Troy Kingi and the Cactus Handshake

Troy Kingi and the Cactus Handshake
Sunday 8 September at 7.00pm
Turner Centre Stage
Tickets: Full $45
Duration: 2 hours

Caroline and Dave say: How wonderful that Troy will be the opening act for Upsurge 2024. He’s a local star with an international following and we are thrilled that the Upsurge audience has the opportunity to see this incredible musician perform in his hometown.

Album number eight of the 10 | 10 | 10 series – ‘Leatherman & the Mojave Green’ is a homecoming of sorts for Troy, returning to the genre of music that ultimately enticed him in to the industry – rock music.

Inspired in his mid-teens by so many artists that have come from or created in the Mojave Desert region (Kyuss, QOTSA, Eagles of Death Metal) it was an easy decision for Troy to record this album in the home of Desert Rock: Joshua Tree, in a studio synonymous with that sound ‘Rancho de la Luna’.

Rancho is run by Dave Catching, a legend in his right (QOTSA, Eagles of Death Metal, The Mojave Lords etc), and being entrenched in that environment with such deep folklore and rich rocky tapestry, Troy’s album seemingly formed itself – borrowing sweaty heat from the sandy desert, eclectic melodies from the sunlit mountains, ancient rhythms from sacred caves and a sharp pointy punch from the Joshua Tree Cactus.

Troy Kingi is a storyteller, each album immersed in rich worlds, which inform the writing. ‘Leatherman & the Mojave Green’ takes us out into the desert, where we hear a myriad of stories, one in particular talking of the Sunshine Community Cult tattooing their eyeballs, allowing them to stare at the sun and receive its many blessings.

“A powerhouse of talent” – Ambient Light

“One of our finest songwriters” – NZ Herald

 “A new spiritual awakening” – RNZ Music

“A pivotal catalogue in our country’s arts & culture scene” – Muzic.net.nz

Generously sponsored by the Dalton Trust.