Doug Menzies

Was there music around you when you were growing up / how?‍

Absolutely. My father was a vinyl collector, as well as a small gig promoter in Auckland in his 20s. He took me to a few all ages gigs when I was about 7, and I don't think I've ever kicked that bug since! 

‍When did you start listening to music? How has the music you have listened to changed over time?‍

Ever since I was born thanks to my dad. Always had a prog rock record going, whether that was Yes, Pink Floyd or some obscure vinyl he collected on his travels. I got into my own sort of music around the age of 12, finding punk and emo bands bands from around the globe on this old website called MySpace. It eventually grew into finding out bands in my own country and towns did the same sorta music, and ever since I went to a few gigs just by myself at Yellow Submarine in Hamilton (closed 2008) I was absolutely keen to find out more local music, so I went finding more gigs and the rest is history

‍Do you have any advice for this year's Smokefree Rockquest participants, or young musicians in general?‍

Even if you don't make it through to the finals, doesn't mean you have to stop playing music as a band or in general! A few bands that are killing it in the local scenes never made it through to the finals, and they're doing it purely for the love of music and expressing themselves through it 

‍You have put on some amazing shows... is there any part of your musical journey that stands out as particularly special / a favourite moment?‍

Most definitely Dougfest Junior. A sort of gathering of my favourite bands, all in one place, and trying to make a gig younger me would have killed to have been at, hence the all ages aspect. We are looking at putting on atleast 3 more all ages shows in 2025 around the country

‍When putting together a gig lineup, what do you start with? how do you choose bands? And what is your process from beginning to end?‍

There is so much talent in Aotearoa, it's incredibly hard to choose bands. Most bands are people I've known and became friends with within the music scene, bands I've looked up to, or bands that have absolutely wow'ed crowds with their live performance and stage presence. 

The process is a longish one, but I start with the dates available at specific venues, asking bands that fit the above criteria to join us, then worry about the poster design, accommodation, all the admin until much much later (I'm most definitely doing it wrong hahaha)

What are some things that artists do that catch your eye?

Stage presence. You can sound like a studio recording when you play, have amazing vocals, but live shows are more than that. Crowd engagement is crucial (for Dougfest anyway!) 

What are two things you have learnt along your journey, that you would tell yourself if you could go back in time?

Firstly, and this is one I really do wish I could of told myself before the original Dougfest... Have no worries. No wuckaz! Everything will fall into place. No one notices mistakes, just go out there and have a fun time. 

Secondly, ask the big bands to come play. You won't know if you don't ask. 9 times out of 10, those big bands know about Dougfest already

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