Ria Hall - Ria Hall EP Review
Ria Hall has had an interesting journey leading up to the release of her debut EP. She has wowed crowds touring with some of NZ's musical elite, backing up Hollie Smith, holding her own beside Anna Coddington in Eru Dangerspiel and singing with TrinityRoots. She has a background performing with one of New Zealand's top kapahaka groups, and her recent performance at the RWC opening ceremony was a breath taking start to her solo career.
On her debut self-titled EP, Ria Hall drapes a series of musings on unity, culture and is laced with the beauty of the Maori language. The 5 tracks are laid out as a journey on a well constructed E.P. 'It's Alright' begins the procession with a mystical sounding Maori introduction and leads into a solid digital sound. 'Ko Au Ko La,' 'One' and 'I am a Child' tell a story that become a somewhat more political and cultural sound while still keeping a constant beat, harmonies and staying true to the natural talent of Ria Hall. Ending with 'Best of Me' quickens the tempo and makes you want to listen to more, but with the promise of more to come this little taster will make you appreciate the wait.
Produced by Riki Gooch (Eru Dangerspiel), their goal was to create an EP that intertwines and celebrates Maori culture and progressive future music. The result is an EP showcasing a diverse range of musical content, influences and styles. Now the door has been flung wide open, there is no telling where the music might take things next.
About Ria Hall
Born in Tauranga, Ria spent time in Auckland and Australia, before settling in Wellington and really finding her musical feet. She co-formed and fronted the reggae band Hope Road, who, in performing at the Parihaka International Peace Festival and Wellington's Waitangi Day One Love event, won the respect of Aotearoa's elite roots, reggae and soul music communities. This led to her joining Hollie Smith's live ensemble, becoming part of Eru Dangerspiel's psychedelic explosion, and, latterly, performing backing vocals for the 2010 reunion shows of the iconic TrinityRoots.
Her profile has also been lifted significantly by her inspired performance at the opening ceremony of Rugby World Cup 2011 – a performance witnessed by a televised audience of millions.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Ria Hall
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