Leaving Nutwood 1991 - 1995

Andrew Bates, Tim O'Dea, Jon P and Steve H all attended Exmouth community college and gravitated towards each other sharing their likes of alternative 80's and 90's pop culture, Star Wars, skating, undercut/large fringe hairstyles and longsleeve hoodies, streetwear and promo funk - indie shirts and vinyl.

Inspired by Ned's atomic dustbin, The red hot chili peppers, Jane's addiction, Primus, Rage against the machine, The Orb, Pantera and Jamiroquai, Andrew, Tim, Jon and Steve fused together a hybrid of funk, new wave pop metal, always alternative, never safe, always experimenting, looking for a new groove they discussed such themes as classic fantasy literature (lyrics for Nothing Unusual inspired by Star Wars), growing up in a small seaside town with all its dead ends and prejudices and making a commentary on the political climate of the day from a youthful outlook...although never really taking it seriously!

In the 5 years of their hayday they wrote 40+ songs and instrumentals, but unfortunately as is what happens with alot of high school bands the individual members seperated to find their own way in life dispite the fact the band had a massive potential, this then is a tribute site to those lazy crazy days!

 The members all in their 30's now are still great friends and chasing success in other ways, Steve is a successful restuarant area manager, Jon a photographer, Tim is in media and yours truely (Andrew) is now a composer, producer and publisher of music for the company 'Thinkmediamusic'

A special mention for Gaz Conway, Paul Channing, Tobe O'Dea, Christian Meddings, Rich Govier, Lewis Knight and Jason Trigger who were also all involved to a greater or lesser extent, Gaz was the original bass player, Paul a supremo drummer, Tobe also a drummer for fellow band 'Rumblefish', Chris and Lewis guitarists and Chris now playing bass, Rich - drummer, trumpet player and convincing cover singer for 'Until you find out' (I still have the tape!) and Jason lyricist and singer, many thanks guys!

Leaving Nutwood circa 1993 Left to Right Andrew Bates, Jon P, Steve H, Tim O'Dea

Sozo

Andrew continues to write under the name of 'Sozo', as well as his guitar work, Andrew uses a variety of other instrumentation like bass, piano and string arrangements, his style could best be described as chilled out Electronica with traditional acoustic instruments, giving it an ambient 'after-club' relaxed feeling, please click on the following links to download Andrew's album from itunes.

Amazing Instrumentals * * * * *

by Madman8900

The hand of God and the heavens beyond

 Sozoheaven