[ kon kar · ne ]
Con Carne were recently described in Spin Magazine as experts at live rock n roll. We are a journey rock band hailing from Ōtautahi Christchurch in Aotearoa.
The original four piece joined forces out of fortuitous friendships and familial ties that began to flourish from a shared passion for ferocious guitars, fastidious drums, and yeast fermented malt flavoured with hops.
Forging ahead as a five piece, Con Carne believes in an inclusive music industry, one that would be safe for any of our daughters to enter, and upon that kaupapa we work hard to write, practice, record and perform the best music we possibly can.
Seven singles to date, all mixed by Tim Palmer in Austin, Texas, famous for his work with David Bowie, Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi, Texas, Goo Goo Dolls and Big Country. The final two tracks are away for mixing, which completes the debut album. It goes on the brew over winter, with a summer release planned.
Vocals
Singer songwriter and front person Dills channels strong country, folk, rock and blues elements into a voice that spans an exciting range of passion and potential. Outside of music, Dills enjoys creating delicious drinks for both the Aroha and Coes range of award-winning local Te Waipounamu beverage brands.
Drums
The rare Matt Johnson embraces the concept of driving the band both on and off the stage. As a meaty drummer and astute business operator, nobody understands the heart and soul of Con Carne better than Matt. These values are alive in his mahi for Small Town Media and his most recent successful brainchild, Dig The Gig.
Bass
Dave has always loved music and after a ten year hiatus from jamming, being back on the bass guitar is "just what the doctor ordered" and something he wouldn't have been able to achieve without the support of his incredible whanau. Dave enjoys the details, whether that's rigging up Pro Tools at practice, meticulously writing bass lines, or delivering digital solutions for Giesen Wines.
Guitar
A guitarist whose feel for tone and texture brings depth to Con Carne's dual guitar attack. Simon's playing blends grit with restraint, locking in with the rhythm section to build the band's wall of sound.
Keys
The catalyst from Cornwall, Henry has been with the group for over a year. Studying a degree in music at the University of Canterbury, Henry's fastidious approach to the keys has taken the band to new levels of euphoria. Henry is often spotted riding waves at Taylors Mistake and giving back to the youth surfers at Surf School in Sumner.
You put a little bit in, you get a little bit out.
— The Con Carne kaupapa