The Acts

FreQ Nasty
(glitch hop / backbeat / dub)
FreQ Nasty, aka Darin McFayden, is currently living between the USA and UK drummin up some Nasty business to bring you some tasty tunes in 2009. His sound can be dark and ominous, drifting and playful, steeping and funky. Breakbeat pioneer FreQ Nasty is widely-acknowledged by critics for consistently breaking boundaries with his music, from his classic breaks tunes such as "Boomin Back Atcha" and "Move Back," to remixes of pop icons like Fatboy Slim, Kelis and KRS-One.
FreQ is also well-known for his social activism. In early 2008, Freq launched Giveback.net, featuring music campaigns where musicians donate music in support of non-profit action campaigns.
www.freqnasty.com

Doc Scott
(drum’n’bass)
Fresh from the UK, describing himself as nothing special only as DJ Doc Scott from Holbrooks, he is one of the true legends of jungle drum and bass music. So expect nothing less then that fresh, deep, mature and musical sound, rolled out in a manner that will keep the crowds going until dawn.
After seeing Grandmaster Flash on a TV news report at the age of 11 in 1980, Coventry born Doc Scott knew what he wanted to do. So as a DJ he travels around the world on his global DJ circuit, to give people the whole spectrum; a term which people who have heard Doc Scott play will understand. Never one to concentrate on one sound or one style, he plays across the board, just like his production work. Truly giving crowds around the world the A-Z of drum n bass.

Marcus Intalex
(drum’n’bass)
Also from the UK Marcus Intalex represents the forefront of soulful musical drum and bass. Marcus’ sets carry the same energy and passion as his music, and identify him as leader in the scene. His versatile style, combined with excellent mixing skills, make Marcus Intalex one of the most in-demand DJs on the circuit from South America to  Russia. His reputation for breaking new quality music, without compromising the dancefloor, only continues to grow. “I don't change my sound because the crowd's not into it, I can't. I literally can't, because I don't even have the popular tunes that most people like - I refuse to take them with me, that's not what I'm about.”

P-Money
(hip-hop)
P-Money is one of New Zealand's best DJs previously taking 3rd place at the World DJ Championships. He has spun alongside some of the world's finest DJs Roc Raida, The X-Ecutioners, DJ Craze, A-Trak, Mix Master Mike, DJ Revolution, and opened up for 50 Cent, Obie Trice & Public Enemy.
P-Money is also one of new Zealand’s top Hip-Hop producers. Recipient of several awards, P-Money was credited with working on many hits "Not Many - The Remix!", "Stop, Drop and Roll" for the Deceptikonz and Scribe’s number 1s "Stand Up" and "Dreaming". He has produced and remixed tracks for an all-star line up of local artists, namely; Che-Fu, King Kapisi, Nesian Mystik, Supergroove, Mareko, Deceptikonz, and of course worked with Akon.
Last year’s “Everything” featuring Vince Harder, topped the charts giving P-Money another number 1.

The Black Seeds
(dub / funk / reggae)
Renowned for their legendary live performance the Black Seeds is one of the headliners of this year’s Orientation. A perennial tour band from Wellington, they are always on the move. We’re lucky to have them right here, right now. We last saw them here, fresh from a tour of Europe and the USA, at Orientation with Hollie Smith.
To add to their unique musical party sound, it’s rumoured that former member Brett McKenzie from Flight of the Conchords may be reuniting for this year’s Ori tour.
Their music’s that kind of Aotearoa reggae funk that makes you feel you’re part of something special just by being in Newzild. It’s a musical message that overseas countries just lap up. Melodically, they’re a tight band, and you’re in for a very cruisy, no-aggro, night where the vibe is in charge.
www.theblackseeds.com

The Mint Chicks
(rock punk)
The Mint Chicks are THE act to see this Ori. Don’t believe me? You’ll be the only one staying at home, then, with that scratchy old Barry Manilow record for company.
The band refer to their style of music as "troublegum", and have been referred to as anything from neo-punk to schizo-pop. .And their sound? Chuck together a pot load of the Ramones, add a bit of Buzzcocks, layer in a few slices of Green Day, season with some Toy Love and you’re coming close.
They’re a foursome from Up North and winner of won five Tui awards, famous for their exciting live performances, where Kody and Ruban Nielson have been known to climb P.A. stacks, hang from lighting rigs, destroy guitars, engage in self-harm and even attack the stage with a chainsaw.
They list their turn ons as: the Buzzcocks, comic books, A Clockwork Orange, Refused, speedfreaks, Devo, At the Drive-In, Flying Nun Records, Public Image Ltd, bright colours, black, the Beach Boys, Naked Lunch, Slayer ringtones, Pro tools, Miles’ electric period, Grand Theft Auto, Black Sabbath, ring mod pedals, psychedelia, Roy Orbison, and the Locust.
Catch them before the eminent release of their next album “Screens” in March this year.
www.themintchicks.com

Dai Henwood
(funny / rude)
Once upon a time, February 1978 in fact, star of C4’s Roll the Dai and Insert Video Here, Dai Henwood, was born in Wellington. Since that time he has launched an explosive career as one of the country’s most recognised comedians, winning Pulp Comedy’s Best New Face, TV2’s Billy T Award and two New Zealand Comedy Awards along the way. So you could say he’s funny. Pretty fucking funny.

Liam Finn
(pop / indy rock)
Liam is the well-known as the frontman of Betchadupa, in 2007 Finn released his solo debut “I'll Be Lightning”, which draws on his experiences from living in London in recent years.
Liam has completed his first North American headline tour and has just returned from touring with The Black Keys in the UK and Europe. He is the eldest son of musician Neil Finn (of Split Enz and Crowded House fame).

OP Amazing Race
Two lunchtimes of team competitions on the Polytechnic Quad, including Frozen Haggis Bowling, Waiters’ Race, Firemen’s Relay, Eating Competition and more... Team up with your classmates and enter at OPSA.

Famous OPSA Quiz
Dunedin’s most fun Quiz. Bring a team of up to 6, or just join a team on the night. Free entry, bar opens 5.30pm.

Egg Drop Competition
Design a contraption to drop an egg off a 3 story building and win; for more details see www.opsa.org.nz.

MC Tiki
(acoustic)
Former Salmonella Dub front man Tiki has spent several years travelling the world releasing platinum-selling albums, charting hits and sell-out tours worldwide. In his downtime, he continued to work alongside of some of the country’s top acts as a singer, songwriter, MC, musician, composer, studio producer and live soundman for acts such as Shapeshifter.

Hypnotist — Guy Cater
(rude / damn funny)
GUY CATER is a fully trained and qualified Hypnotist and presents probably the funniest show you will ever see! Using just his voice and some beautiful music he gently lulls the volunteers into a hypnotic state ... and then the fun really begins.
You just will not believe the crazy antics your friends get up to in their sleep-like state. The next couple of hours are a riot of fun and laughter.  Doors open 6.30 and 8.30 - get there early as this always sells out.

Concord Dawn
(electronica)
Concord Dawn have earned a fearsome reputation for their live performance, with extensive touring in Asia, America, Europe, Canada and Australia; not to mention all of the major NZ dance festivals. Indeed it wouldn’t be an Orientation without them.
Concord Dawn consists of 2 passionate Kiwi musicians, Matty C and Kiljoy, and have been making waves in the world of electronic music for many years now and have been tagged as ‘NZ’s pioneers of Drum and Bass’. And their drum‘n’bass magic is still as fresh as it was when you first heard it as a spotty school kid (wasn’t that only last year?).
They are a blend of stunning stage show and mesmerising electronica. Every track has its own feel. Some take you off to isolated lands, others to mythical pasts, and still others ground you right where you are, twisting and turning on the constant beat.

The Thomas Oliver Band
(fusion of blues, folk & country)
Their live shows are a celebration of music and a vibrant journey through blues, energetic rock music, folk, jazz, and an essence of their own. Their music is very much rooted in American music traditions. Blues, folk and country are three of their biggest inspirations - however, they put a New Zealand spin on this and have a sound that evolves and changes frequently, as they are constantly inspired by different music they listen to. Even drum and bass has its influence.
www.thethomasoliverband.com

DJ Drop
(drum’n’base)
A local drum n bass scene member, he has played regularly nearly every club in town, and supported such luminaries as Storm Metalheadz and Roni Size. You couldn’t come floating back down to the ground in any better way.
www.myspace.com/dnbzone

Left or Right
(reggae / dub / rock)
Fresh from PHAT 09, Left or Right is a local band that plays their own original music which is described as a chunky mixture of New Zealand Roots, Reggae and Dub with a monstrous kick of Hard Rock and Blues. Left or Right’s songwriting will take you on an epic journey of extreme dynamic & harmonic contrasts - one minute they will have you floating on a chilled out cloud whilst seducing you with delicate 3 part harmonies and the next bring you screaming back to earth with some driving grungy, alternative rock combined with sonic soaring vocals.

Six60
(dub / roots / drun’n’bass)
Six60 are five mates that met in Dunedin started jamming and have been giging ever since. They play a mixture of reggae, dub, roots, and drum n bass and jam at all kinds of events.

Autocross
(have a go motorsport)
So you want to race your car around a paddock legally? No problem - the Otago Sports Car Club has the thing for you - Autocrossing, a fun, easy and affordable way into motor-sport.
There are a couple of rules of course. Your car must have current WOF and be in WOF condition (eg, tread on the tyres, no wobbly seats, etc). You also must have a valid driver’s licence, 100% cotton overalls and a motorcycle helmet that’s not too old or abused.
Check out www.oscc.co.nz for further information

Ayla’s Angels
(burlesque)
Ayla’s Angels from Christchurch, think 1920s Paris style.

Jae Bedford
(pop / rock)
Jae Bedford — world famous in South Dunedin, and a regular OPSA Happy Friday act. Jae Bedford is a Dunedin based singer/songwriter who cares more about the songs than “some dumb trend”. He loves playing live and has performed all over New Zealand solo and with some successful bands such as Dust n Bones. Jae has made many appearances on television and is very excited about playing Orientation in his home-town as he has for many years. Catch him at OPSA’s lunchtime free entertainment.

The Biff Merchants
(psychedelic rock)
A local four piece psychedelic rock band, they have previously released an EP entitled "The Battle For Jubilee Park", and their debut album is due for release in March of 2009.
They once slept in their van in a parking lot after a gig, attracting the attention of local authorities who were concerned about a dead body in the underground car park. Turns out it was just their guitarist having a good snooze.
www.biffmerchants.blogspot.com

Alpha State
(indy / folk rock)
Local 4-piece whose influences range from Dunedin classics The Clean, The Bats, The Verlaines, and Straightjacket Fits, to Nina Simone and Nirvarna.

Kinves at Noon
(indy / electro rock)
Knives at Noon are a Dunedin-based 4-piece progressive band. They were placed in the top 32 bands for MTV’s Kickstart Competition and completed a national tour, finishing up with a session at the Red Bull Live to Air Studio.
They are supporters of Creative Commons which enables producers and DJs around the world to sample and remix their work. The band have engaged interested parties in the UK, America, Australia and New Zealand who download and make derivatives of the original tracks to form new material.
www.myspace.com/knivesatnoon

Soulseller
(rock)
If your eardrums aren't wrecked by wild, shirtless lyrics, bong-rattling bass and drum work then you most likely haven't heard Soulseller... yet. They have made many friends and fans in Dunedin and influenced other bands. In the words of many of their fans “You Guys Rock!”
www.myspace.com/soulsellersouths

Sonic Smith
(electronica)
Nic Smith first entered the world of Electronic music around the age of 11 when he found a music program hiding on a 3 1/4 inch floppy disk for his Amiga 500.
Inspired by the Big Beat sound, old school hip hop and new wave electro, his music often never sounds like any of these. Loving raspy distorted synths and glitchy- "is it meant to sound like this" beats he ends up with an eclectic soundscape.
His live performance is a tech showcase. One of his instruments, the infrared glove controller has to be seen to be believed.
http://sonicsmith.geek.nz

Alcohol
Alcohol can certainly be fun, but if you drink too much there’s a good chance you’ll regret it later. And no matter how much you drink, don’t forget to drink plenty of water during the night.
All OPSA events where alcohol is available are R18.
Some OUSA alcohol events are R17 with special conditions for 17 year olds - like absolutely no alcohol whatever. This might sound a bit mean - but it’s better than not being allowed in at all, right?

Sex
Don’t forget the simple rule: no glove - no love. Even if it is the lead singer you’ve been dreaming of scoring since you were 15...
And remember no means no, not ‘maybe later’ and certainly not ‘maybe if I get more pished...’. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at any OPSA/OUSA event. If you're feeling hassled see the staff immediately.

Well that’s about it - have a great Orientation and if you have any questions or problems throughout Orientation or the year, ask us at OPSA. That’s what we’re here for.

Mark Baxter
Assn. Services Officer, OPSA