Funk pair to become foursome

Geraldton musicians Zain Laudehr and Ian Weggler have officially wrapped up their final shows as dynamic duo ZIAN Funk and are now expanding to a four-man band.

Two mystery members will join Laudehr and Weggler on a mission to form Geraldton’s newest cover band, which Laudehr says will fill a void in local music.

The 33-year-old has a long history in music, first singing in Beachlands Primary School’s choir before performing solo at Railways Football Club oval.

A few months after that, Laudehr recalls performing for the first time at Geraldton Australia Day celebrations at Maitland Park in the late 1990s.

The artist said stage fright ended his career before it began but he was now regaining his love for performing.

“In 2011, I started taking music seriously,” he said.

“I competed in the Karaoke World Championships at the Freemasons, and came equal first with Jacquie Findlay.

“Then I went down to Perth and competed in the State championships and ended up placing third in the State.

“Then in 2012, I did it again and placed first in Perth.”

Laudehr’s winning songs included Superstition by Stevie Wonder, Here Without You by 3 Doors Down and Angels by Robbie Williams.

The musician said he put his own unique spin on a wide mix of music. “I like a bit of everything, no restrictions really, I like a bit of a challenge,” he said. “I don’t mind some Ed Sheeran, James Arthur, James Morrison, Boyz II Men, Creedence Clearwater, The Eagles, Sam Cook or Chris Stapleton. It’s a variety of rock, blues, soul and pop.”

The musician won’t give much away about what songs the new band will song, only that they will fill a genre yet to be covered in Geraldton.

“ZIAN Funk will be no longer, our duo is finishing to make way for the band.

“Ian and I have been together four months and we thought, let’s just make it into something bigger.

“We had our first jam with the other members and we all had so much fun, all our musicians are at such a high level of their music.”

Laudehr said he would keep fans informed when the band made their debut in Geraldton with a new name and a new set of tunes.