Aotearoa has the best music. Fact. Aotearoa has the best musicians. Fact. Aotearoa knows how to jam. Fact. This week, in honour of NZ music month, I wanted to let you all in on who you should be listening to and how much local sounds aren’t being appreciated where they should be. I’m not saying that you should only be supporting local but why aren’t you only supporting locals? Seems sus to me.
Lovers Lane – MOHI
You’ve heard of TEEKS and you’ve probably made love to his music (don’t lie), but have you even begun to recognise that greatness that is MOHI? Smooth vocals, with a beat that just screams afternoon sun, this man has my heart and I want him to know that my boyfriend and I aren’t serious. Just saying.
Just So You Won’t Be Alone – alayna
Now I don’t know how she was feeling when she wrote this, but she put her entire alussy into this song. The mute vocals with soft overtones just fucking give me shivers across my skin. Then the blown-out bassy vocals through the chorus. Holy fuck girlie, you know how to make a beat and ain’t no one taking that from you.
Meet U Again – RIIKI REID
When it starts… 2000’s vibes ONLY and you can’t tell me otherwise. But then you get a hit of Swept Away by Diana Ross. RIIKI just gets me and takes my soul on a journey of something. The beat picks up with some electronic synth that just speaks straight into my soul. I can’t help but just move always as the beat goes through highs and lows. Like a rollercoaster I never wanna get off.
Home Away From Home – AACACIA
Now I’m not a pop girl, nor have I ever claimed to be a pop girl, but Miss AACACIA has me in a trance as she sings the titular line and captures the beauty in love. Fuck me if this girl isn’t just singing straight into my soul and allowing me to feel my inner 16 year old in love for the first time. Thank you miss thang, got a girl singing “you know you my home away from home” at the best and worst times.
Break – Emily Muli
If you like Jorja Smith, then you’re going to froth the smooth and effervescent vocals of Emily Muli. Her smooth voice just screams living in South Auckland during the 2000’s, playing these songs on your flip phone and just vibing with it. So good, plus she’s just so gorgeous? Like what the hell is in the water at the moment. Got me feeling some kind of way.
