Archie Fairhurst, better known as Romare, will be playing his New Zealand debut at Leroy's Bar this Friday. Romare will likely be drawing on his debut album Projections and latest LP, Love Songs: Part Two.
The London based artist was inspired by his university studies of African American culture and his namesake, Romare Bearden. These intellectual roots can be heard through the traditional African beats layered with samples of prolific cultural figures like Malcom X. His track 'Footnotes' perfectly articulates his racially charged influences.
Romare is a sui generis artist whose methodology involves splicing dance, electronic, jazz, blues, disco and Irish folk genres to create his "warm and groovy" sound. Romare's live set is expected to be sensationally raw; in an interview with Clash music, he said, "It's quite improvised and I want to keep it like that". The cut 'n' paste style fuses DJ mixing and the live percussion of congas, chimes, shakers, bongos and even his grandma's recorder.
The supporting lineup will include: Fras Left, B.Lo, Robert Hattaway and Peachfuzz.