Play On Words is a band for hire. A musical project. An evolving ensemble. An uncovers band, if you will.
With vocalist Jess Deacon and rhythm man Cam Steel at the helm, Play On Words collaborates regularly with bassist Andy Russell and guitarist Ramon Oza — mostly around our backyard, and occasionally as travelling troubadours.
We have played across Wellington and Kāpiti, including at the Electra Business & Innovation Awards, Horowhenua Taste Trail, Kāpiti Food Fair, numerous private events, and a good number of the ‘usual spots’ for live music ‘round these parts.
MUSICAL DUO ~
With occasional accomplices who turn us into all kinds of ensembles. But always with flair, funk and fantasia.
UNCOVERS BAND ~
Playing a back catalogue of great tunes you haven’t heard since you were dancing on the table at Aunty Sal’s wedding.
REIMAGINED TUNES ~
Because why play a song “the right way” when it can be played “the left way”? We take inspiration from all genres to give our favourite numbers a groooove.
EVOLVING ORIGINALS ~
A little from column A, a little from column B. That’s how we would describe our sound. There’s only one thing for it: take us for a spin around the platter, so to speak. We’ll let you know when we’ve written something worth sharing...
MAGICAL MIXTAPES ~
Remember the days when you had to get a cassette tape, a stereo system with a record function, a bunch of CDs, or savvy fingers while listening to live radio, all lined up to make a mixtape? Oh how times have changed. We curate playlists to keep things interesting. Check ‘em out here to discover some seriously groovy tunes!
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Jess Deacon is a soulful vocalist and a sometimes-keys player/guitarist who always has an idea for a new song to learn. She’s easily seduced by interesting melodies and songs that challenge the status quo, and would rarely give up the opportunity to improvise over a good-and-dirty blues. She studied composition at NZSM and fronted an Auckland-based covers band for a few years before choosing to pursue music as a part-time solo endeavour when she became a mum. Returning to NZSM to study jazz marked the re-emergence of Jess’s aspiration to write and be inspired by music, and take to the stage performing delicious jazz-infused tunes. She’s got a digital library of meticulously organised playlists, more instruments than she knows how to play, and is full to the brim with ideas for reimagined musical magic.
Jess: Vocals, guitar, keys, stage presence, amazing hair, and a great library of statement earrings.
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Cam Steel is a rhythmic wonder who’s perpetually concerned about what the neighbours think of the noise (read: thunderous pizzazz) he makes while practising. He currently has a slight obsession with sensory percussion, taps out rhythms on any surface within reach, and thinks odd time signatures are the bee’s knees. Cam studied at Whitireia School of Music and went on to spend several solid years banging his sticks with one of Wellington’s most popular covers bands, as well as a few other impressive ensembles around town. After taking a break to wear his dad hat loud and proud, he then got back into a regular rhythm (see what we did there?) of making music on screens and skins. He has a soft spot for click tracks, loves sitting on the back beat, and enjoys getting lost while scouring digital libraries for sexy samples.
Cam: Drum kit, cajon, SPD, and other things worth hitting for percussive effect.