Rock - with plenty of melody | Auckland Lifestyle News | Health, Fashion, Food and Wine in Auckland

The average age of Stickmen's members is about 11 but the band has already made its mark. Sharu Delilkan listens in.

Following an outstanding performance at the Titirangi Festival of Music, a four-piece of very young players has been invited to play at the town's first Winter Fest, Soulstice.

The Waitakere band's founding members, drummer Keegan Tunks and guitarist Harry Thompson-Cook, formed Stickmen two years ago at Matipo Primary.

"We were in other school bands but wanted to play rock music," says Tunks whose 9-year-old brother, Farrell, who also plays the drums, learned to play bass especially to fill out the band's rhythm section. The fourth and newest member is longtime mate Branyn Bellaney on guitar.

Stickmen's main influences include David Bowie, Oasis, Midnight Youth and Muse. Besides playing covers, they will perform original songs Revolution and Silver, written by Bellaney and Keegan respectively. "I usually write lyrics after seeing a good movie," says Bellaney.

Stickmen not only has the benefit of the Tunks boys' dad, BJ, giving them musical advice, but also has access to the instruments in the sleep-out that's been converted into a rehearsal room. "It's great to have a place to jam and practise as a band," says Keegan. "I usually write the lyrics and then we jam together to make the music fit in with the lyrics."

Despite their youth, the boys have made a concerted effort not to play hip-hop, the genre that is so popular among the boys' peers. "We basically think hip-hop is lame. And although our music is quite 'rockish', we'd like to think it's also quite melodic."

Also appearing at Soulstice will be Freaky Meat, BlackSandDiva, KGB Allstars, guitarist-songwriter Dave Alley and DJ Dougie.

Soulstice, Upstairs, Lopdell House, cnr Titirangi and South Titirangi Rds, Titirangi, July 24, 7pm. Tickets at Titirangi Pharmacy, ph 817 7658.