Supertrip
Supertrip were originally formed as a Rock School by Rasjad Addison in 1997. Eventually, after a suggestion to write an original song, they turned into a rock band.
In 1998 they started to perform live in music competitions. This would be where the band reached their peak. Later that year after the Smokefree Rockquest, Luke Connor (drums) quits the band. From this point on, things went downhill for the band.
After a few personnel changes over the following year or so, the band called it off towards the end of 1999.
Today, after a few years of silence and many search attempts, all of the original members of Supertrip have been located by former guitarist, Jared Rowbotham. Four out of the five remain in New Zealand, while the one (Taniela Qalivutu) now lives in Australia.
Even though the band is still not together, some interesting topics relating to them have been arising since the last half of 2006. One of the topics most talked-about is the fact that 2007 sees the 10th year since the band first started.
Some hints of what could happen to celebrate the band's 10th year of existence have been mentioned so far, and is suspected that there will be more hints to come...
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Oct. 97 - Supertrip is formed. Their first song "Rock Me" is a result of this.
Nov-Dec 97 - The songs "Reggae Blue" and "I Know" are written.
Mar 98 - Jared goes to Melbourne for 2 weeks, writes 3 new songs (which weren't used after then), while the rest of the band write 2 others - "Pete" and "Got to Get Away".
Apr 98 - The band plays their first gig at Linwood Avenue Union Church. Supertrip writes "A Little Bit Naughty", only days before their 2nd gig at the Southern Blues Bar. Eight days later, the band plays at a show called Expressions.
May 98 - Supertrip record their first studio demo songs (2 tracks were recorded).
Jun-Sep 98 - Preparation for the Rockquest.
Sep-Oct 98 - Drummer, Luke Connor leaves the band. Manager, Rasjad Addison announces his departure.
Nov 98 - Rasjad introduces replacements for himself and Luke - Bob de Rose on drums, and Morris (surname unknown) as band manager. Supertrip plays an outdoor gig at the church.
Dec 98 - Supertrip plays another outdoor gig called Xtreme Lyfe.
Mar/Apr 99 - Guitarist, Jared Rowbotham leaves the band.
Nov 99 - Roughly the time where Supertrip is said to have disbanded.
2002 - Jared becomes the band's official webmaster, 3 years after the band breakup. The first Supertrip MP3's are released online for the world to hear. Jared begins his long search for the original band members.
2006 - Four years of searching finally pay off. All original members, including Rasjad, are tracked down. Contemplating the future begins here.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
We mostly played live from April to about December 1998. The first gig was at the church we practiced in, followed by a very memorable gig at the Southern Blues Bar. After this gig we played at City New Life Church, taking part in a show called Expressions (Jared's personal favourite of our gigs). We entered New Zealand's annual Rockquest competition later that year.
Your musical influences
Roxette, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ben Harper, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, Depeche Mode
What equipment do you use?
Jared uses a Fender Telecaster with a Marshall amplifier, BOSS effects units and a Morley Wah-Wah pedal. Jonathan used various guitars and amps. Taniela used various basses. Luke used various drumkits. Stephen used whatever PA systems were available.
Anything else?
Keep watching our official website and our page on MySpace! www.freewebs.com/supertripnz - www.myspace.com/supertripnz
