Kia Ora, we are the House of Shem from Aotearoa, New Zealand, our message is to unite the people with music and share our messages of peace, love, unity. House of Shem is fronted by New Zealand reggae ambassador Mr Carl Perkins and his two sons, Te Omeka and Isaiah Perkins, who both provide musicianship and songwriting duties.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
With my uncles, I remember playing drums for them at the age of 12, I was inspired by the Beatles, Milly Small (‘My Girl Lollipop’), The Everly Brothers and all my family, as I was brought up on this music.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
Wanganui RSA with my uncles.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
I didn’t steal – but I borrowed one of the first Beatles records from my grandmother’s album collection.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
A version of “Let it Be” from the Beatles that we the House of Shem have just recorded in the studio, to be released on a compilation of Beatles songs in Reggae. It was a real honour!
How do you find new music?
It’s really inspiring to see how the quality of production, the way we write and compose these days has become so much fun. Technology allows us to take our sound to the next level, which back in the day would have taken us months!
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I always give thanks for every opportunity to share our talent with people sometimes we get in a circle and pray and share our energy with each other.
If you could curate your own festival, where would it be, who would be on the bill, how many people would you let in and what features would it have?
I would host it in the area where I was born: 600km south of Auckland, in a place up the Whanganui River. It would be a week-long festival, attracting over 200,000 plus people. We would sell nothing but ITAL FOOD, there will be four stages, I would have The Marley Brothers, Israel Vibration and the Roots Radics, The Wailers, Third World, Aswad, Alborosie, Carlos Santana, UB40, Maxi Priest, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Tom Jones, Johnny Farnham, Beres Hammond, Tauras Rilley, Steel Pulse, Sizzla, Usher, Gentleman, Fat Freddys Drop and House of Shem… of course!
When you’re Rolling Stones Big, what are you going to request on your rider: don’t be shy. We want specifics!
A private helicopter, own green room, own security, own chef.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
John Farnham, because his vocal and delivery is inspiring
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
Anything to do with Aotearoa New Zealand
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
Our 2009 album Keep Rising, and our latest album, Island Vibration, are both available now from iTunes and all music outlets. We’re also heading out on a massive tour this month as well!
You can read the full dates and details here.
