Trinity Roots

TrinityRoots comprised of three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed artists – Warren Maxwell (lead vocals/guitars/keys), Rio Hunuki-Hemopo (bass/vocals) and Riki Gooch (drums/vocals)– who together embodied the New Zealand groove that was ground-breaking in Aotearoa’s roots scene.

During their 7 years together, TrinityRoots created a large and loyal fan base through hypnotic live performances which included evocative rhythms and harmonies steeped in a lineage of soul, reggae and roots that transcend the boundaries defined by genre.

“We use roots as a vehicle or medium to convey emotion. We combine lyrical message with primal rhythms. We are organic in our music and spiritual in the way we play it.” – Warren Maxwell.

Their two Long Player albums – True (2002) and Home, Land and Sea (2004), reached Platinum status in New Zealand, a major achievement after virtually no advertising or commercial attention, and an inspiration for all independent artists in NZ. The title track from Home, Land and Sea is a heartfelt anthem to Aotearoa and refers to the New Zealand Government’s refusal to back down over the controversial Seabed and Foreshore legislation and the purchase of land by overseas interests.

In 2003 they won Best Roots Album (True) at the NZ Music Awards, as well as Best Musician, Warren Maxwell at the bNet Music awards. They also were nominated for bNet Awards for Best Live Act, 2003 & 2004, and Best Live Act, Best Downbeat Release and Best Music Video (Little Things) in 2002

TrinityRoots after a summer full of ‘last shows’ throughout the country, played their final concert in February 2005 in a sellout teary-eyed concert to raise relief funds for the Boxing Day Tsunami (Surfaid) at the Wellington Town Hall.

2010 saw a resurgence of TrinityRoots. Debuting at the NZ International Film Festival, Music Is Choice is a documentary following the journey of TrinityRoots and in September 2010 they released a live CD with bonus DVD also titled “Music Is Choice”. This live CD features audio from two separate concerts at the Wellington Town Hall, one being that final 2005 concert. Like their studio albums, this release is sure to become a treasured piece of NZ music history from a band that had won so many hearts with their genuine soul-bearing music that connected the listener to the land we live in. In addition to ‘Music is Choice’ their whole back catalogue will be re-issued, ‘True’ & ‘Home, Land and Sea’ with bonus live material and the original EP with completely re-worked cover art.

Source: trinityroots.co.nz