Anthonie Tonnon, one of Mosgiel's brightest sons, made the trans-island move to Auckland several years ago and based himself in the leafy, lofty suburb of Grey Lynn. Inspired by his new locale and the issues faced when flatting in one of Auckland's most desirable suburbs, Tonnon wrote Marion Bates Realty - decrying the ills of gentrification and greed. The album featuring this song - Up Here For Dancing (released as Tono and The Finance Company) - was critically well-received and cemented Tonnon's reputation as a gifted songwriter with a whole bunch of smarts and heart.
Since ditching his previous moniker and embracing his legal name, Tonnon has turned his attention back to his hometown with Water Underground - the lead single from his upcoming album Successor. Carrying on in the protest tradition of Marion Bates, 'Water Underground' is a tale of political corruption in Canterbury, specifically concerning water rights allocation and the National Government sacking a democratically elected regional council body. This is far too complex to delve into further detail but has been written about excellently here.
Anthonie Tonnon is joined by the veritable super-band lineup of Edward Castelow (Dictaphone Blues), Jonathan Pearce (Sal Valentine & The Babyshakes) and Stu Harwood (Paquin).
Successor is released on March 6 with the band touring the country from March 5.
For more on Anthonie Tonnon: anthonietonnon.com.
Find Anthonie Tonnon on the Auckland Libraries online catalogue.
Written by Anna C
