Edwin Derricutt

EDWIN DERRICUTT: Three Hours South

By Tony Parker

Edwin Derricutt introduced himself with his debut album ‘Symmetry’ in 2006, a collection of gentle folk/pop songs written and recorded on his travels around the country. Derricutt has added some muscle to his laid back acoustic strum-along sound with the addition of some good supporting musicians and the production of Nic Manders. The fuller sound supports his songs well, although the basics of Derricutt’s sound are still there with the ever present emphasis on melody and reflective songwriting still intact. Once again his travels inform the music, sleeve notes indicate the locations where songs were written. Water and the natural beauty of our countryside provide the backdrop on many songs and his keen observer’s eye documents the ordinary and everyday occurrences with humour and dignity. Whether it’s the island holiday reflections of the title track, the child’s eye view of 2 Feet Tall or the slow recovery of A New Years Day, Derricutt seems to get to the heart of the matter, yet still maintains a summery laid back vibe across the album - NZ MUSICIAN MAGAZINE

Retail/Media Release Friday 8 October 2010

Edwin Derricutt Wins Tui at New Zealand Music Awards 2010

Pure Entertainment® is very pleased to announce that independent Kiwi singer/songwriter Edwin Derricutt has won the Best Gospel/Christian Album for Three Hours South at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2010. The ‘Tuis’ were held last night at the Vector Arena in Auckland. Pure Entertainment® markets and distributes Edwin’s releases, which include the albums Symmetry and the VNZMA 2002 finalist Colour of the Sky (FELT). Pure also works with John Michaelz and his album Walk on Water which was a finalist for Best Gospel/Christian Album last night.

Edwin was elated at receiving the VNZMA 2010 award for Best Gospel/Christian Album, saying, I'm incredibly stoked to have been given this award for Three Hours South. I now have a 'Tui' to perch in my Kowhai Tree!* Much love goes out to all the people and players that sow into the creation of both my albums and live performances; those who make all the hard work so worthwhile. Thankyou.

Three Hours South is the second independently released solo album from Auckland-based singer-songwriter Edwin Derricutt. This sophomore release picks up where Derricutt’s
previous album’s title track ‘Symmetry’ left off ... with a full band offering a toe-tapping, lighter, cheekier and more infectiously singable collection of pop songs. The first single from Three Hours South ‘Life Boat’ achieved Top 40 on the Radioscope NZ Airplay Chart (May 2010). The follow-up single ’30 Seconds’ has also been well received. Plans are in place to release the third single ‘New Years Day’ over summer 2010/11 to coincide – rather sensibly, and somewhat obviously – with New Year’s Day.

Pure Entertainment® is a young, independent music company with a passion for New Zealand music. Pure helps to develop, promote and distribute content for a number of talented indie bands and solo artists through its stable of labels, releasing great Kiwi music under the record brands Kickstart Records, Cruel Records, Someone Up There Records and Pure Records.

Pure Entertainment® New Zealand Limited
media@pureentertainment.co.nz
Pure Entertainment® is a registered trademark of Pure Entertainment New Zealand Limited. - PURE ENTERTAINMENT NZ LTD

Edwin Derricutt: Symmetry

By Tim Page

Right from the very first chord I thought this was an album I was going to enjoy, and I haven’t changed my mind. ‘Symmetry’ signals the former Felt front man’s course change into life as a solo performer. Although augmented by a variety of instrumentation and musicians ranging from string section to loops, this is largely acoustic guitar driven, and well so. Recording acoustic guitar is a bit of an art, and producer/engineer Nick Manders has proven himself to be a true artist, beautifully capturing Derricutt’s highly capable playing. Recording was done at Wellsford Studios, The Lab, Parachute and The Bus studios. The songs are well written, reflecting a thoughtfulness of notable faith and conviction. Artwork and overall presentation of the album is outstanding. I really can’t find anything I don’t like about it. - NZ MUSICIAN MAGAZINE

Edwin Derricutt
Three Hours South

By Caley Plinston

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, Edwin Derricutt’s album ‘three hours south’ is the perfect addition to your road trip playlist.

Littered with references to passing increments of time and his trademark location narrative, it’s a complexly the medalbum of imagery and metaphors.It’s the follow up to “Symmetry”, the 2006 independent release debut solo album.This sophomore album has more confident, subtle sophistication. It’s still an eclectic mix of 60s pop influences like the Monkeys with acoustic and beach sensibilities, but it’s also more settled giving you a better sense of the songwriter with the guitar. Just when you think the album is all acoustic and folk, he leans more heavily into almost jazz influenced rhythm section,doubled up on percussion with country slide guitar resonance on “30 Seconds”.‘Soldier’ is a slow, heart wrenching ballad that I had on repeat tuned into the deep drum section, anthem-like piano and spacious voicing.I especially appreciate the bass lines which captures his true groove; particularly in ‘LifeBoat’, ‘New Years Day’ and ‘2 feet tall’. Mixing acoustic, folk and jazz Edwin has achieved a melodically pleasing and surprising album which will have you singing his tunes long after you’ve heard them. - Soul Purpose Magazine

The debut by this New Zealand singer-songwriter, Symmetry, found immediate favour at Elsewhere a couple of years ago, but this album is big step up in maturity of songwriting and musicality.

There's a depth and muscularity to these songs (the urgent tone of Life Boat, the sharp folk-pop of 30 Seconds, the holy stillness of Soldier) which is immediately affecting and if on the previous album his voice sounded a bit light when it could have bitten harder that certainly isn't a comment you'd make this time around.

He's also got sense of humour: 2 Feet Tall about a child's eye view of the beauties and mysteries of the world contains the refrain "I might be your baby, but I'm the one you all bow down to".

The lovely escapism of the title song written on holiday in Samoa now takes on a very different meaning when he sings "Lalomanu's looking so clear, others might not be here, years from now they will disappear". The tsunami which wiped out that beautiful beach and its nearby inhabitants skews the image into a new perspective, yet the power of his sentiment (a visitor who just takes home the sun and sand of his fellow man) actually now has greater resonance.

The sleepness night on Anxiety comes with a deliberately plodding bass and percussion part (Daniel Irvine and Dean Tinning) which has an oddly disconcerting quality.

Derricutt once again mostly celebrates the joys of life and love, and the natural world informs many of these songs (Kowhai Tree, lakes and beaches). It's telling that as on the previous album he notes where these songs were written: and they are beaches and lakesides mostly.

Good supporting players, understated arrangements and a nicely packaged album as well with an insert booklet of lyrics. Check this guy out.

By Graham Reid, posted Mar 14, 2010

- elsewhere.co.nz