Wintec academic reinterprets the Beatles
Wintec academic Matthew Bannister is about to release a remake of the Beatles’ Rubber Soul. Photo Hayley Theyers.
Matthew Bannister is a name synonymous with the memorable 1980s New Zealand music scene, when his Dunedin pop/rock band Sneaky Feelings landed four singles in the charts.
Since then, he has performed with all kinds of musical groups from rock bands to ukulele orchestras.
“I’ve been a musician, performer and songwriter since my first band Sneaky Feelings in the 1980s,” he says.
“I enjoy any kind of musical activity.”
These days the Wintec School of Media Arts cultural theory tutor and academic is balancing his day job teaching culture and communication to Wintec students with writing a book, and he’s about to release his second Beatles-inspired album.
In 2013, Matthew put out his own version of iconic Beatles album Revolver titled Evolver, under his alias, One Man Bannister which “surprisingly became a modest hit, even making the album charts”, he says.
He’s repeated the exercise with the Beatles album Rubber Soul.
His version, Rubber Solo will be released in October this year through Powertool Records.
Although Matthew’s keen interest in cultural theory and the media supports his work with the School of Media Arts, his enthusiasm for the arts fuels his ongoing participation in music and writing.
Matthew also writes for academic organisations like IASPM (International Association for the Study of Popular Music) and he’s close to publishing his third book, this one’s about New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi.
The album, Rubber Solo will be available on CD and in a limited edition of 150 vinyl copies. October and November will see the new album Rubber Solo performed live with a full band in Auckland, Hamilton, Whanganui and Wellington.
Matthew assures that “a splendid time is guaranteed for all”.
Experience Rubber Solo live at these venues with special guests:
Hamilton, Nivara Lounge, Thurs 31 October with Hamish Kilgour of The Clean
Auckland, The Wine Cellar, Saturday 2 November with Superturtle
Whanganui Lucky Bar, Friday 8 November with Hamish Kilgour of The Clean
Wellington The Third Eye, Saturday 9 November with Terror of the Deep
Find out more about studying with Wintec School of Media Arts.
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