Bio

SKILAA’s sound is equal parts RnB, alternative, progressive folk and hip-hop. It’s something you can’t quite put your finger on, but you know you like it.

The Auckland-based six-piece started writing together in late 2017 after meeting through Auckland University’s Jazz programme. The initial success of their first singles Bluffin and Way of The World have secured them as K’Rd’s favourite party-starters and have allowed them to recently emerge with promise throughout the country, featuring at festivals such as Great Sounds Great and Welcome to Nowhere.

Vocally, there are influences from traditional Bulgarian harmonies, West African pop, Gospel and RnB, and Chelsea’s Greek-Cypriot heritage. Melismatic singing and close harmonies all feed into the ethereal vocal arrangements that SKILAA are known for.

The band consists of Chelsea Prastiti (lead vox, writing), Michael Howell (guitar, writing), Adam Tobeck (Drums), Tom Dennison (bass, writing), Helen Pahulu and Lea Anae (backing vocals).

Recently SKILAA were awarded funding by the NZ Music Commission to carry out a successful NZ Tour with capacity crowds upon the release of their single I Never Knew. This single was #1 on bFM's Top 10, made it onto NZ Hot Chart, SRN chart, Radioscope chart, and was played across Student Radios throughout NZ. They have twice recently been awarded Music Video funding by New Zealand On Air. Their long-awaited debut album Tiger In The River is set for release in 2024.

Band Members:
Chelsea Prastiti (lead vocals)
Michael Howell (guitar)
Tom Dennison (bass)
Adam Tobeck (drums)
Helen Pahulu (backing vocals)
Lea Anae (backing vocals)

Links

• Artist Website
• Facebook Page
• Twitter Page
• Youtube Page
• Instagram Page
• Bandcamp Page
• Spotify Page
• Apple Music Page