Existential hi-jinx and surreal soundtracks for the imagination.
King Wasabi was formed by Perth singer/songwriter/drummer, Hugh Veldon aka Martin Moon. The band released a debut CD/EP Man and his Cymbals to critical acclaim in 1998 and was chosen by the Editor of Xpress Magazine in Perth as CD release of the year. The CD launch took place at the legendary Greenwich Bar in Perth and featured an 11pce band which included a string quartet.
In that year the band also performed at the Festival of Fremantle with the Paul Williamson Hammond Combo.
In 1999/2000, Hugh Veldon performed solo in London and Paris. In 2001 he returned to Perth, reformed King Wasabi, and released an album entitled When Sharks Smell Love again to critical acclaim and played on Triple JJJ, Triple RRR, RTRFM, PBSFM, and ABC Radio National.
2002 began with King Wasabi supporting the likes of David Byrne and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in Perth, Western Australia, a performance at the WA Fringe Festival Club with Sodastream , and at RTRFM's "In the Pines" and finishing the year at the 5th Totally Huge New Music Festival in Perth.
In 2004 King Wasabi performed at the Perth International Arts Festival with French artist Francois Breut and at the 2004 WAMI Awards "Weekender". In November they supported Sydneysiders Karma County.
The band started 2005 playing with festival favourites Doch from Brisbane. In November they performed as part of the Totally Huge New Music Festival. During February 2006 they performed at the Perth International Arts Festival with the Antonio Forcione Quartet.
A new album Like a Monkey’s Wedding was launched and released in August 2008 and has already received extensive airplay on RTRFM 92.1, Radio Fremantle 107.9FM, ABC Radio National, and Triple RRR.
In October two songs from the new album were nominated in the Mixed Bag category for the WAM Song of the Year 2008.
In February 2011 King Wasabi performed in the world famous Spiegeltent as part of the opening celebrations for Fringe World in Perth WA. In September the band returned to the stage at the Sundays@Subiaco Concert Series. And in December King Wasabi made their debut at Devilles Pad for SPACE PUNK.
In June 2012 King Wasabi supported international artist Nadeah at The Fly by Night Musicians Club.
As of October 2013 a new album is in progress...
From music hall to matters of the heart...
The story thus far... KING WASABI
Neo classical psychedelic cabaret, cinematic backdrops, and torched folk songs.