18 November 2022 - 0 Comments

Aotearoa’s first virtual band has had a HUGE year so far, releasing a single every month since June. Their next single, out this Friday November 18th, is well worth getting amped about. On My Waka features a very special guest – Rei.

In On My Waka, Rei calls out the doubters, who watch quietly from the sidelines, then come out of the woodwork once you hit the big time to try and jump on your waka.

Rei says about the collaboration, “I'm stoked to link up with the BLKLIST team as I'm a big fan of their mahi.”

Each member of BLKLIST performs under their virtual pseudonyms: musicians JC (Jasey Cones) and Oroko, and producer Besu. If you could imagine the Gorillaz when they first emerged in 1998, well you're now blessed with BLKLIST in 2022 right here in Aotearoa/NZ.

Their unique bass-heavy, melody-driven, electro-trap sound crosses genres. They also have a knack of pulling in some heavy-hitting collaborators: first Troy Kingi on The Way We Were, and now Rei – with more to come.

Rei is also riding high right now, releasing his first full-length te reo album Ariki on Friday November 25th. His sixth studio album in seven years, Rei is cementing his place as one of the most prolific and forward-thinking te reo artists in Aotearoa. Made with tautoko from Te Māngai Pāho and NZ on Air, Ariki is 14 waiata of pop, rap, reggae, drill, hip hop and RnB, all in te reo Māori. After travelling to Europe twice this year showcasing his future Māori music, Rei is looking forward to shows around Aotearoa on his Ariki tour this summer.

BLKLIST are currently prepping to unleash their live show this summer too – you can expect these songs to resonate your aural sensors and beat through your toes when turned into energetic live versions across stages nationwide.

As BLKLIST say, “Not wanting to fit into one sound, we want to make music that makes your head nod, heart pump, and lungs hurt!”

Get on BLKLIST and Rei’s waka today: Listen to On My Waka at Bandcamp

Enter BLKLIST's world here.

Get On My Waka here

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