Well, we all love 'Murray' and the very talented Rhys Darby has served up another winner as he takes the character to another level. It's about to air on UK's Sky Sports channel as Wimbledon draws towards its final showdown, but here is a sneak preview - check this out for something pretty seriously cool!
:: 29 June 2008 :: Happy Birthday Bret!
Congratulations to Bret as he celebrates his 32nd birthday today!
:: 27 June 2008 :: Conchords show nominated for an Emmy
Tne Conchords dream year continues as they have now been nominated for an Emmy under the Comedy Series category. They're up against some pretty tough competition though...
Top 10 Comedy Series Finalists
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
Family Guy
Flight of the Conchords
The Office
Pushing Daisies
30 Rock
Two and a Half Men
Ugly Betty
Weeds
:: 27 May 2008 :: Kiwi legend Neil Finn turns 50
Neil Finn, one of New Zealands musical legends, turns 50 today. Initially rising to fame in NZ in his brothers (Tim Finn) band Split Enz, he subsequently went on to world-wide acclaim with Crowded House.
Neil Finn, seen here with Bret, Jemaine & Rhys, actually made a guest appearance on the Flight of the Conchords BBC 2 radio series recorded wayyyy back in 2005 - when the guys were still pretty much a bunch of unknown Kiwi lads!
Happy Birthday Neil...
:: 25 May 2008 :: Kiwi flying high at the Indy 500
In a fantastic moment of New Zealand motor racing history, Scott Dixon (official website) has just won the American Indy 500. Incorrectly called 'an Australian' in a number of newspaper reports (he was born there admittedly, but moved to NZ shortly thereafter), he has always driven under a Kiwi flag and over the years has had ever increasing success in the Indy Racing League. Qualifying first for this years Indy 500 and having fought his way through 12 subsequent lead changes, he came good and went on to win the pinnacle of American motor racing sports.
Scott Dixon, famed for his low key attitude (sound familiar), first rose to NZ fame as a 13 year old having gained a highly unusual licence to race in a Saloon Car. In his first extremely eventful race he '...rolled his car onto its roof and caught national attention when he struggled from the upturned car with tears streaming down his face and a pillow strapped to his bottom so he could see over the steering wheel'.
Choice bro!
:: 25 May 2008 :: Conchords Gigs Flying
The Conchords are well into their current tour of the United States and by all accounts they're absolutely flying! Those folk who have been lucky enough to get tickets after the online sales bun-fight, have been getting right into the gigs. Enthused fans have been throwing small toys and Conchord-related material such as small robots, eye patches onstage. It's great what people think of... just try not to hit the guys.
The kindly folks over at PreFixMag.com sent through some photos that their staff photographer Chris La Putt took of one of the New York City gigs (Town Hall on the 7th May). It was a great night and even Todd Barry featured (the enthusiastic bongo player as seen in the TV series). I really think they are some of the best pictures I've seen of a Conchords gig and you should go and check out the whole Conchords photo gallery over at PreFixMag.com
Finally, there are only a few gigs left and it appears there are only a last few precious tickets left for those gigs. So, if you're feeling rich then you should treat yourself to a night of Conchords fun. Their gigs are pretty far and few between with their busy schedules and, presumably, after this they'll soon be busy filming the 2nd TV series, so if you want to see them live this could be your last chance for a while.
:: 16 Apr 2008 :: Conchords performing live in the States
It's been a long time coming and everyone's been asking them for it... especially since they won't be on the telly for a while (bummer).
The Flight of the Conchords are doing a short run of gigs across the States during May and the first day of June. Tickets are pretty hard to get hold of and your best bet seems to be to buy them online via Ticketmaster or the like. Best of luck folks!
Nob Hill Masonic Center,
San Francisco, California
Fri, 30 May 08
- 8 pm
Orpheum Theatre,
Los Angeles, California
Sun, 1 Jun 08
- 7 pm
Orpheum Theatre,
Los Angeles, California
Sun, 1 Jun 08
- 8 pm
Orpheum Theatre,
Los Angeles, California
:: 16 Mar 2008 :: Kristen Schaal on the the Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Dear Madame President - Kristen Schaal prepares a video time capsule for the future first female President and shows an archive of her family's past bad picks. You can see the video clip on the Daily Show website.
:: 23 Feb 2008 :: Britain considering cancelling UK Ancestry Visas
The British government is looking at cancelling UK Ancestry Visas as part of its shake-up of the 'UK path to citizenship' system. If enacted it could affect 1000's of young Kiwis who head to Britain each year looking for work & adventure. Read the full article on the NZ Herald news website.
:: 20 Feb 2008 :: Flight of the Conchords playing in Chicago
On Monday it was announced that the Flight of the Conchords will be playing at Cahn Auditorium, in Chicago, at 8pm on the 6th March 2008. Long lines have been seen at the Norris University Center Box Office where students have been limited to buying 4 tickets each. Read more at the Northwestern.
... anyone know anyone going to Uni in Chicago? :0)
:: 20 Feb 2008 :: Top 10 in NZ Charts
A week after winning a Grammy and the Conchords 'Distant Future' EP has blasted back into the NZ music charts at number 9. Funny ol' thing - article at Scoop.co.nz.
:: 16 Feb 2008 :: Jemaine on NZ radio
Here's a fun 1/2 hour Radio New Zealand audio clip with Jemaine Clement. Taped on Saturday morning on Radio NZ with DJ Oscar Knightly, Jemaine picks some songs for listeners to enjoy whilst musing over life stories that range from early school days, performing at the Edinburgh Festival, YouTube fame, MySpace fans and his life in the last week (... since the Grammy announcement).
Here's a link to the Radio NZ feed... the hour long show has had the actual music clips trimmed, so you can just enjoy the great informal chat between a couple of Kiwi mates.
:: 14 Feb 2008:: Join Rhys Darby (Murray) while he records a live comedy DVD
If you're lucky enough to be in California on the 17th February, head along to the El Rey Theatre and enjoy an evening of wicked comedy with 'Rhys Darby' (aka manager 'Murray') as her performs his live stand up show (highly recommended). There are 2 shows that night and they will be filming his first stand up DVD as well... just to add a bit of spice to the night. So not only is it your chance to support Rhys, but you'll also become part of comedy legend!
You can read more info on Rhy's blog or you can book tickets directly from TicketMaster (there are also details of upcoming shows in Chicago in early March).
:: 13 Feb 2008:: This is how best to see the Conchords - up close & personal
Just days after winning a Grammy, the Conchords have given their first live performance in a small and very packed, video store in their home town of Wellington. The store owner kept the live performance a secret only e-mailing out to his customers at 5pm the night before. The shop was predictably packed out, with hundreds more outside on the street listening to external speakers.
Here's an article in stuff.co.nz and make sure to check out the video clip on the same page.
:: 12 Feb 2008:: Conchords 'heard a rumour'.
A news article in NZ reports on how the Conchords found out about their historic Grammy win on Sunday night. Jemaine says "I heard a rumour that we had won it and I did a news check on Google... then I texted Bret". In typical Conchords humour he reflected that he wished his Grandmother was still alive so he could phone her and say "Granny, I've won a Grammy".
Read the full article here.
Even better, here is a live interview with them the morning after on Breakfast Television on TV3 in New Zealand.
:: 11 Feb 2008:: Conchords win a GRAMMY!
Rock n roll indeed. Bret & Jemaine have just won a Grammy for best comedy album for their debut EP "The Distant Future". The full-length album is due to be re-released in April with reworked versions of some of their best songs including:
"Foux du Fafa"
"Inner City Pressure"
"Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros"
"Think About It"
"Ladies of the World"
"Mutha'uckas"
"The Prince of Parties"
"Leggy Blonde"
"Robots"
"Boom"
"A Kiss Is Not a Contract"
"The Most Beautiful Girl (in the Room)"
"Business Time"
"Bowie"
"Au Revoir"
The Conchords won the 'Best Comedy Album' beating out:
"America's Mexican" by George Lopez
"Dirty Girl" by Lisa Lampanelli
"I Still Have A Pony" by Steven Wright
"Songs Pointed & Pointless" by Harry Shearer
Deservedly it is front page news on the NZ Herald's website and starting to splash on news & entertainment websites all around the world. The Conchords are currently in NZ and unavailable for comment. You can read more about the win and how it is being reported at:
Kiwis everywhere have joined together to humbly say goodbye to Sir Edmund Hillary who passed away suddenly today, aged 88, in Auckland. New Zealand's most famous Kiwi was known world-over as the 'acknowledged' first person to climb Mt Everest, in 1953, along with Sherpa Tenzing. He was a a tremendous ambassador to New Zealand and made the whole country proud.
Good on ya mate, you were a bloody good bloke and we loved ya!
:: 9 January 2008 (but 10th in NZ) :: Happy Birthday Jemaine!
As New Zealand is the first major place in the world to enter the new day, it is time to send out a big 'Cheers' to Jemaine and wish him a Happy Birthday... 34 if you're wondering.
:: 8 January 2008 :: Conchords back in America
Well, that caught everyone by surprise as the Conchords snuck back into America . Intriguingly they appeared on behalf of Comcast at this planet's biggest Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, as reported in the LA Times.
:: 5 January 2008 :: News article with Murray Hewitt / Rhys Darby in the New Zealand Herald
There is a great article in the NZ Herald with Murray & Rhys seemingly done at the Waiheke Theatre ('Waiheke' being an island near Auckland). There is a particularly interesting discussion near the end of the article regarding the film 'Yes, Man' that he is currently in middle of recording with Jim Carrey. Read the full article here.
:: 4 January 2008 :: Rhys Darby & Kristen Schaal performing live at SF Sketchfest (San Francisco)
on the 12 January 2008
For all of those folks who have been wondering how to see some of the cast performing their stand-up shows live, here is your first big chance of 2008. Both Rhys Darby (Murray) & Kristen Schaal (Mel) are performing live at the SF Sketchfest (San Francisco) on the 12th January.
If you live anywhere in California then get yourself down there as this is a great chance to see them both performing live in the same venue. I've seen both of their stand-up shows and they are really great! You can get all the details at the 142 Throckmorton Theatre website.
:: 15 November 2007 :: Conchords named 'Wellingtonians of the Year 2007'
Special thanks to Eleanor who forwarded on this news. Freshly announced in Wellington, Bret & Jemaine have been confirmed as the the 2007 Wellingtonians of the Year. Well done! Check out the associated news article (with video report of them receiving their award) in the Dominion Post.
BTW, It looks like Jemaine has got a bit of 'beard' action going on!
:: 8 November 2007 :: Rhys Darby making it big in the States.
Rhys Darby's MySpace blog has officially announced that he is to appear on Ellen DeGeneres 'Really Big Show' on 19th November, which includes musical acts as well as comedy. As Rhys says himself he's finally getting to do his stand-up on American TV. Having just seen one of his shows in Edinburgh a couple of months back, here comes another great Kiwi surprise for the American viewing audience.
To be honest I was surprised when I saw him live as, already, I was used to the Murray character so to see how versatile he was on stage (not to mention the number of characters he does) was really a bit of a surprise.
:: 24 October 2007 :: Conchords DVD about to ship in the UK
Looks like Amazon.co.uk are getting ready to ship the much awaited Conchords DVD from season 1. It is confirmed that they wills start to ship from the 29th October, so I'm looking forward to getting my copies in the post very soon (a nice few Christmas presents to send out to folk around the world there I'm thinking).
:: 05 October 2007 :: Whoops... they choked again!
:: 05 October 2007 :: A nervous day for Kiwis approaches
So, it seems the boys are safe & sound back in New Zealand, where they're probably going to have 5 minutes break before launching into the writing for the 2nd series. Meanwhile, NZ itself is awash with nervous anticipation as the Rugby World Cup reaches the quarter finals and knock-out stages!
Tomorrow, Saturday 8pm (GMT), NZ take on the hosts of the tournament France in Cardiff, Wales. It was supposed to have been a home game for the French, in Paris, at the national stadim Stade de France, in front of 80,000 screaming Frenchmen. But they stuffed up their first game against Argentina and by losing it, came 2nd in their group and missed the opportunity of the home game advantage in the quarters.
So, as it is, Cardiff will be closer to a home game for New Zealand. 10's of 1,000's of Kiwis will descend upon the city, including the many 1,000's of Kiwis who live & work in London - who will make the 4-hour journey westwards to the Welsh capital, ready to scream & drink themselves silly (Kiwis are normally pretty quiet & reserved, but not tomorrow).
It's a massive day for us, especially since we crashed out of the 1999 World Cup to France in the semi-finals. There is a lot of pressure on the All Blacks not to get it wrong this time, but if there is anyone who can trip us up (after Australia) it will be France.
The streets of NZ will be very quiet tomorrow (admittedly, it will 8am on a Sunday morning anyway)... Go the Blacks!
When you access these sites, please be sure to vote "thumbs up" for each of them (top right of each page) -- spread the word, and KEEP ON FOLKIN'!
Your friendly Brooklyn Boom Queen,
~ J the J ~
:: 24 September 2007 ::
Some Kiwis in Scotland
Well the Conchords rise to fame really began in Edinburgh, Scotland. They were first seriously noticed here at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (comedy) over 5 years ago. Kiwis seem to like Scotland and have a long association with it (heck the word 'Dunedin', which is the main city of the Scottish settlement in Otago, NZ, is the old gaelic word for 'Edinburgh').
This Sunday 23 September there were a lot of other Kiwis in town - notably, 15 in black with mouthguards and another 15,000 with beers in their hands (that's 37% of 1% of the New Zealand population).
Yes, indeed, the Rugby World Cup came to town as New Zealand's All Blacks played Scotland, at Murrayfield (40-0, in case you are wondering). It's funny because there have been a lot of interesting folk i've spoken to in the last wee while with All Blacks shirts on. More to follow!
:: 21 September 2007 ::
the young folk love it!
Eleanor who is from Wellington (what must be the 'Conchordian' capital) reported that:
“Yes, everyone is very excited about it here. I'm actually 18, so I'm still at school, but everyone at my school has watched it and there’s been heaps of people talking about it on the radio as well. Lots of anti TVNZ stuff, coz I think they refused to buy it or something…”
:: 19 September 2007 ::
Call to all Kiwis
To all the Kiwi brothers & sisters out there - what's going on? How did the first episode go down in NZ, what's the word on the street, do people like it? E-mail me back with your thoughts or comments.
:: 18 September 2007 ::
Special on BBC4 (UK) tonight
For British fans there is a one off special at 9.30pm on BBC4 tonight. If I'm not mistaken this is the program that aired in the States a couple of years ago and really caught the attention of the American public & TV network executives. In today's Radio Times it is rating it as the 'Comedy of the Week' and the article reads as follows:
Flight of the Conchords Special: One Night Stand
"The comedy song justifiably has a bad rep, but it's been rehabilitated by this New Zealand duo, who are already beloved of Radio 2 listeners. Ahead of their proper show next week, here's a concert showcasing their killer combination of musical expertise and utter, utter stupidity.
It's funny enough to see two pasty white guys with acoustic guitars parody funk, rap & ragga so accurately, especially as the Conchords are blessed with innately comical faces that can get a laugh with the smallest change of expression. But the songs themselves - including Hip-Hopopotamus v Rhymenoceros, She's So Hot (Boom!) and Albi the Racist Dragon - are symphonies of silliness, full of brillantly timed jokes and warm self-deprecation. The smile on your face will grow wider and wider."
:: 17 September 2007 ::
NZ review on TV series
Flight of the Conchords has finally aired on Monday night in NZ. Here's a review in NZ's national newspaper (the journalist writes a summary of the whole episode and then, finally, gets around to saying she really liked it). Read the article in the NZ Herald
:: 15 September 2007 ::
Water & laptops don't mix
Sorry for the delay in putting up some info, but I just had a tragic incident involving a glass of water and my laptop... which is now a 3kg paperweight. *sigh*. I've just got all my data off the poor soggy thing, so I'll get some more info up and online as soon as possible (espeically those interviews with Kristen & Rhys). Meanwhile, the 1st series has finished in the States (bummer), but is about to start in NZ & the UK (yayy).
Also, to the delight of Kiwis globally, the Rugby World Cup has started (in fact there is a NZ game on in 80 minutes time). The All Blacks got off to a good start in the tournament with a strong win over Italy. It may seem odd to discuss rugby on a Conchords fan site, but if you want to learn about Kiwis then rugby is a good place to start (national sport) as any. Not that Jemaine & Bret are big rugby fans or anything - but, I can assure you, when they were young fellas, they probably grew up watching All Blacks games!
:: 24 August 2007 ::
A Conchordian week
What a week - happily I also got to go and see Rhys Darby's gig last night (which was awesome) and have a chat & a beer with him afterwards (i'll write it up soon). If you're lucky enough to be in Edinburgh at the moment you've got a last few days to catch Rhys & Kristens respective stand-up gigs (both extremely good - but I don't need to tell you folks that). Ticket & booking information can be found here:
Here's a link to the great folks at "Music for kids who can't read good" who were able to get hold of Murray Hewitt, intrepid manager of the band, for an indepth interview.
You can read the full interview here.
:: 22 August 2007 ::
Hungover!
Ouch. My head hurts, but i'm buzzing anway. As mentioned yesterday, I've got lots of good stuff that I need to write up from my meeting with Kristen & I'll do it up as soon as I can (it ain't going to be happen today) and get it online for you folks. Thanks for the messages that people sent in - Kristen was truly touched to read such lovely comments!
:: 21 August 2007 ::
Kristen Schall (Mel) rocks my world
it's too late at night to write good copy & i'm pissed (so0ry kids: <18, I mean 'happy') and i've just had the pleasure of meeting Kristen Schall, aka Mel, & her cool friends!
I had originally contacted here asking if I could see her 'after a show for a quick chat' and it ended up being a full-on, barnstormoing, thunderbolts & lightening, night out in buzzing European metropolis of Edinburgh (it even stopped raining for the night)!
She absolutely rocks and is the lovilest person I have met in ages. I'll write it up as soon as I can... but for the moment this little kiwi has gotta get some sleep.
Thanks Kristen...
:: 20 August 2007 ::
It's OFFICIAL
Fantastic news - the TV series has been renewed by HBO for a second season! Heart-felt congratulations to Jemaine, Bret, Rhys, Kristen & all the gang. There are a whole lot of happy 'Conchords' out there tonight! Flight of the Conchords renewed for 2nd season.
:: 15 August 2007 ::
Best 'Loo' competition
It's on again folks! To a gasp of national excitement in New Zealand the 'Keep NZ beautiful' organisation have announced their national best loo competition... again. Australia can keep all of their Olympic Swimming gold medals - they ain't got this going on!
:: 15 August 2007 :: Hot off the press: E-mail in your questions for 'Mel'!
Thanks to the folks who have sent in some questions for Murray. I've also secured the opportunity to go and have a chat with Kristen Schaal (aka 'Mel') as well. So if you have any questions for her, feel free to e-mail them to me at this address and I'll pass them on to her.
14 August 2007 ::
Tell HBO we want another series
There is a lot of buzz out there at the moment about a possible second series. If you want to do your bit for the gang, send a message to the HBO executives telling them how much you love the Conchords and that you would love a second series.
:: 13 August 2007 :: Hot off the press: E-mail in your questions for 'Murray' quickly!
I've managed to get hold of Rhys Darby (aka 'Murray') while he is in Edinburgh, Scotland, and am going to meet up with him for a chat after his stand-up show at the Pleasance. So, if you have any questions for him - send them in to me now at this e-mail address and i'll do my best to get them answered.
:: 12 August 2007 ::
A call to beards for all Kiwis
The Rugby World Cup (RWC), which will be played in France , is less than a month off and New Zealand as a whole is in a state of frenzy. Amongst the more major concerns is that one of the All Blacks (the name of the NZ national rugby team) key players, Carl Hayman, doesn't have a beard at the moment (he plays, it is felt by the general public, a lot better when he has one).
Petitions are being signed nationwide asking that he grow it again in time for the competition and, furthermore, that all Kiwi's start growing them in an expression of national support too (women are encouraged as well - NZ is a very progressive country)! You can see one of the sites at Hayman's Beard or support a Kiwi & the All blacks, by growing a beard yourself!
:: 12 August 2007 ::
Shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Two of the stars from the current TV series can be seen at the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Festival. Both Rhys Darby (band manager Murray) and Kristen Schaal (No1 fan Mel) are preforming stand-up shows in Scotland for the n\ext 3 weeks.
:: 12 August 2007 ::
Episode 9 on HBO tonight
Hang on to your hats as episode 9 airs tonight, titled "what goes on tour".
:: 07 August 2007 ::
EP released: The Distant Future
They've just released their first EP with new record label Sub Pop. First reports indicate sales are going well - a bit too well in the UK, where it takes 4-6 weeks for it to be delivered.
:: 21 July 2007 ::
All Blacks pull off a big win
In pretty miserable & wet conditions the New Zealanders pulled off a big win, beating Australia in Auckland 22-16. Check out a 1 1/2 min video as seen on NZ television.
:: 20 July 2007 ::
Big sporting event for Kiwis
Well, there is one of the highlights of the Kiwi sporting calendar on tomorrow when NZ's national rugby team take on the Australians in Auckland, NZ. It's a winner takes all type of match with the Tri-nations & Bledisloe Cup's at stake. The game is live on Saturday 21st July at 7.30pm NZ time, 8.30am UK time, 3.30am US (east) or 00.30am US (west). It'll be a good game and one of the highlights of the rugby year (with the World Cup only a matter of weeks away)!
:: 15 July 2007 ::
Send us your pictures
Feel free to send through their favourite pictures of the guys and I'll happily use some of them on the site. Send them via this e-mail link and, please, only send your personal ones (not the ones you snaffled off the internet).
:: 11 July 2007 ::
4th episode available online
For all of those not lucky enough to be able to watch the series live in the states, HBO have released episode 4, 'Yoko', online. Get in quick before they change their minds - it's a goodie!
Watch it now.
:: 08 July 2007 ::
TV series to show in the UK
It has been reported that BBC4 in the United Kingdom has secured the rights for the HBO tv series Flight of the Conchords. Details to follow for when it will air, meanwhile New Zealand will be able to see it later this year.
:: 07 July 2007 ::
Fourth episode on Sunday
The fourth episode of Flight of the Conchords will air on Sunday night at 10.30 at HBO. The title of the program is 'yoko'.
:: 24 June 2007 ::
Episode 2 of the Flight of the Conchords airs on HBO tonight 10.30pm ET. Bret gets forced to get a job... holding a sign up, episode entitled "bret gives up the dream".
:: 19 June 2007 ::
Flight of the Conchords played a song on the Conan O'Brien show. Interestingly, if you can see the actual show and the finish credits, Jemain & Conan O'Brien seem to be having a rather animated, engaging chat amongst themselves. Ahhh, the rock & roll lifestyle - nice one lads.
:: 12 June 2007 ::
Awesome, hope you were able to see them on the David Letterman show. Bit of a pity as I hoped that Dave would actually interview them (and if he didn't bleat on about his cut finger for 5 minutes at the beginning of the show, he could have done so!), but it was only to be the song wrap at the end of the show.
Anyway, I would have to say that is the tightest performance that I have ever seen them give (and I've seen them a few times). Some new harmonies in there to 'beautiful girl' and the whole act was sounding very polished, it looks like they spent a fair bit of time in the cupboard getting ready for that one.
Also, quite interesting to see them in 'smarter' clothes i.e. Bret in a tie & Jemain in a jacket. I guess all done to help introduce them to 1/3 billion Americans - onwards to Conan O'Brien and the first episode later this week.
Good luck guys!
:: 09 June 2007 ::
If you can pick up American TV, the Conchords will be on the David Letterman show
on Monday night, 11th June 07 and Conan O'Brien on the 19th June...
:: 22 May 2007 ::
See the entire first episode of the 'Flight of the Conchords' series at HBO
Contact us at: contact [at] flightoftheconchords.com
(but not 'Flight of the Conchords' directly)
:: 27 May 2008 ::
:: 20 Feb 2008 ::
