Auckland based indie-pop artist Kaela, AKA Leah Navanua, is relatively fresh on the NZ musical scene, having only released her debut single Set Me Free in 2018, despite playing acoustic sets for a number of years. Her intimate new single Happy To Know You (HTKY), which is being released on May 1st, is a dreamy offering of lush harmonies.
Kaela has a unique sound; her soft modulating vocals packs a punch with impressive harmonies that undulate through Happy To Know You. It's heartfelt and emotional backed up by a solid beat and a haunting undertone. The mix of all the musical elements marries beautifully to create a stunning sound.
The ever popular descriptor “ethereal” has been used to describe Kaela’s musical offerings. Happy To know You backs this up with its graceful flow.
Happy To Know You would be perfect background music to an angst ridden TV show, the mood of the music setting the scene for a poignant moment tugging at the heartstrings. It's unique and refreshing with a dramatic flourish. This is a story of “gratitude to a past flame, an acknowledgement of the time spent together and the acceptance of a future dived.” Beautifully told.
Auckland based indie-pop artist Kaela merges her distinct vocal tone with nuanced harmony, dynamic beats and engaging melodic hooks to produce music that acts as a commentary to the tests and tribulations, joys and pleasures of modern day life. Subtle but with a notable emphasis on being refreshingly candour, Kaela is not shy when it comes to engaging in emotion. Often ethereal, always hard-hitting, her music speaks to the soul and continues to walk the fine line between pop-power and intimate offerings.