My Conviction was an early project of Kurt Shanks, best known as the bass player in Stellar. I think Andrew Thorne of Splitter was also involved – the two of them are now back together as touring Kurt’s solo work.
But let’s go back to 1993, where a flaky old copy of the “My Conviction” video, taped off an episode of Pepsi RTR, reveals a band full of really good looking young dudes.
It’s a laidback, grunge-pop tune with an adventurous melody. The video starts off with the band in a stark white studio. This is them, and there’s nothing else to distract the viewer’s gaze. Lead singer Kurt delivers his swagger with ease.
Next we meet the band outside, in a wasteland outside an old building. Because it’s the early ’90s, there are flannel shirts, but also above-the-knee shorts. I’d almost forgotten about those shorts. I think that style came from Pearl Jam.
As far as I can tell, the song didn’t chart. It wasn’t following Inner Circle and Bell Biv Devoe to number 15 in the RTR charts. This might even have been the only screening on New Zealand television. Listen to how excited announcer Daniel Wrightson sounds when he announces the upcoming videos, including the alarming 1993 remix of the Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Running”. “My Conviction” is good song, but maybe it just wasn’t the right time for the My Conviction band. Shorter hair and slicker moves beckoned.
Next… the losing entry of the 1993 Kennedy’s talent contest.
