The DFenders

The DFenders are an 80s-influenced pop/rock band from Dunedin, New Zealand. Members include lead singer and bassist Luke Herlihy, keyboardist Adon Moskal, guitarist Mike Carter and drummer Matt Taine. They released their 10 song debut album The DFenders in May 2008. In September 2008, The DFenders topped the nomination list for the People's Choice Award at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, becoming one of the five finalists.

History

The DFenders formed in 2005 when Moskal and Herlihy met at the University of Otago. The original line-up featured Herlihy on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Moskal on synthesizers, Ben Johnstone on bass, Scott Herriott on lead guitar, and John Sadler on drums. The group recorded two demo tracks at Albany Street Studios in Dunedin: (I Want To) Do It Tonight and I Like The Girls. Johnstone and Sadler left the band at the end of 2005; Todd Bazely was brought in as drummer while Herlihy took over bass guitar. The DFenders recorded two new demos in 2006: Jamie's Sister and The Dunedin Sun (a cover of Rancid's Brad Logan). Bazely left in early-2007 to join Dunedin band Vidakova and was replaced by Matthew Taine. Herriott left soon after to pursue his metal band Christpuncher and was replaced by Mike Carter. The DFenders went into the studio in mid-2007 to record their debut album, with the assistance of session musicians Rob Burns (bass), Marcel Rodeka (drums), Paul Young (saxophone), John Egenes (dobro), and Anthony Lander and Chris Keogh from Dunedin band The Tweeks (backing vocals). They officially released the album The DFenders in May 2008, on their independent label Hot Tramp Records. The album was nominated in the 2008 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards for the People's Choice Award, and in September 2008 The DFenders topped the list of nominations. They are currently planning a 08/09 summer tour of New Zealand, and compiling tracks for their as-yet-untitled sophomore album to be recorded in 2009.

The DFenders can currently be heard on Dunedin's Radio One, the nationally broadcast Kiwi FM, and have a music video circulating on C4 (New Zealand music video channel).

The DFenders Album
Tracklisting

# (I Want To) Do It Tonight
# I Like The Girls
# She's Never Gonna Be The One
# Girl Next Door
# Jamie's Sister
# Signs
# Good Is Good (Bad Is Better)
# Gypsytown
# If You Were Gone
# (I Don't Want To) Break Your Heart Tonight

Influences

The DFenders play 80s-influenced pop/rock songs, drawing inspiration from acts such as The Cars, Huey Lewis & The News, and The Knack.

Controversy

In September 2008, The DFenders were the subject of controversy over their ascension to the top of the People's Choice Award, when they were accused in a New Zealand Herald article by Vodafone Music Manager Morgan Donoghue of abusing the voting system. In subsequent articles in the Otago Daily Times, and Channel 3's news coverage, The DFenders were cleared of any misconduct by RIANZ (Recording Industry Association of New Zealand) executive Campbell Smith.

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