What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Like I said in my album 'thanks'. My album is living proof that you can record and release an album on your own. Don't sit back and wait for things or people to discover you. You've got to get up and do it yourself if you really want it.
Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?
David Dallas because I am a fan of his from way back and have seen him grow into so much more today. He is a Star!
I've always liked music from Ardijah they are the pioneers of music. And Adeaze because they're inspiring.
What will your next release be?
I plan on releasing another album this time I will be more involved with the song writing. In that sense I want to write majority of the songs on my new album. This current one my brother helped me out because he is such an amazing writer, so I want to work on my song writing skills and bring out something that's more intimate from me. Also a Samoan album out at the same time! :)
How do you come up with your lyrics?
Definitely speaking from past experiences, feelings and what people out there are feeling that we can all relate to.
Who would you most like to support live?
Mariah Carey or Boys II Men.
How do you believe you fit into the NZ music industry?
I have been around and making music for many years in the NZ music industry since I was 18.. I'm 28 now and I have met and gotten to know a lot of great people. I have a wide cross selection of fans in NZ varying from Samoans and Pacific islander's to European.
What can you never leave home without?
My purse which usually has in it: my phone, my bank card and lip gloss lol. All that a girl needs haha.
How do you describe your music?
Very soulful & RnB.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
What is the best part of being a musician?
You get to express a lot through your music.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
I'd like to see more of the local arists and I know there are so many out there who have so much talent. (Some who also feature on my album! The Bronx, Rizvan Tu'itahi, Petacy (Paul Crombie). Because I know they are just as good or even better than the current artists out today but just don't have that opportunity or 'hook up'. If I won the lotto I'd open up a studio catering to all those talented local artist's who need that platform to grow and manage them.
What is in your CD collection at home?
My CD collection is everywhere. I have anything ranging from Samoan songs to RnB and Hip Hop albums to NZ music. It's crazy. I have to leave it in a storage room at the back cos there's just too many. lol
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Singing with a girl group I used to be in for our driver in Tahiti and one or two of them sang off note and the taxi driver just turned his head around to look at us with this horrified look on his face. lol
What is your favourite place in NZ to be?
Grey Lynn! My home and place where I love to be.
What inspired you to become a musician?
Sister Act 2. Lauryn Hill played "Rita" the troubled student who had so much potential and talent to go to the top. Her singing inspired me to sing at 13. And just being around a very musically talented family. I learnt to play the piano at 5. We have a family band. My dad is the guitarist, my mum sings, my sister plays keyboard, my other sister plays the bass and my brother plays the drum and I was the tambourine girl cos I was the youngest. But it was awesome growing up surrounded by music from a young age. I couldn't have asked for a better upringing. We didnt have many toys but our instruments were our most prized toys..
How did you come up with the name Mz J?
My friend who I used to go karaoke with used to always call me "Miss Julie Ta'ale" and even in school I always thought Julie Ta'ale was too long for people to say if I was to be an artist so I just took the Miss and turned it into Mz and Julie Ta'ale just cut it down to a "J" hehe it works really well. :)
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
I love Samoa "Tsunami Anniversary relief concert" in Samoa. Because I was born there, and Samoa is always where the heart is. Being given the opportunity to perform in front of a home crowd and esp the families of those victims who died in the Tsunami and providing them with the best entertainment that you can was absolutely priceless. And a proud moment for me personally.
How do you keep in contact with your fans?
Facebook! under Mz J! Please Like my page! Thank you! :)
What rumour would you like to start about yourself?
I have a second album coming out soon so look out! ;)
If you are a NZ hip-hop or RnB fan you may already have heard of Mz J , who is set to rock our music scene as New Zealand’s next queen of RnB.
Blessed with one of the strongest female voices the NZ music industry has heard to date, Mz J features on the albums of Smashproof, Mareko, PNC, Chong Nee and David Dallas, and gigs regularly with Devolo, Pieter T and Smashproof among others.
Mz J recorded her debut album Independence Day with co-songwriters and producers Dom from D1 Entertainment (Adeaze) and her brother Harry Kelemete. Featuring guest performances by PNC, David Dallas and others, Mz J’s polished commercial RnB sound effortlessly delivers strong radio-friendly tracks infused with confidence and style.