The Dominion Post Article - October 17, 2006

Conchords' A Texan Odyssey

FLIGHT of the Conchords: A Texan Odyssey is a rare chance for New Zealand viewers to see our most successful comedy duo do their thing on the world stage.

In March, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, aka Flight of the Conchords, embarked on a revealing odyssey into the political and musical heart of the United States. The result is this comedy documentary.

With a Gibson Group documentary crew in tow, they travelled from Wellington to Austin, Texas, to launch their folk parody act upon one of the toughest music industry events in the world: the South By SouthWest festival.

“It’s hard to describe this festival,” says McKenzie. “Imagine the Masterton Golden Shears Awards, but multiply it by one thousand and replace the shears with electric guitars. Incredible.”

Superstars Morrissey, Neil Young, Peaches, Lyle Lovett and Kinky Friedman appear alongside New Zealanders Coco Solid, The Brunettes and Flight of the Conchords.

In their first experience as documentarians, McKenzie and Clement meet famous folk, political candidates, real cowboys and regular musicians, as well as their own management and fans.

“They say what goes on tour stays on tour, but because we had a TV crew following us around, what goes on tour, ends up on TV,” says McKenzie.

Important questions are asked: Is it better to be called a band, or a duo? Can one good rock show change the world? Can a comedy act break through on to the ruthless music circuit? Has anybody in America heard of any bands from New Zealand? Is stage-diving a good idea?

In its 20 years of existence, South By SouthWest has become widely regarded as the most important showcase of contemporary music in the world. Held every March in Austin, about 1500 bands line up to tout their wares to record labels, managers, tour promoters, festival bookers and venue owners.

When they hit the festival, Flight of the Conchords already had a record contract (with Sub Pop, the US indie label that signed Nirvana); management (the guy behind Good Charlotte and My Morning Jacket); a legal team (who also represent the South Park lads), and a personal invitation from South By SouthWest head honcho Roland Swenson.

Flight of the Conchords have signed an exclusive broadcasting contract with HBO and are now producing a pilot programme for the network. Meanwhile, their radio series for BBC2 Radio was launched in March and won a Bronze Award at the Sony UK Radio Awards in April.

Yet this still wasn’t enough to guarantee them decent sound at their gigs, fancy accommodation close to town, or cool bodyguards like Morrissey has to protect them from their fans. Things could go wrong — and they did.*