Stebbing Recording Studios

10/09/2024

09/09/2024

Thank you ! Last of the Lonely Gods vinyl has been created. Pre-order your copy - link in bio. J. X

12/07/2024

Zodiac Heritage Series Volume 32 - Nature Child

Promo video.

Album available on your favourite digital platform. Please share if you care.

10/07/2024

Some Lou & Simon comedy live from 1963 - and from the newly remastered album "Let's Tour With Lou & Simon"

That's My Weakness Now.

Provided to YouTube by DRMThat's My Weakness Now · Lou & SimonLet's Tour With Lou & Simon℗ ZODIACReleased on: 2023-11-27Composer: Bud GreenLyricist: Bud Gree...

21/03/2024

Zodiac Heritage Series Vol 31 - New Zealand Dixieland.

More fun than a box full of budgies ! Sound on.

Available on all streaming services/

01/01/2024

Jimmy Hill - Hot Shot Willie.
Recorded around 1975 but released late 2023 - a great lil track that's been hidden way too long !

Provided to YouTube by DRMHot Shot Willie · Jimmy HillZodiac Heritage Series Volume 33 - Jervois Rd. Sessions℗ ZODIACReleased on: 2023-10-18Composer: Jimmy H...

20/11/2023

Lipstick Power – Zodiac Heritage Series Volume 30 – Album available digitally.

Featuring Sir Dave Dobbyn's first solo work after being in Th' Dudes, this album is named after his first superb 1981 solo single “Lipstick Power”. Follow up single “Bull By The Horns / Luvaway” is also here, as well as 3 more tracks. He went on to form DD Smash and the intended solo album was never completed.

Also ex Th' Dudes were drummer Bruce Hambling and bassist L*z White who became the backbone of band Broken Dolls. Dave Spillane, Gary Langsford and future Stebbing mastering engineer Simon Lynch completed the lineup. Six tracks of this accomplished outfit appear.

Retro revival rock 'n rollers The Teddy Boys were a hot item in the early 80s and five songs feature from two singles written by Garry Clarke.

Southern Transit were a 4 piece vocal group from South Auckland that Stebbing house producer Rob Aicken paired with an innovative approach to create a very special sound. This is the first release of these tracks.

Rob Aicken is the vital link here between all tracks on this album, and it is a great credit to his immense skills for creating memorable and loveable recorded performances.

Zodiac Heritage Series Volume 30 – Lipstick Power is available now on all streaming services.

09/09/2023

Cimeron – 46 Years - Stories behind the songs.

“Take the Time”

This very approachable song was the b side of the original 45rpm vinyl single, and features a soaring shiny sounding chorus. Music written by Rod and lyrics by his good mate Mark Town-Treweek in 1976.

Pauline explains :

When you look around at the suffering of the world you may ask yourselves “how can I help”…and each of us are gifted with the ways and means to do this…it may simply come down to cooking with love something yummy for someone, or keeping a beautiful garden and sharing the bounty of the vegetables or flowers grown…or it could be something bigger like writing a book or becoming a doctor or therapist of some kind.
We wanted to do it through our music. To bring light into a darkened world. I am sure that we have all at some point in our life wanted a light to shine upon the path and show us the way. This is what music can do…it speaks for us in a way that feeds our soul and brings us back home. It's what this song is all about.

24/08/2023

Cimeron – 46 Years - The Stories behind The Songs.

"I Don’t Need You".

This masterpiece of songwriting form with 4 verses, 2 chorus’, a power theme and an interlude or two joins cohesively to make this killer track.

Pauline on lyrics :

This is a song about the roles women are conditioned to when its a ‘mans’ world. Women have been expected to play the role of the obedient precious female who sacrifices herself to take care of her man and the children, while the man is out in the world doing his thing. He thinks he’s sacrificing himself by working hard and feeding his family, thus he is entitled to spend money on himself and have his outlets.

Around about the 70’s and 80’s women started to question their role as a wife and mother. This song is about the beginning of that revolution which is still going on today. From a woman’s perspective she starts questioning her role in society, recognising that she is sacrificing herself to the point of saying enough is enough…I am a person too. However the man is bewildered about this as well because he’s also a victim of social expectations…

Nowadays males themselves question what it means to be a man and what exactly is his role in the greater scheme of things, as a husband, partner and family man, especially since this has changed so much over the years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpwRxj2ubVE

https://open.spotify.com/track/288ircXBBaufMaWc8Ge849?si=49c8db147bbb40e1

23/08/2023

In 1978 Golden Harvest had a hugely well loved hit with "I Need Your Love" and also made this killer video.

Check out the outfits and lead guitarist Kevin Kaukau playing with his teeth - a signature move.

The album is currently available on vinyl once more - in stores now !

21/08/2023

Cimeron – 46 years - The Stories Behind The Songs.
Its So Easy ( to be kind ).

This gem has an easy strumming approach with an ethereal feeling, a pleasant vibe and a lovely human message. It was also the original single released in 1978.

Pauline extends : “Some people you meet in life don’t have good intentions, they may be very mean spirited, downright rude or even aggressive. We’ve had people smash our band gear and do other spiteful things,…the tall poppy syndrome… So we wrote this song in response to this way of being in the world. We all can do something to bring Peace into the world, to make it a better place, even if its to give a friendly smile or say something kind to a stranger or even offer help to someone in need. So basically this song is asking you to keep your focus on being kind and not take on other people’s negativity."

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/0YeEs0pUHuWaDCD3XPx078...

Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVh27vOIvf4

18/08/2023

The Inbetweens - Debut album from 1976 - re-released 2023 on re-mastered vinyl with brand new artwork. Their history beautifully documented on Audioculture.
https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/the-inbetweens

16/08/2023

Thank you to Graham Reid for a great review of Cimeron's album 46 Years.

We've heard about famous “lost” or unreleased albums – you know, those things Neil Young keeps finding in his archive – but more rare is the release of an album that never was. Like Cimeron's 46 Years which is the debut album from an Auckland band which never completed an album in its lifesp...

14/08/2023

Cimeron – 46 Years - The Stories behind the Songs.

“The Waiting Game”

A guitar lead gem of an aptly named song, Rod and Pauline were not to know when they wrote it, but it would take 46 years to release “The Waiting Game”.

Pauline enlightens :

When it came to recording and getting our music out, we were put on hold a lot. Most of you know how very hurtful it is when you put your heart and soul into something and it gets knocked back for various reasons, but not necessarily to do with the quality of your work. In our case, it was a sign of the times in 70s New Zealand. Bands were really taking off…it was an exciting time for young musicians - like most young people - s*x, drugs and rock'n roll were certainly an attractive world to be part of. But it had its downfall…and when trouble did come from it we all got punished you could say… when some members from other bands collapsed on stage from overdoses and others died… New Zealand record companies and recording studios got very nervous. It was still a very conservative era.

Furthermore, NZ record companies and producers had a hard time competing for local broadcast time with their USA and European counterparts.

These are the major reasons this work has taken 46 years to be birthed into the world. The lyrics express the excitement of the time…tapping in to the creative source of the universe and experiencing the magic of writing and creating new songs… at the same time the frustration of being put on hold…of your work not getting recognised. Then how one tries to console themselves. Most people can probably relate to when you get knocked back in life, many times - you begin to question life itself. So the life question is…Is there something greater out there controlling the whole thing? …and there is. We learn so much from these experiences.

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42ZE-xcTCTM

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3g9VClZlWRioVZOUt4VLRd?si=e95758b42c5e4436

07/08/2023

Cimeron – 46 years - The Stories Behind The Songs

"If Only"

A song of lost love that sounds so incredibly beautiful with it’s soaring harmonies. Pauline explains it’s origins :

“We had different words to this music but Rob Aickin wanted us to come up with something more simple…We were often told by record companies that we were ahead of our time, and to make our lyrics much simpler. So we came up with “If Only”…the concept came from an old song called ‘Dear John’… with lyrics such as “Oh how I hate to write…tonite I wed another, dear John”.

At the same time some dear friends of ours had just broken up. This hit Rodney and I quite hard as it was a notion that didn’t really happen in the world we had grown up in. Our parents, as well as our friends parents, all grew old together. So it was very painful for us to even imagine. But today its a frequent thing…at the same time no less painful…for both men and women. Its heartbreaking to experience it and also to witness it…I remember watching a movie in which this old desolate drunk at the bar, describes his break up as his heart being ripped out of him and he had lost all hope in life. I think that’s the truth of it for most people.

Expectation of relationships has changed a lot over the years…its a new territory in which our most intimate relationships are one of the biggest challenges we have to deal with nowadays. We are learning that good relationships have to be worked at…it doesn’t just happen! So this song is about losing someone we love…whether it’s in life or to death. This song was picked to play at Rodney’s brother and our brother-in-laws funeral.“

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7vomz9XbTI

https://open.spotify.com/track/7LOovFT4CPQ8SaWaiqEvMp...

and available on the vinyl album 46 Years at JB Hifi
https://www.jbhifi.co.nz/frenzy/46-years-vinyl/427727/

Provided to YouTube by ZODIAC / DRM NZIf Only · Cimeron · Rodney McAuley · Pauline McAuley · Rodney McAuley · Pauline McAuley · Rob Aickin · Steve McGough46 ...

01/08/2023

Making the trifecta of vinyl releases this week - the superb 1978 Golden Harvest album - remastered.

making it's way into retail as I write this...sounding bloody good compared to the original pressing 45 years ago.

01/08/2023

The Inbetweens 1976 debut album is out now on vinyl - remastered and with brand new artwork !

The In Betweens Are Back.

01/08/2023

Cimeron Press Release going out today.

Cimeron Press Release. Going out today.

31/07/2023

Cimeron – 46 years - The Stories Behind The Songs

'Day By Day'

Pauline reveals the origins of this song of soaring beauty :

“This is a song written about Rodney and I first falling in love…I think the rapturous feeling of falling in love has the power to radiate out and touch the Soul of each of us …Its the same thing that happens when we are in awe of some great works of art or music…its the Soul recognising itself and reflecting back its own divine nature. Basically something really magical happens that affects the world around.

Walking home from work one day, holding hands, and lost in the enchantment of looking into each others eyes as lovers do…we noticed this little boy riding past on his bike who kept staring at us. I said to Rodney “lets give him something to stare at” so we had a romantic kiss…the little boy kept riding ahead without taking his eyes off us, totally mesmerised and obviously not looking where he was going…so next thing….Bang! He crashed into a lamp post.

He was thankfully unharmed and we noticed as we helped him up… his eyes were still as large as saucers. What is this power that falling in love has over others? I think its because we all want to experience this divine magic. The other fascinating thing I ask myself listening to this song…after all this time…is how do couples, especially with complimentary gifts like us as composer and lyricist … find each other in a sea of billions of people…its one of life’s great mysteries."

https://open.spotify.com/track/4EGZoPS6hSNnHbXuDdhAE0?si=b16dcc99750e48ae

Cimeron – 46 years - The Stories Behind The Songs

'Day By Day'

Pauline reveals the origins of this song of soaring beauty :

“This is a song written about Rodney and I first falling in love…I think the rapturous feeling of falling in love has the power to radiate out and touch the Soul of each of us …Its the same thing that happens when we are in awe of some great works of art or music…its the Soul recognising itself and reflecting back its own divine nature. Basically something really magical happens that affects the world around.

Walking home from work one day, holding hands, and lost in the enchantment of looking into each others eyes as lovers do…we noticed this little boy riding past on his bike who kept staring at us. I said to Rodney “lets give him something to stare at” so we had a romantic kiss…the little boy kept riding ahead without taking his eyes off us, totally mesmerised and obviously not looking where he was going…so next thing….Bang! He crashed into a lamp post.

He was thankfully unharmed and we noticed as we helped him up… his eyes were still as large as saucers. What is this power that falling in love has over others? I think its because we all want to experience this divine magic. The other fascinating thing I ask myself listening to this song…after all this time…is how do couples, especially with complimentary gifts like us as composer and lyricist … find each other in a sea of billions of people…its one of life’s great mysteries."

27/07/2023

Cimeron Radio Interview Podcast

In case you missed the Cimeron radio interview last Saturday with Phil Taylor on EastFM 88.1 107.1 - there is now a podcast available.

Phil talks to many musicians on his weekly show "She'll Be Right" and we are so grateful to have had Rod and Pauline on air from Brisbane talking about their new album "46 Years".

Select Episode 40 at this link to listen
https://eastfm.nz/podcast/...

27/07/2023

Cimeron - 46 Years - being pressed this morning at the brand new Stebbing Vinyl Plant.

While the press is in compression, the black pvc puck is pressed into a flat record shape ( along with the centre labels ) with very hot steam and then cooled with water. The swing arm removes the record to have the edges trimmed smoothly and then placed on the spindle.

24/07/2023

Cimeron – 46 years - The Stories Behind The Songs

“You and Me”

This beautiful ballad gives you a cosy glow whenever you hear it – the feeling of being in the company of the one you love.

Pauline explains how the song came about : “We were away on tour for 6 weeks, and I had started to get real homesick…really missing my children, and Rodney and our drummer wanted to go visit a music shop in another town. Because I was feeling miserable I was a bit reluctant about him going ….so I asked him not to be too long…he promised he wouldn’t...that he’d only be away for a couple of hours…They left about 8.30am and didn’t get home until 7pm that night…I was so angry…

So when we wrote this song…its true about watching the clock, seeing the second hand spin around slowly…time goes so slow when you're not having fun and it was dark by the time he got home . However, when he walked up the path and opened the door…I certainly didn’t see his smiling face, rather, I really felt like slapping his face…I was not happy… I just didn’t want to speak to him.

He coaxed me around though. We did indeed sit in front of the fire, listening to the radio, because the town we stayed at was 2 degrees below zero…” and the event became the making of this song. You and Me !

https://open.spotify.com/track/6eZsfYp8dhf4qgKdoUkhrb...

Cimeron – 46 years - The Stories Behind The Songs

“You and Me”

This beautiful ballad gives you a cosy glow whenever you hear it – the feeling of being in the company of the one you love.

Pauline explains how the song came about : “We were away on tour for 6 weeks, and I had started to get real homesick…really missing my children, and Rodney and our drummer wanted to go visit a music shop in another town. Because I was feeling miserable I was a bit reluctant about him going ….so I asked him not to be too long…he promised he wouldn’t...that he’d only be away for a couple of hours…They left about 8.30am and didn’t get home until 7pm that night…I was so angry…

So when we wrote this song…its true about watching the clock, seeing the second hand spin around slowly…time goes so slow when you're not having fun and it was dark by the time he got home . However, when he walked up the path and opened the door…I certainly didn’t see his smiling face, rather, I really felt like slapping his face…I was not happy… I just didn’t want to speak to him.

He coaxed me around though. We did indeed sit in front of the fire, listening to the radio, because the town we stayed at was 2 degrees below zero…” and the event became the making of this song. You and Me !

https://open.spotify.com/track/6eZsfYp8dhf4qgKdoUkhrb?si=8280add759674e21

21/07/2023

CIMERON RADIO INTERVIEW - Saturday 22 July at 3.30pm NZ Time
Fantastic news! Phil Taylor will be talking live with Rodney McAuley and Pauline McAuley of Cimeron tomorrow ( Saturday ) on the She'll Be Right Show on EAST FM 88.1 107.1 at 3.30pm (NZ time). Also playing the album 46 Years. Local frequencies in East Auckland, otherwise listen at the website www.eastfm.nz or find East FM on the iHeart Radio app

CIMERON RADIO INTERVIEW - Saturday 22 July at 3.30pm NZ Time

Fantastic news! Phil Taylor will be talking live with Rodney McAuley and Pauline McAuley of Cimeron tomorrow ( Saturday ) on the She'll Be Right Show on EAST FM 88.1 107.1 at 3.30pm (NZ time). Also playing the album 46 Years. Local frequencies in East Auckland, otherwise listen at the website www.eastfm.nz or find East FM on the iHeart Radio app

18/07/2023

NEW ZODIAC ALBUM

Cimeron - 46 Years

Available now on streaming services and on VINYL !

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/0rFjq1nSx63SFCWwDPv3by?si=a5Q8NGW3SMyK4w_h_To3lQ

Vinyl available at JB Hifi
https://www.jbhifi.co.nz/frenzy/46-years-vinyl/427727/

and Flying Out

https://flyingout.co.nz/products/cimeron-46-years-reissue-vinyl-lp

THE STORY : 46 years from start to finish. Rising from the embers of Auckland band Hot Ash, Cimeron was established in 1977 centred around duo Rod and Pauline McAuley. With their distinctive next level songwriting, arranging and harmonies, something new was in the air - a journey in sound with easily relatable lyrics and a joyous vibe.

Originally recorded at Stebbing Recording Studios in Auckland 1977 / 78 and produced /engineered by the dream team of Rob Aickin / Ian Morris, one single was released. Due to circumstances outside of the band and album, production was halted until 2022, when an unnamed track was discovered in the Stebbing audio vault.

Having contacted Rod and Pauline in Australia it was soon named Day By Day. This also led to conversations about there being further unfinished tracks stored away on old 2 inch 16 track tape.

Stebbing engineer Steve McGough was intrigued, impressed with the songs, and took up the reigns to complete the package of what was available. Extra production and recording was undertaken where things were incomplete, including new parts by Rod and Pauline – in one case Rod singing harmony with himself decades later for a line in “If Only”. These sessions bore fruit of 5 “new” songs.

So now in 2023, the album is completed as much as it can be. Also included on the vinyl version are two bonus tracks of the last Hot Ash single made for Zodiac Records recorded in the same room previously.

So finally – here it is - Cimeron. 46 years.
It’s time for the world to hear.

Email: [email protected]

10/04/2023

Dave Dobbyn - Lipstick Power - recorded 1980 -
from the Zodiac Heritage Series Volume 30

On all good streaming services

Provided to YouTube by Believe SASLipstick Power · Dave Dobbyn · Dave Dobbyn · Dave DobbynZodiac Heritage Series - Lipstick Power, Vol. 30℗ Stebbing Recordin...

25/01/2023

Fantastic article by NZ Musician on our new soon to open Stebbing Vinyl pressing Plant.

The Jervois Rd location of the Stebbing Recording Centre in Auckland is a local landmark, the two-level building with its familiar neon...

14/11/2022

Superb 30 min radio programme on Rob Aikin on Radio NZ. Rob was resident producer at Stebbing from 1976 to 1981 and was super productive in that time, producing big hits for Th' Dudes, Hello Sailor, Patsy Riggir and Toni Williams, but there were also many many more great productions flowing out of the building.

Chris Bourke has made a marvellous concise wrap up of the time for his terrific Blue Smoke radio series. "So many tracks to choose from" - he's not wrong !

https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018866297&fbclid=IwAR1vv5TubLsSgutgTAhbM55RaB_Bxtinqky8u23lDU6S1i9MnCgXX_uK9A8

15/09/2022

Hoki Mai - New Zealand dixieland version recorded in 1964 by Bridge City jazzmen.

Provided to YouTube by ZodiacHoki Mai · The Bridge City Jazzmen · Henare WaitoaZodiac Heritage Series - New Zealand Dixieland, Vol. 31℗ Stebbing Recording Ce...

12/09/2022

It's Maori Language Week - here's an album we prepared earlier ( and recorded over 50 years ago ). Some gems on here.

https://open.spotify.com/album/0vnYJDxOJsoAPaUPsgsYvz?si=g-OV3hcYTYC1VCJIav2weg

Various Artists · Compilation · 2014 · 31 songs.

12/09/2022

Ritchie Pickett - Farewell but not Goodbye.
A hauntingly beautiful demo recorded live in the mid 80s - released 2022.

Provided to YouTube by ZodiacFarewell, Not Goodbye (Demo) · Ritchie Pickett · Ritchie Pickett · Ritchie PickettZodiac Heritage Series - Nature Child, Vol. 32...