Shapeshifter

by Evan C. GutierrezExperimental live drum'n'bass/electronica group Shapeshifter were formed in 1999 by four young New Zealanders with a hunger to bring their love for electronic dance music to the stage. The band spent its first year touring with groups such as Salmonella Dub and Pitch Black, building up a large grassroots fan base. Shapeshifter's high-energy live performances and eclectic mix of influences generated significant buzz in the underground music scene, ultimately attracting label attention. Virgin/EMI tested the waters with the group's debut D.N.A. EP, shortly followed by their first full-length recording, Realtime. Shapeshifter were showered with awards, heralded as New Zealand's "Best New Act" and their record as the country's "Best Electronic Release." The band was now headlining the nation's largest venues to sold-out audiences. In 2002 Shapeshifter relocated to Melbourne in hopes of tapping into a larger market. Shapeshifter spent much of 2002 touring Australia, shifting gears in 2003 to writing and producing their sophomore release, Styles. Following the album's release, the group took on former guest vocalist Paora "P Digsss" Apera as a permanent addition. Shapeshifter established Truetone Records in 2004 for the release of their third studio album, Riddim Wise. The record quickly achieved gold status in the group's native New Zealand, only the second drum'n'bass album of all time to reach such heights. The band's fourth record, Soulstice, was released in 2006 to much critical acclaim.