Ladi6 is a New Zealand musical icon, there's no denying it. Her sound melts perfectly into the listener's senses. Feeding us sweet vocals that leave you craving another listen, just so you can hear her brilliance again. Diagonals is no exception and it's accompanied by a vibrant, partly animated video which makes it a visual feast.
Directed by Garth Badger who’s showreel is extensive and not just locked within New Zealand, he teams up with artist and designer Robert Wallace of Parallel Teeth who brings a distinct bold but busy flavour to the video. The video is not just a showcase of sound but of design and creativity in general.
The dance we see from our two characters is not so intricate that you watch it and believe you couldn’t follow along. It could be danced by not just two but an entire crowd of people and still look just as effective. The dancers mirror each other, complimenting the labyrinth style of the designs that fall backdrop to them. I’ve always enjoyed music videos that are created for the green screen. It’s a timeless and effective concept that really opens up a world of possibilities for the creators.
The song could be great with any style of the music video but this approach, in particular, works right down to each arm movement and vogue inspired wrist curl. Can’t help but always love ladies looking amazing in their many bold and beautiful outfits too! Another element that carries the flow of the video and adds an extra pop rather than just a consistent all black look or similar.
Diagonals is easy listening and the beat has a poppy, electronic elements that add fun to the soothing vocals Ladi6 brings us. Coming into Summer I’d love to hear this blasted on the radio, it's a perfect introduction to the sun coming out for the year and singalongs ensuing til Summer ends.
Ladi6 (Karoline Tamati) is one of New Zealand's premier vocalists and MCs. Starting her musical career in Christchurch, Ladi6 was part of the all-girl hip-hop group Sheelahroc. Sheelahroc had the hit track 'If I Gave You The Mic' and Ladi6 was nominated for Best Vocalist/MC at the 2003 bNet Music Awards.
Ladi6 then moved to Auckland with her band Verse Two who quickly gained a reputation as a top New Zealand live soul/hip-hop group. They won the bNet Best New Act Award in 2004, toured New Zealand with packed shows and supported international acts such as The Roots and De La Soul. Ladi6's vocals feature on stand-out tracks by some of Aotearoa's finest talent, including Shapeshifter, Scribe, Fat Freddy's Drop and 50Hz.
"There is something about her (Ladi 6), something about her voice and something about the way she carries herself and her attitude that is so nice and so beautiful". - Sam Trevethick, Real Groove