Battleska Galactica - NZ Blues, Roots & Groove Festival

Wellington band Battleska Galactica are purveyors of unique high-energy ska music . Old-school and new-school ska blended with horns, multiple singers and a blazing rhythm section into the finest Aotearoa skank to be found anywhere! A sprinkling of Jamaican ska, a dollop of UK Two-Tone and a smattering of American 3rd wave ska-punk find their way into Battleska Galactica’s influences, along with their own take on the genre. With a flair for the ridiculous and a serious message, BSG use fruity stage attire and the up-beat groove of ska music as a trojan horse to discuss opinions, globalisation, environmental concerns, mental health, and the smashing of the capitalist system, all while they party like there’s no tomorrow!

Made up of some of the Capital’s most accomplished musicians, and featuring members of Richter City Rebels, Niko Ne Zna, The Rodger Fox Big Band and The Electrons, Battle-Ska Galactica bring a wealth of experience to the stage and deliver a highly entertaining show every time they step in front of an audience, taking the crowd with them on an up-tempo ride that leaves everyone invigorated and a little bit puffed! Battleska Galactica have played shows all over the North and South Islands, career highlights including the Auckland Ska Festival, ToraToraTora Coastal Music Festival, CubaDupa, Newtown Festival, Wellington Gardens Magic, Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, Marchfest Nelson and opening for UK ska legends Bad Manners, as well as regular outings at their favourite Wellington haunt the Rogue and Vagabond. Battle-Ska Galactica’s 2012 debut album “Everybody’s got an opinion” received excellent reviews, and is available on iTunes, Bandcamp and selected good record stores, and the band is currently working on material for a second release. Guitarist Saali Marks says: “Ska music is a whole lot of fun. It has the energy of rock music, the skank of reggae, the swing of jazz and the groove of funk. It’s like the ultimate dance music - I challenge anyone to have a bad time at a ska gig! ”

Reviews for Everybody’s got an opinion:
“Fresh as!” – NZ Musician magazine
“Battleska are an accomplished, tight outfit, determined to get their listeners on the floor - skanking with the best.” – Niceup.org