Biography

Warren Maxwell - Musician
Ngāi Tūhoe

"When Simon (Arts Foundation Executive Director) rang me, I thought he was going to ask me to do a freaky, Maori, psychedelic, hippie, spiritual, jazz gig for some Corporate Arts and P.R. evening. I am totally overwhelmed that somebody, who isn't a Cousin or Aunty of mine, believes in 'us' enough to encourage and support the new generation of New Zealand art in this way. As much as this is a 'koha' of sorts, I also see this as a 'Wero' or challenge to keep going. So I accept. Thank you!"
(Warren Maxwell reacts to hearing the news of his 2006 Arts Foundation New Generation Award)

Warren Maxwell is the driving force behind many musical projects. He is the leader of psychedelic blues quartet Little Bushman.

Born in 1970, Warren grew up in Whangarei and went on to study jazz at the Conservatorium of Music, Wellington, where he has also taught.

While still studying at the Conservatorium Warren became a founding member of Trinity Roots. They released their Creative New Zealand-funded debut EP in October of 2000 which sold over 3000 copies. Their debut album True was released in 2002, and Home, Land and Sea in 2004. Both albums have since gone Platinum (15,000 units each) The Band separated in 2005 to pursue other projects.

Since graduating from Massey University (B.Mus) Warren has also been involved with Theatre Sound Design (Taki Rua, Capital E), scoring for short films (Turangawaewae, Run) and for various other musical projects.

Warren was winner of Best Musician at the bNet Music Awards and nominated for the Silver Scroll Award in 2004 for the Trinity Roots song Home Land and Sea. Warren was a saxophonist for dub group Fat Freddy’s Drop, which gained a large global following with its Pacific based reggae and soul sound. He is now leader of blues quartet Little Bushman whose music was described in the Sunday Star Times as “raw, rocky and psychedelic”. Little Bushman comprises Rick Cranson(Drums), Tom Callwood (Bass) and Joe Callwood (Guitar). Their first album The Onus of Sand, was released in November 2006 via Rhythmethod Distribution and Pendulum was released in December 2007.

Warren collaborated with John Psathas (Laureate) and the Auckland Philharmonia to present the concert Little Bushman meet the APO which took place in the Auckland Town Hall in July 2008. The collaboration was presented again in 2009 with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.