OTHER FUTURES BIG BAND is a place where musical dreams come true.

It’s about the art of ensemble. The thrill and drama of the showband era reworked for our time. Selections that signify deeper meanings and secret codes. Turntablism sensibility on a symphonic scale. Streamlined, momentous, nimble, angular, adapting, shape-shifting, pulsating with relentless groove. 

OFBB is a new and ongoing project by Daniel Hayles that looks to honour the big band tradition while platforming music and artists both native to and unexplored within the style. Expect to hear highlights from the height of the swing era next to new interpretations of original music from Aotearoa. 

The Wellington Jazz Festival 2023 episode features Frau Knotz (vocals). The avant-pop tracks of singer, pianist, vocalist and producer FRAU KNOTZ simulate echoes of an extra-terrestrial yet power-packed video game soundtrack in which Carolyn Polachek, Grimes and Robyn are characters. Channeling rave nostalgia and Eurodisco, Frau Knotz toggles between whimsical fantasies and dark truths, switches propulsive rhythms and expansive balladry and tunes glamour with gameplay to concoct elixirs of dance. 

With lyrics that draw from daring, playful scenarios to heartfelt musings faced by modern society, added to dramatic synths and driving rhythms, Frau Knotz is not afraid to expose all sides of her three-dimensional character. Her sonic palette consists of early electronica legends such as Jean-Michel Jarre and Kraftwerk, as well as 80’s nostalgic bands like Ultravox, Tears for Fears and Pet Shop Boys. 

A former member of NZ Youth Choir, Frau Knotz’ voice is emotive and futuristic, often juxtaposing human tenderness and fragility with a post-apocalyptic, synthesized alter ego. Frau Knotz vows to take you on a deep sonic odyssey beneath her blissful blonde brain. Expect new imaginings of Knotz’ original works, reworked soul classics, and future-jazz with the one-of-a-kind Other Futures Big Band heat. 

OTHER FUTURES BIG BAND is about multi-disciplinary excellence. In episode two you can anticipate steaming and reverent swing alongside triumphant soul, dark and scenic textures, and dripped-out golden-age hip-hop cuts. 

We celebrate everything with dignity, respect and joy. We swing hard. We groove like our lives depend on it. Groove with us. From 2022 until the wheels fall off