How Bizarre: Pauly Fuemana And The Song That Stormed The World

(Paperback)

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Pauly Fuemana of the group Otara Millionaires Club (OMC) was the charismatic singer and creator, with producer Alan Jansson, of the hit record How Bizarre. After the record's release in 1995 it stormed to number one in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and European countries and Fuemana appeared twice on Britain's top-rated TV show Top of the Pops. It was named Single of the Year at the New Zealand Music Awards and remains the country's most internationally successful indie record of all time, having sold over 4 million copies and appeared on at least 100 compilations. Despite the song's phenomenal success, Fuemana was deeply troubled and found fame hard to handle. His friend, mentor and music publisher Simon Grigg gives a riveting blow-by-blow account of the singer's life and the song's beginnings, runaway success, and effect on Fuemana and the people around him. Along the way there are fascinating and often shocking insights into the ruthlessness of the music industry. This is an inside story never told before.

Reviews

Simon Grigg reveals the machinations behind the making and tragic unmaking of a hit singer in this frank memoir and industry expos." Chris Bourke, author,Blue Smoke

"A great read about how Pauly Fuemana got to the top of US sales charts via Auckland, Sydney and London." Murray Cammick, music broadcaster; founder, Southside and Wildside Records

"'How Bizarre' sent shockwaves around the globe. Anyone wanting an insight into the politics of pop music should read this book." Grant Smithies, author, Soundtrack

"One of the best books I've read in years - brilliantly written, and a fascinating story. Exhilarating highs, embarrassing lows and some eye-opening explanations around the industry too. Brilliant context around a phenomenon." Simon Sweetman, writer and reviewer

"How Bizarre was a great record and this is an important book. Best of all it is written in such a way that you just cant put it down. I powered through it enthusiastically in just two sittings . . . so I would have time to read it all over again. Immediately." Grant Smithies, Elsewhere Blog

"Possibly the first insiders account of New Zealand and international pop industry politics, set in an era of excess before the digital era and the music industrys contraction. It captures the ride as the song went from the sound of the kiwi summer of 96 to international chart topper." Russell Baillie, Weekend Herald

"How Bizarre manages the feat of reporting a lifes story at a distance at once respectful and close enough to illustrate the deep-seated emotions that came with Fuemanas success." Imran Khan, PopMatters

"How Bizarre manages the feat of reporting a lifes story at a distance at once respectful and close enough to illustrate the deep-seated emotions that came with Fuemanas success." Imran Khan, popmatters.com

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