Back in 2009, a female singer-songwriter from Devon landed on NZ soil, fell in love with Raglan, fell in love with an Irishman and never returned home.
As I write, the distinct sound of ‘Void’s opening female vocals, Hand Me Down’s digitally released debut single, filters from the radio next to me. Tractor FM are playing it. Even Irish National Radio are playing it. met with Hand Me Downs’ British singer-songwriter Lucy Cioffi this week to chat about these last few roller coaster months, which have lead to the release of their debut single.
Recorded at The Lab’s production suite on Auckland’s Mt Eden Rd, and produced by Ben King, Void is a heartfelt song about being in love from a distance. Trecording of ‘Void’ was made possible by a whole lot of determination, and a grant acquired from the Waikato committee of ‘Creative Communities New Zealand’. Lucy admitted that the application process was “quite daunting, but definitely worth applying for”.
The scheme exists to encourage local communities to participate in arts activities and whilst Creative New Zealand administers the scheme, applications for funding are made via the local authority or district Council. Even though the band are clearly gaining a presence further a field, playing in Raglan is equally important to them, as is the exposure of the Raglan District, it’s venues and other local ‘creatives’ they have formed associations with. The Summer Months were spent playing at Tractor FM’s Boardies and Bikinis Festival, and Raglan’s Children’s Day as well as gigs at Vinnies, Yot Club and Orca, supporting other emerging bands as Phil Edwards Band and Devils Elbow. They have also commissioned local artists to design their posters and album artwork – the talents of Raglan based graphic artist Edith aka ‘Dumpark’ was called upon to create Void’s cover artwork.
Hand Me Downs are set to play at the Hamilton Fringe Festival in September and are planning to record a follow up single in the coming months. Check their progress and for upcoming gigs by visiting their websites at myspace
or Facebook
To find out about how Creative Communties’ could help you with your arts based project check out www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz. ‘Void’ is now available to buy and download through online distributor – Amplifier or at itunes
