Neil Newton is the guitarist for Los Angeles-based psych-pop band Kukuni. Originally from New Zealand, his musical journey was shaped by legends like Robert Scott of The Clean and Nigel Gavin, a collaborator of Robert Fripp (one of the greatest guitarists of all time). Neil has a PhD in Music Theory, with his academic work delving into the complexities of Arnold Schoenberg’s compositions, as well as exploring pop, bluegrass, or examining the ideologies of 19th-century music theory. He has lived in six countries and taught music across four continents, but is currently enjoying being in L.A., where he plans to stay for a while.
“Arnold Schoenberg lived in L.A. too,” Neil says. “He didn’t play guitar, though.”
What Is Kukuni?
Founded by frontman Willy Christie, Kukuni is best described as psychedelic, indie, experimental art rock with pop sensibilities; wavy and groovy; dark but uplifting. Kukuni’s lyrics are rife with symbols, myths and fables; the language of the subconscious. The sound takes you into the dark forest of the human spirit and shines a light on the path less taken. Kukuni’s music represents the internal space we all return to when creating; the room in which our strangest ideas float around, waiting to be transformed into something beautiful.
The band’s self-titled debut album was released in late 2022, blending Christie’s vocals and songwriting with Tony Buchen’s award-winning production talents and the commanding drumming of U.S. Jazz Ambassador Robby Sinclair. Since then, they’ve launched the highly praised music video "Forever" and remain a remarkable force in the West Coast music scene.
Watch Kukuni's "Forever" music video:
Kukuni the album is now available from Liquid Culture, a community of artists and creators dedicated to preserving and furthering the psychedelic experience.
Neil Newton's "L.A. Guitar History" Weedsday Playlist
For his Weedsday Playlist, Neil Newton turned to the instrument and the city he loves best, illuminating a sonic relationship for all generations: “In the spirit of L.A.’s long history of guitar, I’ve chosen five of my favorite instrumental tracks by guitarists who’ve made their mark on both my playing and the city’s soundscape.”
The Howard Roberts Quartet - "Dirty Old Bossa Nova"
Howard Roberts was a master guitarist who not only led his own jazz ensembles, but was also a key player in The Wrecking Crew, the legendary group of L.A. session musicians. This cheeky bossa nova track highlights Howard’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with jazz. I first came across this tune back in the Napster file-sharing days. I have no idea why I downloaded it, but he’s been one of my favorite guitarists ever since.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Tony Rice - "Port Tobacco"
I love bluegrass, both playing it and listening to it, and L.A. has had a surprising influence on the bluegrass guitar scene. The biggest influence of them all is Tony Rice, whose musical identity was forged in L.A., under the mentorship of Clarence White from The Byrds and The Kentucky Colonels. In this track, Tony creates a seamless fusion of bluegrass and jazz.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Molly Miller Trio - "Cine"
Molly Miller is an L.A. native and one of the most melodic, improvising guitarists around. She plays lead guitarist for Jason Mraz, but I enjoy Molly’s playing the most in her instrumental trio, where her ability to shape phrases and move from soft to fierce should be the envy of any guitarist.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Don Rich And The Buckaroos - "Buckaroo"
While Don Rich was a cornerstone of the Bakersfield Sound, much of his iconic work with Buck Owens was recorded in L.A., and I wanted to add him in. Bakersfield’s just up the road anyway. If you ever watch footage of Don Rich, you’ll see a goofy smile, and I can’t hear his playing without thinking about it. He is one of the players that made country guitar what it is today.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Dick Dale - "Let's Go Trippin'"
I went through a big surf guitar phase in my teens, and Dick Dale was at the center of that. He is the original L.A. guitar hero; maybe he’s the original electric guitar hero. Ever. And L.A. is the home of the electric guitar. “Misirlou” is Dick Dale’s most famous track, but “Let’s Go Trippin’” captures the raw energy of his early surf style, making him the undisputed King of Surf Guitar.
Click here to play on Spotify!
For more about Kukuni, visit kukunimusic.com. You can listen to the album on Spotify and purchase it here. To learn more, follow @kukunimusic on Instagram. See more from Liquid Culture by visiting liquidculturerecords.com.
What are your favorite Weedsday tracks? Tell us about them - reach out at @honeysucklemagazine on Instagram!
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Featured image: Neil Newton, guitarist for Kukuni (C) Gabriela Hansen @gabrielahansenxo
