Supported by Peter & Juliet Rowe

A proud Southlander born and raised, music was an integral part of Malcolm's early life. Real music. Country music.

When he finally put aside his ambition to be an All-Black, Malcolm slung his old bass over his shoulder and left his Winton home, never to return.

I began to be taken more seriously as a musician when I stopped wearing my Stetson hat on stage.

He joined the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 1996 and has never looked back.

Although country music is now limited to annoying neighbours with his banjo, Malcolm has been involved in many different groups throughout the Wellington music community, from early music ensembles to klezmer bands.

Continuing a lifelong enjoyment for knocking things together in sheds, I’ve recently started making double basses; it’s a great counterbalance to the pressure of performing and allows me to spend many happy hours in my workshop, singing along to the country music channel.