweaty...
Nice Website.

What are your future plans, any recordings or shows planned?


Damien is currently working on some post-production for Tim's sex tape. Sam keeps trying to fight the Deceivers and Matt is helping me make the most of paparazzi upskirts.

We just hope to keep moving ahead. Overseas looks nice.

The Final Word...

Unsigned!

* * *
Also have a listen to Cam Carpenters interview with The Klap on Myspace
Gorilla Pictures have just finished the video for 'Not Getting Younger', check it out at Vimeo

* * *

Checkout Von Klap opening Main Stage at Southern Amp, Westpac Arena Festival Park, Sun 9 Nov 2008.


www.myspace.com/theklapmyspace
nz.youtube.com/watch?v=NGEdEgCVwP8

www.rdu.org.nz
www.christchurchmusic.org.nz/events/dux-de-lux-roundup-2008

RELATED LINKS
VON KLAP Release Debut Album 'Dog' (20Sept09)