It’s that time again, when our man on the ground Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer All Music Magazine UK spotlights a bands or artists he thinks are going to have a big 2025/26 bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve
So welcome to DRAX PROJECT
Beginning as music students busking on the streets, Drax Project have grown into one of the most watched groups ever to come out of New Zealand. An amazing 35x Platinum and on their way to a Billion streams, their own headline tours and opening for the likes of Ed Sheeran and Lorde, the band will be touring the UK for the first time ever in May 2025.
Renowned for their electrifying live performances, Drax Project have previously sold out five London shows, cementing their reputation as one of New Zealand’s greatest musical exports. Their standout live energy has been captured on the band’s first-ever full-length live album, recorded over two unforgettable nights: Drax Project: Live at The Jazz Cafe, London that came out in November ’24.
Drax Project are:
· Shaan Singh: Lead vocals, saxophone, keys
· Matt Beachen: Drums
· Sam Thomson: Bass, keys, backing vocals
· Ben O’Leary: Guitar, keys, backing vocals
So All Music Magazine UK sat down with MATT from the band
AM – What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?
MATT – Music hasn’t stopped playing in the house since I was a baby. Mum was constantly playing the piano at home and running music & movement classes when I was little so it was a very early exposure. She encouraged me to get drum lessons at 11 years old and that’s what kickstarted the obsession.
AM – Tell me about your music journey
MATT – Drum lessons at 11, playing in Church at 12, constantly listening and soaking up any music that was on. I remember loading a tape into a chunky radio speaker-thing in bed waiting for ‘Hate it or Love it’ by 50 Cent & The Game to come on so I could smash the record button. Ended up studying Jazz at University and that’s where Drax started. We used to busk as a Drum + Sax duo (Drax) which led to pub gigs/school balls/50th’s where we would play covers. After adding bass and guitar to form an actual band; original music became a focus and here we are.
AM – How would you describe the music that you typically create?
MATT – Melodious, high energy, fun – most of the time? We have an eclectic catalogue one could say. Being Jazz school kids, we just love making music and striving to create something memorable and new. Being a live band at our core means the music tends towards being energetic and upbeat but we aren’t afraid of slowing things down either. So yes, eclectic.
AM – What is your creative process like?
MATT – Being musicians first, it’s almost always an instrumental/beat/guitar riff that gets us going. We start with a small musical idea that we build everything on top of while we’re constantly singing and searching for melodies that hover over whatever is playing in the room. Once we get the skeleton of a song, we dial in the lyrics and finesse everything up. Sometimes this takes two weeks, sometimes two years.
AM – If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
MATT – Big Justin Timberlake fans here. We often play ‘Cry Me A River’ as a massive EDM Saxophone banger. It would be funny to play that at the end of the set and probably get kicked off stage. Publicity is publicity. We’ve been super fortunate to open for some massive artists like Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello, Christina Aguilera & Lorde etc and we love doing it! There isn’t an ounce of expectation on you as an opener, so you can go for gold – and hopefully make a bunch of new friends in the audience.
AM – What is one message you would give to your fans?
MATT – We have some of the most loyal fans in the world. Just recently we had people approach us at our summer tour saying “This is my 18th show” and showed us photos from years ago where we took a photo together. We couldn’t do what we do, especially these days, without everyone who listens, saves, shares, comes to shows, buys merch etc. It’s very inspiring for us and we’re grateful we can do it.
AM – What is the most useless talent you have?
MATT – I’m struggling to think of a useful talent. Shaan (singer + saxophonist) is fantastic at solving Rubik’s Cubes. Ben (guitarist) once won ‘First in Leisure’ in High School which says a lot about the man.
AM – Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
MATT – I’m a big believer in bringing the UE Boom to the shower. Recently I installed a hook so we can hang one full-time. I like to flip the handle to ice-cold halfway through and I’ve found that listening to intense music at that exact moment prepares the soul for war. Don’t be surprised to hear me belting some G-Unit or Trap Remixes. Before the cold switch though, it’s something chill. This morning was ‘Sparks’ by Coldplay.
AM – What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
MATT – Working outside somewhere. Maybe conservation work or something physical. Still listening to music relentlessly though, thinking ‘I could do that’.
AM – Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
MATT – We’ve been lucky to tour a couple of times around Europe, UK, U.S.A, Australia and have played hundreds of times here in NZ. There’s a venue in Hawkes Bay, NZ called ‘Black Barn’ which is a stunning vineyard/estate with an amphitheatre that cascades down towards the stage. We love playing there. We’ve played in so many venues that we don’t have a least favourite. We just love playing live. We’ll play in your Nan’s kitchen cupboard.
AM – What is your favourite song to perform?
MATT – Between the four of us there are probably different answers but overall, ‘All This Time’ is a favourite. We usually play it towards the end of the set and it gets pretty climactic. Sometimes Shaan will wander into the crowd or climb the nearest tower to play the final Sax drop. It epitomises our sound in a few ways.
AM – Which famous musicians do you admire?
MATT – D’angelo is a big inspiration for us. The attention to detail in his music, the unique grooves, complex harmonies and craftmanship has put him in legendary status for us. Artists who are multi-talented with a deep understanding of music inspire us. Prince, Michael Jackson, John Mayer, Beyonce, Alicia Keys etc. They’ve all made timeless and unique music that’s accessible to everyone.
AM – What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
MATT – I was trespassed for a year from the hometown stadium. Some friends and I snuck in one night to have a look around. It was amazing and 100% worth it to wander around under the stars in a giant, empty coliseum. Drax ended up playing there a couple of times for various events. Luckily I had served my sentence by then.
AM – What is the best advice you’ve been given?
MATT – Musically, it was to not overthink the writing process too much; especially the initial stages when you’re trying to establish a rough idea. Just keep it moving early, focus on the details later and keep the energy flowing if you can. Also, write as many songs as you can; there’s bound to be some gold in 100 song ideas.
AM – What’s next for you?
MATT – Touring the UK, Ireland and Europe in May this year! We did it in 2024 and had a blast so we’re going bigger with more shows this time. Can’t wait!
UK TOUR 2025
17th May – London, Islington Assembly Hall
19th May – Manchester, Yes (Pink Room)
20th May – Glasgow, King Tuts
21st May – Dublin, The Workmans Club
23rd May – Bristol, The Louisiana
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
