Cornerstone Roots

CORNERSTONE ROOTS

Future Is Now



Cornerstone Roots release new album 'Future Is Now' through Rhythm Method/MLR on October 18

Press Release 28 Sept 2010

The enduring Cornerstone Roots are an original and essential band representing roots reggae music in New Zealand and abroad. 2007 saw the band release their second album “Free Yourself” with the single “Home” receiving NZ on Air Video grant and the next offering ‘Future is Now’ is set for nationwide release in New Zealand on October 18.

Cornerstone Roots have always combined a strong lyrical approach to their music. They comment on important global issues and the development of personal self-awareness. Their approach to music is about being of value and connecting with people from all lifestyles. The fusion of Jamaican, New Zealand/Pacific Island and soul inspired musical influences has produced an original sounding band that is uniquely Cornerstone Roots.

Since the last album the band has been through life changes with many trials and tribulations, ‘Future is Now’ explores life issues with personal insight and an overview of looking at the big picture from a small community perspective.

The album has varied moods from the classic Cornerstone sound to more modern influenced tracks. An acoustic debut by 10-year-old Reiki Ruawai, the son of bass player Naomi Tuao and singer Brian Ruawai adds to the diversity of the album.

“We spent four days at Revolver Studios recording the album on two inch tape”, says Brian Ruawai. “With myself, Naomi Tuao (bass guitar), Lei Ahotaha (Keyboards), Tafari Tavai (drums) and with Scott ‘Sonic’ Newth as engineer. We then took the tracks back to Raglan to record the vocals and extra parts with collaborations from Nicholas Stevens on keys, MC Mana on the track ‘Roots’, Conor Mc Cabe on vocals and current member Te Whainoa, Te Wiata on backing vocals and guitar”.

“The album is a three year journey that is an interplay between personal and global issues. From financial and personal loss, to the decisions we make, whether they are right or wrong. ‘Future is now’, ‘Seeds’ and ‘Everybody’ illustrates these points”. A realisation that family and the importance of intergeneration with cultural identity are themes contained in ‘Roots’ and ‘New Generation’. The uplifting ‘Want you to Sing’ is an ode to keeping a positive frame of mind. A reworked version of ‘Rising Sun’ displays the band fondness for dub and digi inspired roots and ‘Bedlam’ is the final acoustic contribution, laced with a bittersweet short social commentary.

On the eve of their third full-length album, the bands have recently returned from an eight-week European tour with an astonishing response from central European countries. “We are releasing the new album in Europe this year but for now we’re concentrating on NZ and getting the music out so that we can move on to the next album”.

Future is Now is a personal journey of the life and times of an original reggae roots band from New Zealand. Selected album/tour dates throughout Oct/Nov/Dec.



Aotearoa (NZ) Reggae. Cornerstone Roots

The original sounding roots band from Raglan, New Zealand with music that is message orientated, bass driven, soul induced . the quiet stalwarts of Kiwi reggae for the past nine years. They continue the path of many artists before touring the venue and festival circuit in between working on their craft.



Formed in 2001 after a session at the infamous local Raglan Musicians Club, the original three-piece outfit singer/songwriter/guitarist Brian and drummer Turongo Dixon (both Maori) and bassist Naomi Tuao (Samoan/Scottish) formed the rhythm section of Cornerstone Roots. The music at that time was raw and riddim focused with a mix of contemporary styled ska/roots/soul and reggae. The band quickly developed a strong local following with many of the early shows being filmed and recorded by fans. This prompted the band to record their first EP One Fine Day in 2001 where they set about touring provincial NZ where the cafes were crammed and live shows intense.

By the following year the Corners had released debut album Soul Revolution, described by some reviewers as brilliant and impressive. The album was recorded in Wellington with engineer Lee Prebble at Surgery where the rhythm tracks were recorded live in one weekend. The album release was backed up with 20 date tour of NZ ending at the Wellington Town Hall supporting powerhouse rhythm section Sly n Robbie.



2004 saw the band cross the Tasman eight times with the release of the Forward Movement EP which was nominated for best roots release in 2005. Veteran Studio One DJ Ranking Joe features over cuts off the EP.

Cornerstone Roots have supported some heavyweight reggae acts including Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, Sly n Robbie with Michael Rose, Jimmy Cliff, Lee Scratch Perry and Mad Professor and The Wailers. They have also recorded tracks with Ranking Joe & Big Youth

In 2007 the band released their long awaited 2nd album that featured a selection of old and new tracks. "Free Yourself" managed to find its way ino the Top 10 Independent releases and was in the top 20 Indie Album sales for 2007. The album is quietly working its way into the hearts and minds of people all over the world.

The band have evolved many times since its humble beginnings but the unique sound has always been maintained with lyrical content for the masses.