Southgate Entertainment

Over the years Carl Perkins has been a central figure in a number of New Zealand bands, so its not suprising making music comes naturally to his children.

Though all are involved with music in their own way, four members of the Wanganui - based family are taking their passion to a new level via there own record label and production house.

Southgate Entertainment formed four years ago, has just released "Our Story" a debut compilation CD featuing 17 r'n'b , reggae and hiphop tracks by young up and coming artists.

Mr Perkins , a former Herbs singer/song writer , established Southgate Entertainment as a means of showcasing the emerging musical talent from our wider region , including Wanganui, Ratana, Manawatu, Taranaki and Rotorua. "Our Story" was the ideal vehicle through which to help develop their skills and profile while bringing outstanding new music to a savvy music public.

A video for one of the songs , "Rise Up", is appearing on TV after having been shot, recently at Ratana Pa.
However , while the patriarch brings years of experience, Southgate Entertainment is also benefitting from the fresh perspective and talents of three of his sons , Te Omeka, Samuel and Isaiah.
One of the key influeneces behind the label is Te Omeka , the 20-year-old self taught musician, producer and studio engineer.

Described as the "driving force" in unearthing and securing young musicians for "Our Story" , Te Omeka's studio skills have also grabbed the attention of others in the music industry, resulting in his remix of black seeds track "Black Sunrise" being nominated for best New Zealand remix at the 2003 BFM awards.

Both contributing and learning as they go , younger brothers Samuel and Isaiah are finding success in their own right , learning only last week their band Steady Beat Rockers had made the final of the CokeSmokeFreeRockQuest Pacifika Beats section.

The duo are also gaining international attention, particularly with Samuel's instrumental compositions being taken on by overseas hiphop, rnb and reggae artists.

"Our Story" is available via the internet from maorimusic.com and selected music stores, while two albums are set for release later in the year and a number of others are in the pipeline, covering a range of genre from hiphop to rock and ballads. "Its taking a bit of time to develop due to a lack of resources but we're persevering and its really coming together now," Mr Perkins said. "The beauty of it is being able to work with the boys and hopefully everything they learn and experience can be taken with them and used in the future." - Tony Abel

Name: Te Omeka Perkins (second from the right)
Age: 20
Iwi: Ngâ Puhi, Ngâ Pairangi, Iwi Morehu
Education: Wanganui High School

By Kristin MacFarlane (Te Arawa, Ngâti Ranginui)
Photo by Renee Pedrotti

How many 20-year-olds can say they’re co-founders of their own record label and music production house promoting rangatahi music? Te Omeka Perkins, that’s who!

The self-taught musician, producer and studio engineer has nurtured Southgate Entertainment in Wanganui along with his father, former Herbs songwriter and band member Carl Perkins.

It’s easy to see that whânau plays a major part in both the current and future success of Southgate.

Not only does Te Omeka – who likes to be known as Teo – work with his dad but also his two younger brothers, Isaiah aka Izzy (16) and Samuel aka PKS (15).

Izzy writes the songs and makes beats while Samuel focuses on beat-making as well as selling his work to up and coming international artists.

Older brothers Joshua (drums) and Peter ‘Dan Dan’ (vocals/MC) feature in the live band.

“Working with family feels special and it’s uplifting,” Teo adds.

So what does the self-funded record label have under its belt since its birth in 2000?

A debut compilation CD (‘Our Story’) showcasing new R’n’B, rap and reggae talent, a song (‘Dark Nights’) selected for DJ Sir-Vere’s ‘Major Flavours 5’ series, and a number of spiritual and Mâori language collections in the making.

Teo’s own talents have also been recognised. He was commissioned to remix a Black Seeds track (‘Black Sunrise’) which was nominated for Best New Zealand Remix at last year’s BFM Awards.

In the near future, the boys plan to go on a national tour as well as continuing to record new material.

Growing up around music, Teo is now living his passion to get more youth into the industry, which is what Southgate is all about.

“It’s for the ones who don’t have access to studios to participate in the music industry at a serious level – so rangatahi can follow their dreams and aspirations of being performing artists.”

Teo encourages education, stressing that determination is the key to success.

“Education is a must to gain more knowledge and understanding in life. If you’ve got a goal, focus on it and stay on track. Kia kaha, be strong!” - Taiohi Magazine

Incorporating reggae, hip hop and r'n'b; the 19 track debut from Carl Perkins' new label unleashes fresh talent from Taranaki to Palmeston North. Distributed through Maorimusic.com, the artists on this compilation are relatively unknown, but possess solid potential for future success. R'n'b affiliates Seth, Marino, P.A Styles and T.A come across as professional with soothing beats provided by Te Omeka and Carl Perkins. Meanwhile, the album predominantly focuses on hip hop. Talent emerges from the likes of MCs Defwish, Johnny K, Random Klik, 13-year-old Lil'Richie and SVC to name only a few. Wiz brings chilled reggae vibes with the benevolent I Love You Girl, and more upbeat What If I Was. International artists, Messenjah of Tanzania, and Pure Source representing San Diego, also bless the mix. The synthesised sounds in many beats can become repetitive and sound familiar from song to song, and some MCs have ground to make in their lyrical skill. 'Our Story' is a good introduction for the former Herbs member's new stable, and with two complete albums due for release, marks a good beginning.

- Magazine