Meet (from left to right above) John, Bronte, Dani, Jayden & Jasmine, together they form Long Story Short - a band that has been making waves among their peers. They're an eclectic bunch comprised of a London born surf lifesaver, Aussie ex-world medal winning gymnast,  a sister duo who could rival The Veronica's & a home grown Auckland drummer. With their combination of catchy tunes, great vocals and killer looks (lets face it, they're all pop rock dreamboats) this band has been hitting all the right notes. Formed in 2008 & boasting a sound akin to trend du jour bands like Paramore, these talented teens are charging ahead into a bright future. They recently won 2nd place at North Shore Regional Rockquest finals & were placed in the top 14 bands opening the National Finals for 2009.
We talked to the lovely Dani (lead vocals) & John (lead Guitar) about being in a band & bloody elbows...

What inspired you guys to form a band? How long have you been together for?
John: We all love music and we came together under the expert guidance of Gareth Moore (Auckland School of Rock). We instantly clicked at our first practice back in March 2008 and have been making music ever since.

How would you describe your sound?
Dani: We are usually type-cast in a Pop/Rock genre, but like to blend together a diverse range of sounds, creating something a bit quirky that separates us from your typical teen Pop/Rock band.

What are you working on at the moment?
Dani: We are currently in the final stages of completing our EP, which will be released soon. We will also be working on writing some new material over the summer.

What’s the long term goal for your band?
John: Play Big Day Out 2011!!
Dani: There is no one goal. We’re just taking everything as it comes, working hard and doing what we can to get our music out there. And we’re having a blast!

Which artists have been the biggest influence on you?
Dani: We have a very diverse range of influences. We listen to music from every different genre, and try to incorporate the things that we like about each of them in our sound.  Some of our influences include Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Green Day and Guns ‘n’ Roses

What’s been the hardest thing about getting a band up and running?
Dani: We all live pretty much as far away from each other as possible, so this sometimes makes things a bit tricky. But we’ve managed to make it work with the support of our amazing taxi drivers [Thanks dad].
John: Balancing it with school work and studies.

Why do you love music?
Dani: What’s not to love? Sharing the experience of performing with some of your best friends is an incredible feeling. You become the music and the music becomes you. You love it because it’s what you are.
John: It’s the one place you can be unique and be yourself by expressing your emotions for others to connect with.

What's your poison?...
Auckland or Wellington?
Auckland


Bloody knee or bloody elbow?

Christmas or Halloween?
Christmas! Toffee-nut lattes please.


Michael Jackson or Prince?
Michael Jackson.

Bucket or Spade?
Spade for digging up buried treasure.


Coke or Pepsi?
Coca-cola, absolutely.

Hamburglar or Grimas?
Hamburglar, no question

Friday or Saturday?