Shapeshifter set to ignite Havelock

Bringing music, seafood and festival energy to Havelock Memorial Park on Saturday 14 March, the Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival is set to serve up another unforgettable day on Marlborough’s calendar. Leading this year’s lineup is none other than Kiwi heavyweights Shapeshifter, taking to the stage with the same fire that has defined their 26- year career.

Ahead of the show, the band’s soul-infused vocalist P.Digsss chats with Amy Russ to talk music, longevity and why grassroots festivals still hit different. At the time he’s camped up for a week of surf, swims and stillness. “It’s been pretty amazing,” he says. “Good for the mental health and the whole balance.”

That balance is something Shapeshifter has refined over 26 years together and it’s part of what they’ll bring to the festival this month.

For a band that has played some of the biggest stages in the world, grassroots festivals still hold a special charm. “It’s one of the fun things with music, getting to play at these events. We all really enjoy that,” he says. “Back in the day, we cut our teeth at grassroots festivals. It’s nice to pull back a bit and do more of these. It can’t always be like 80,000 people and just nuts. The Mussel Fest feels like a nice humble return.”

While the band has toured the Top of the South over the years, this will be their first time playing at the event. For local fans, they can expect a set that spans the band’s evolution. “We’ve been working on some really good stuff,” he says. “A mixture of reinvented classics hand in hand with the newer ones. Every gig is different. Sometimes with big festivals you have to orchestrate your set to be straight full tilt, all ramping up right to the end and bang, go home. But this one we are going to enjoy.”

But enjoy doesn’t mean easing up. “We are Shapeshifter! We’ll come out with a bang and then we’ll roll and go into a second bang, maybe a third. Keep you insane and excited.”

After more than two decades together, picking favourite tracks isn’t easy. “They’re all like our kids,” he says. “Sometimes you rotate them around and they get reborn in a new life. We like to mix tunes that may not have ever been done together before but work really well. Similar energy, similar key. It’s 26 years of existing, and we like a mix of classics with some not so old, and some brand new.”

That longevity is something P.Digsss counts among the group’s proudest moments. “Last year, turning 25 as a band was a grand achievement. Still existing and still loving each other. The chemistry is phenomenal, and luckily throughout the years we still really enjoy making music together. Music still rules.”

There have been goosebump moments along the way, from Glastonbury to Serbia, to symphony shows, but the nerves haven’t completely disappeared. “It’s not really being nervous about the gig,” he explains. “It’s more that you’re nervous you’re going to forget stuff because you’ve put in all this time rehearsing. Sometimes you get up there and the lyrics just run away from you. You hold the mic to the crowd and they sing it. Or you give your best poker face and keep rolling with it.”

Pre-show rituals are more grounded these days. Rest, soundcheck, staying low-key, and always a karakia before stepping on stage. “It just gets us grounded, brings focus. A bit of pep talk. Then it’s like jumping into a really hot frying pan.”

Off stage, P.Digsss’ playlist is as eclectic as you’d expect – from UK producer Donae’O to Fred Again and DJ Badger – but the band’s focus right now is firmly on new material. “We’re about to go back into studio mode. We’ve got about half an album worth of hits. It felt really easy, which was exciting. So now we’re going to get back into it and just flesh out ideas. Be real candid with each other.” That honesty, he says, is what keeps the creative fire alive. “When all of us believe in it, it’s a good rush.

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS WITH P.DIGSSS

Ultimate festival survival kit: For me, I’ve just got my shoulder bag with my gel hand sanitiser, some wipes and obviously my cell phone, and my girlfriend, yeah, we can take on anything!

If Shapeshifter were a flavour of mussel dish, what would it be: Whoa! Well, it’s got to be like some flaming chowder, right? With some cognac! Or some of that old wok-style cooking with white wine, cream, and mussels, I love it all!

Best post gig feed: Oh wow, there’s been a few amazing ones but the ones that have stood out, back in the day were at Rippon Festival, they always looked after you. That was our first kind of experience in Aotearoa, going through the years where you got bloody looked after. I always make a point to be friendly with the chefs, the catering crew, and the security. I always like to introduce myself at gigs that I’m a part of. I thank them for being on our side and looking after the people. I believe that’s good practice.

A Shapeshifter set isn't complete without: Me! What does that mean? Nah, it’s not all about me! I always think it wouldn’t be the same without an amazing crowd singing in high voices! We can’t do it without our people and our fans; we truly give thanks back to our people that support us and help us stay alive and exist as artists. It’s a tough round out there but our fans truly make Shapeshifter. They amplify us to that level.

Havelock Mussel Festival