What has been the best venue you’ve played?
Honestly when DARTZ came up to play at Last Place for the first time in January, we were smacked in the face by how good that venue was. Burgs, beers, late night snacks, what more could you want out of a venue? It’s a solid 10 as far as I’m concerned. If you can make it to Welly and see DARTZ at San Fran though, that’s something special. It’s not just our home town, it’s our home stage: emotionally I don’t think there’s as good a feeling as smashing a final dart on the San Fran balcony then heading up to stage to shred it
If I asked you to explain your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before, how would you explain it?
We’re shooting for the next Nature’s Best 2CD compilation, but landing somewhere more around a 24 Beer Drinking Songs To Drink Beer To 2CD compilation.
Who’s who in the band, what’s everyone’s role and vibe?
Danz: Luscious lyricist of DARTZ, local boy straight outta Te Aroha, DARTZ artz (@yeehawtheboys he never misses).
Crispy: DARTZ designated driver, punches the most darts, halloumi fiend, guitar solo skills improving week to week.
Rollyz: Wholesome Whakatane boy, absolute unit on the drums, Olympic level rolling ability in those fingers.
Clark Mathews: CEO of DARTZ, bass guitar but not making a big thing of it, despises craft beer, writing this right now.
Recently you released the single, Hoons, what’s on your upcoming shit we should be on the lookout for?
We’re planning to hit #1 on the New Zealand Album Charts later this year and you know there’s only one way to do that. Save your money for Christmas, kids.
Who’s some of your inspirations, what artists should we be frothing if we like your shit?
Make good decisions team, if you like DARTZ go listen to Shaun’s B’day and Israeli Chicks. If we do nothing else as a band but keep the flag flying for these two brilliant and defunct acts, we’ve still done something right.
What’s the goal for Dartz? Who do you all want to be in like five years?
I’ve always assumed that with Smokefree 2025 on the horizon, we’re pretty screwed. Honestly, who knows, we’d like to make enough to buy a regional NZ pub so maybe put that as the goal?
Fav after-gig snack?
No bones about it – dumplings are the go to. Pork and chive if possible, a bit of cucumber salad on the side maybe. I’m guessing the science behind this is that dumplings gel the best with beer? In any case please send through your best Hamilton dumpling recs to us on the gram @smokedartz so we are well informed next time we come through.
