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Eye TV (formerly 'Nixons') was a New Zealand alternative, indie and pop rock band, founded in Auckland, New Zealand, and active from 1990 until 2001, releasing 4 albums, 2 compilations and 10 singles and cassette singles.

Eye TV was founded by lead singer and guitarist Sean Sturm, drummer Mark Pollard (1990-1995) and bassist Mike Scott in 1990 in Auckland, New Zealand. Eye TV's last album, Fire Down Below (2000), and respectively their last lineup consisted of lead singer and guitarist Sean Sturm, drummer Luke Casey (1995-2001), bassist Mike Scott and temporary keyboard player Grant Winterburn (Fire Down Below). Other featured artists included Caitlin Smith, who provided backup vocals for One Day Ahead (2000) and was later featured in the full release of One Day Ahead (2000) in the album Fire Down Below (2000).

History

Formation (1990)

The band was formed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990, under its original name Nixons, playing rock with an electronic edge. The band's original line-up was Sean Sturm on guitar and vocals, Michael Scott on bass and Mark Pollard on drums. In 1991 the band had the track "Song To" included on Flying Nun Records compilation album Freak the Sheep, but surprised their existing fans by signing with Pagan Records. At the time, Pagan records mostly published Pop and Roots music. Sean Sturm still signed with Pagan Records despite that fact, and in a statement: “We signed with Trevor Reekie because he seemed to understand what we wanted to do: complex pop music.”

Eye TV (1993) and Special Downtime (1995)

Nixons recorded their debut album Eye TV at York Street Studios in 1993 and toured New Zealand. Student radio organisations broadcast their music videos on late night television, giving them a solid base of fans throughout the country. Pollard also arranged a jam band, which played a regular slot at Pelican Club. Sturm often played Rhodes electric piano where the trio experimented with soul grooves and classic R&B.

In 1994 a van full of the band's equipment was stolen, valued at NZ$50,000. Instead of replacing the gear, the Nixons borrowed equipment and used acoustic guitars, leading to a darker, more atmospheric sound on their mini-album Special Downtime. The band's first two albums were released in America, which required the band to change their name as there was an American band called The Nixons. The New Zealand Nixons took the name of their album and became Eye TV. At this time, drummer Mark Pollard left the band and was replaced with Luke Casey.

USA Tour and Birdy-O (1997)

In 1995 and 1996 the band toured extensively, including an America tour where they playing a number of high-profile support gigs, such as Mr. Bungle and Tim Finn's trio ALT. Eye TV released their second album Birdy-O in 1997, with singles "Snakes and Ladders" and "Wish It All Away" receiving airplay on New Zealand TV and radio. Pagan Records shifted the band onto its sub-label Antenna.

Fire Down Below (2000)

In 1999 the group recorded the single "Just the Way It Is" with a strong pop focus. It was also the lead track on the group's anthology album As Far as the Eye TV. The group began exploring a soul music sound, with keyboard player Grant Winterburn joining the group. The resulting album Fire Down Below (2000) contained the single "One Day Ahead", which charted at 9 in the New Zealand singles chart, the group's highest-charting single. Eye TV broke up in 2001.

Awards

In 2000 the group's single "One Day Ahead" was nominated for Single of the Year at the New Zealand Music Awards, where they placed within the finalists bracket. Music video director Greg Page was also nominated for Best Music Video for the song's video.

Discography

Albums

Singles

References

1. ^ Shute, Gareth. "Eye TV Profile". Audio Culture. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
2. Reekie, Trevor. "Pagan Singles 1986 -2000". Simon Grigg. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
3. "Eye TV". Muzic.net.nz. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
4. "2001 Winners". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on 13 June 2011. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
5. ^ "EYE TV IN NEW ZEALAND CHARTS". charts.nz. Hung Medien. Retrieved 30 May 2014.

External links

• Eye TV profile at AudioCulture

• New Zealand alternative rock groups
• New Zealand pop music groups