Lou’ana of Auckland’s popular funk-fusion band the Hipstamatics, has ventured out on her own with a stunning debut solo single Eye To Eye. The result is a mesmerising soulful sound accompanied by a mystical, highly polished music video.
When this was forwarded on to me, I was forewarned that I would be amazed. I wasn’t just amazed; I was blown away by this incredible voice which sounds like a cross between Gin Wigmore and Amy Winehouse. Raw and powerful bursting with expression and soul.
Spellbinding in more ways than one, Eye To Eye is complemented by the bewitching magick-inspired video choreographed by Luminary choreographer, Jane Strickland, directed by Anna Duckworth, shot by Nina Wells and produced by Morgan Leigh Stewart. A very talented line up of ladies indeed. “The captivating video takes inspirational cues from the Netflix show, The OA, as well as the way ‘spells’ are presented on shows such as The Magician”. Captivating from start to finish.
The powerful lyrics complement the visuals perfectly. The choreography is outstanding. I was also reminded that I haven’t cleansed my crystals in a while.
A great deal of thought has gone into every aspect of this single release, down to the timing coinciding with the last full super moon.
Lou’ana completely charmed me with her big voice and bold husky sound. Warm and sweet like honey, with a maturity and uniqueness which will turn a few heads.
Eye To Eye exceeds the boundaries of a five star rating. I am confident New Zealand will be enthralled by her incredible sound. Lou’ana's Move Along tour weaves its way through the country in March and April.
The free-spirited, eclectic sound of Auckland, based artist, vocalist and singer-songwriter Lou’ana (Whitney) is one of unparalleled magic. Having carved a place for herself within Auckland’s vibrant music community over the past 6 years as a proud, second generation Samoan New Zealander, Lou’ana’s voice carries the stature of an old soul; a cosmic cocktail of sweet and soulful, with an added gritty, blues edge that references the golden age of Etta James, Emmylou Harris to the rawness of Stevie Nicks and Amy Winehouse. Her heart and soul translates through sound, in that unexplainable alchemy that happens when music meets word.
Whitney has performed all around New Zealand as part of the inimitable funk troup Hipstamatics, playing a multitude of festivals across the country including some of their favourite haunts such as Hipstamatics’ “birth place”, Grand Central in Ponsonby. The spell-binding artist also performs as part of Two Many Chiefs, and has supported a number of New Zealand jazz acts including Andrew Faleatua at Samoana Jazz Festival and the 2015 Pacific Music Awards, as well as providing live vocals for kiwi electronic outfit Sola Rosa.
2019 will be the year Lou’ana releases her debut solo material to the world, as she takes to the road on a number of dates soon to be announced.