The Adults

Martyn Pepperell

4 May 2013

NZ rock supergroup The Adults was formed in 2010 by Shihad frontman Jon Toogood. It originally began as his solo project but quickly grew into a much wider collaborative grouping.

Jon Toogood explained to Australian website AAA Backstage, "Basically, I took a song I'd written called 'Anniversary Day' around to Julia Deans’ house, who is a friend of mine and a great musician. She was just down the road. I thought okay cool, she can help me with this bit that I'm stuck on."

"That's pretty much how it went from there, and thank god it did because it's become a way more interesting and layered and wonderful record than I would have written by myself."

The Adults are centred around Toogood, Shayne Carter and Julia Deans. The project also features musical contributions from Tiki Taane, Ladi6, Anika Moa, Gary Sullivan, Nick Roughan, Riki Gooch, Warren Maxwell, Steve Bremner, Ruban Nielson, Kody Nielson and Redford Grenell.

Toogood told the NZ Herald, "It made me go, 'right, I haven't tried that before'."

The Adults first recorded release was 2011's One Million Ways EP, which was quickly followed by a debut self-titled album. Both were released via Warner Music NZ and recorded in New Zealand and Australia. In late 2012 they recorded a live album with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, which was also released via Warner Music NZ. Three singles were taken from those releases: 'One Million Ways', 'A Part Of Me' and ‘Nothing To Lose’.

They were also awarded Album of the Year at the New Zealand Music Awards for their self-titled debut.

In 2012 The Adults were long-listed for the APRA Silver Scroll Award for their song 'Anniversary Day', written by Julia Deans and Jon Toogood. They were also awarded Album of the Year at the New Zealand Music Awards for their self-titled debut.

Members of The Adults have played in Shihad, Salmonella Dub, Fur Patrol, Straitjacket Fits, Dimmer, JPS Experience, The Stereo Bus, The Skeptics, Fat Freddy's Drop, Trinity Roots, The Mint Chicks, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Opossom and Shapeshifter.

The Adults have toured New Zealand and Australia, played alongside Fat Freddy's Drop, Anika, Boh & Hollie and performed at summer festivals including Coromandel Gold. The group has also appeared on TVNZ's Good Morning show in a stripped down acoustic performance.

"I reckon chemistry is really important," says Toogood. "You get different things from different people, and when you combine those different worlds you come up with completely different music and it's fucking great."