Rata & Sons

Welcome Rata & Sons, the new high energy rock n roll band featuring Maia Rata, one of the most exciting, soulful voices in town. A uniquely New Zealand kind of rock n roll, Rata & Sons tips its hat to any number of classic guitar bands. It also features a set of new songs with hooks to burn by Nick Sampson (Netherworld Dancing Toys - For Today), Steve Simpson (Pash - Doo-wop) and Aaron Carson (Dead Flowers/Thorazine Shuffle/Larry Normans).

Recently out from a long winter in the rehearsal room Rata & Sons features a twin guitar attack, an explosive rhythm section (including ex-Able Tasman Craig Mason who’s never forgotten Keith Moon) and two well travelled voices (Simpson/Sampson) backing up the amazing Mr Rata.

The full line up is:
- Aaron Carson (bass) – Thorazine Shuffle, Dead Flowers, Larry Normans
- Maia Rata – (vocals) – solo artist and collaborations with numerous dub and hip hop artists including Dirty Records, 4 Corners, Breakin Wreckwordz and Louie Knuxx.
- Craig Mason (drums) – Able Tasmans, Sombretones, Chill’s, Lure of Shoes
- Nick Sampson (guitar/vocals) – Netherworld Dancing Toys, Lure of Shoes
- Steve Simpson (gat/backing vox) – Pash, The Unusuals

Rata and Sons are launching with a showcase party/gig at the Rising Sun on 21 November. The bill will also feature:
- Janine - cool young singer songwriter
- Dirty Sweet – debut gig by the newest grungy pop band in town - ex Mary and Freak Power.
- The Nukes – Auckland’s favorite Ukulele Band