Grace Duncan's new track Come, We Must Go takes sounds from our lands and combines them into a cinematic experience that breathes with dynamics, taking us on a journey that begs to heard again. Te Reo is interwoven into the track, and transitions between languages is smooth and seamless.
What is so fantastic about this piece is the cinematic element I piece. For example, the elegant intro is built around swelling strings and traditional Maori instruments. It feels like you are in the forest, our wonderful lush landscapes slowly opening up. The song explores the ideas around being a Pakeha and with it the history of our European around colonisation. It is an uncomfortable truth that myself included have to deal with. Yet, it is done with elegance. Having recently completed a Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey University, Grace has bought everything she can to develop this idea and allow it to feel emotive and authentic. Her vocals feel and sound real, hints of Brooke Fraser and some of Coldplay's later sound are evident, which aligns with Grace's inspirations and influences growing up.
Overall, this is a fantastic piece of music that takes an idea and explorers it emotionally. The subject matter is something I know people think about. I know I do, since I was born in England and moved here in 1987. The way the music tells the story and brings it to life is a testament to Grace's ability to use music to give her lyrics such an emotional impact.
Well worth checking out and enjoying with headphones.
Raised in Heretaunga (Hastings), and now living in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), indie-folk singer-songwriter and composer Grace Duncan will draw you in with her beckoning voice, reflective lyrics and pensive melodies. Her intimate music offers musings on mental and emotional health, purpose, and identity within Aotearoa as she creates spaces to slow down and reflect. Grace grew up learning violin and guitar throughout her schooling and was quick to explore melodies and harmonies as they fell into her lap, bearing a resemblance to Aotearoa artists such as Brooke Fraser and Holly Arrowsmith.