Kiwi Time is an American rock band previously based in San Francisco and now[when?] living in Los Angeles, California. Originally childhood friends from Belarus, the band is known for standing up for human rights around the globe and giving its support to Russian human rights activists during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.[1] Kiwi Time performed in venues such as the Great American Music Hall, SLIMs,[2][3] The Viper Room, 111 Minna Gallery, Elbo Room, Supperclub, DNA Lounge, Cafe Cocomo, Broadway Studios, and Brick & Mortar Music Hall.

Kiwi Time
Kiwi Time band
Kiwi Time band
Background information
GenresSynthpop, indie rock, pop rock, alternative rock
Years active2011 (2011)–2015
LabelsGranted Access
Past membersVlad Kukharchuk
Anna Makovchik
Yoga Shyp
Mikalai Skrobat
Websitekiwitime.band

History

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Originally childhood friends from town Byaroza, Belarus (a former Soviet republic) the band members relocated to San Francisco seeking opportunities to "live the American dream"[4] as musicians and due to political and social issues in Eastern Europe. In their San Francisco home, the band, a taut unit of musicians and songwriters weaned on American indie rock were able to create more freely. A live wall of sound, Kiwi Time is built on raw-boned energy and the unflinching focus of lead singer and guitarist Yoga Shyp, the unstoppable rhythm section of singer/bassist, Anna Makovchik and drummer Vlad Kukharchuk, and the swirling vibrations of Mikalai Skrobat on keyboards and guitar.[5][6]

In 2013, Kiwi Time signed with Granted Access Inc., a music label, the Bay Area's premier music and video label and production studios,[7] a division of Baynetwork Inc.,[8][9] one of Silicon Valley's top IT hardware re-sellers and managed IT service companies.[10] Their 5 track EP "It’s Kiwi Time" [11] was produced by Dan Shea (producer) who is known for his work with Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Carlos Santana, Rob Thomas, Bono, Robin Thicke, Martina McBride and many others. As a producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Dan Shea's albums have sold over 150 million copies worldwide. The new release infuses a memorable dance-rock rhythm with the energy of their live show.

In September 2014, the band performed in Los Angeles's legendary The Viper Room.[12] In January 2015 the band was named by Emerging Bands magazine as one of the top 100 bands in the world.[13]

Collaborations

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In the summer of 2014, the band collaborated with legendary hip-hop producer and artist Sir Mix-a-Lot on a track called "If I Can" that was released in early November.[14][15]

Awards and recognition

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In 2013, Kiwi Time were the winners of the Stoneski Battle of the Bands. In 2014, the band won first place at the ArtRockX band competition. They also headlined at the Red Marines Music Festival and have played shows in Los Angeles and New York. As a result, the band was featured on Live 105's Top Ten Local Bands in San Francisco.[16]

They have been named one of the ten best local alternative rock bands in San Francisco by the alternative station Live 105 FM.[17]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Murray, Ross (19 February 2014). "Belarus indie-rock band Kiwi Time speaks up for minority and LGBT people in Russia". Glaad. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  2. ^ "Win Tix: Kiwi Time: Belarus Indie Dance Rock Slim's". Fun Heap SF. 5 July 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  3. ^ "Kiwi Time". SLIM's Presents. 1 July 2014. Archived from the original on 16 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  4. ^ "Как стать американской звездой, белорусы уехали в Сан-Франциско и создали группу Kiwi Time". Onliner.by. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  5. ^ ""A Performance Review" for Kiwi Time". I Heart SF Bands. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  6. ^ "IT'S KiWi TIME: An Interview With One of Music's Most Inspiring New Bands!". Icon vs Icon. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  7. ^ "Before Sochi Olympics, Granted Access Studios by Baynetwork, Inc. Matches Indie Rock Band Kiwi Time's Donation Benefiting UprisingofLove.org, a LGBTI Support Coalition". redOrbit.com. 4 February 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  8. ^ "Reseller Baynetwork Exploits Facebook IPO Hype". CN. 21 May 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  9. ^ "What's Better Than Facebook Advertising? How About Free Advertising". Forbes. 18 May 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  10. ^ "Rock Band and Menlo Park IT Company Join Forces". Patch. 21 May 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  11. ^ "KiWi TIME's Butterfly Floats on to Video". CED Magazine. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  12. ^ "The Viper Room Presents : Knee High Fox, Dead Heroine, Kiwi Time". Live Nation Entertainment. 11 September 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
  13. ^ "Emerging Indie Bands The best new bands from around the world". emergingindiebands.com. 2 January 2015. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
  14. ^ Firecloud, Johnny (17 October 2014). "Video Premiere: Kiwi Time Get Surreal in Stop-Motion 'Killin' Me Baby' Clip". Crave Online. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  15. ^ "KiWi TIME Release "If I Can" Featuring Sir Mix-A-Lot". Icon Vision. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
  16. ^ "Kiwi Time". Ladies Rise Up and Rock. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  17. ^ "Kiwi Time Gets Bodypainted for Tour Van Sponsored by Baynetwork". Trina Merry. 22 September 2013. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
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