29 July 2022 - 0 Comments

Award-winning Aotearoa country artist Ainslie Allen has today released Hoki Mai ki a Au, the stunning te reo version of her track Old You from her recently released album Betty.

Listen to Hoki Mai ki a Au HERE

Powerful, honest and raw, Hoki Mai ki a Au is about losing someone you love dearly to addiction.

“This is my te reo version of Old You from my album Betty,” says Ainslie. “I wanted to dedicate a song to those who have experienced or are experiencing the fight with addiction and battling their demons, and those who are supporting them. I hope my waiata reflects my determination and perseverance, and encouragement to those who are going through similar life situations.”

Kindly supported by Te Māngai Pāho. The track was recorded at The Sitting Room in Lyttelton, written by Ainslie Allen and Allan Caswell, produced and mixed by Ben Edwards and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studio.

“We added Taonga Pūoro by Jake Kīanō Skinner (Ngāti Rangitihi) to the track,” says Ainslie, of the recording of Hoki Mai ki a Au. “I also shared many memorable moments with my ‘in studio’ Te Reo Adviser, e kare, Kommi Tamati-Elliffe.”

Also announced today are the live dates of the Betty tour, in which Ainslie Allen will perform 14 shows across Aotearoa throughout September and October 2022, celebrating the recent release of her incredible album, Betty.

Tickets on sale now, available HERE

Ainslie Allen (Rongowhakaata) has had an impressive career to date. Her first professional singing engagement was for Sir Edmond Hillary, and at 16 she went on to win Smokefreerockquest’s most prestigious Female Musician Award. The same year, she starred in McDonald's Young Entertainers, a hit New Zealand TV talent show, making 'Ainslie Allen' a household name.

Other career highlights include playing the MAIN stage at Rhythm and Vines 2020, being part of Waiata Anthems Week 2021, and a finalist for Best Māori Wāhine Solo Artist at the Waiata Māori Music Awards 2021.

Ainslie is NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year, a double graduate of the 2018/2019 CMAA Academy of Country Music. She is 7 x finalist for the NZ Gold Guitar Awards 2019.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the magic of Ainslie Allen live on tour this year, and until then, get to know Ainslie through today’s deeply personal release. As Ainslie says, “I’m an honest soul, so I tend to write ‘real’ life songs, and I’m sure there are many listeners out there, from all walks of life, who can relate. This is for you!”

Hoki Mai ki a Au is funded by Te Māngai Pāho. Listen HERE

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