19 May 2023 - 0 Comments

Inspired by the challenges that life brings, the dynamic pair have released their moving new waiata Aroā. Aro share their newest waiata, following the release of Know How an English language version of the song, released on May 5th. The Waiata Anthems version of this tune, supported by APRA Te Tautāwhinga and Creative NZ is out now, and leads into another nationwide tour through Matariki with Arts on Tour NZ.

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The release also follows their recently announced nomination for APRA AMCOS Te Korokoro Tūī - Best Children's Song, for their Top 10 NZ single Kia Mau released in 2022.

Kia Mau captured hearts & minds around the motu with the pair's stunning vocals and the video's whānau feels; filmed at Charles and Emily’s home, with their little daughter, friends and family, at a time when there was a lot of division amongst the hearts of many Kiwis during the Covid times.

Timed perfectly for NZ Music Month, Aroā, features Aro’s heartwarming and passionate sound, with their vocals melding together in unity to share a message of hope. “Its release is dedicated, in particular, to those who lost so much through cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year and others who have suffered with the recent weather events in Aotearoa.”

“Sometimes, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other is the best we can do. We wrote this song last year when something didn’t go the way we had hoped, which gave us the opportunity/the need to see things with a fresh perspective, like a blank canvas. Through that time we reminded ourselves that everything was going to be okay, as we know who we are, we know where we come from and we’ll figure out where we’re going as we do, as things unfold.”

The Silver Scroll APRA Maioha Award and APRA Best Children’s Award Finalists, are made up of husband and wife Charles (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata, Te Ati Awa) and Emily Looker (nee Rice). The Auckland based pair share a passion for the power of language and music to tell stories and remind us of our cultural identity. The pair have become well known for their multi-genre offering of storytelling pop, RnB, electronic and jazz, fusing vocals, tāonga puoro and chants, and for often exploring the ideas of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga - looking after ourselves, looking after each other and looking after our environment.

Aro have been performing nationwide in Aotearoa since 2017 with headline tours, festival dates and on tour support, as well as having had their music & performances featured on radio, TV & press around the country numerous times in recent years. Both Emily & Charles have successful careers in music as individuals, but meld together with a stunning harmony and a breathtaking loving presence as Aro.

The duo are also taking their music on the road through July in celebration of Know How/Aroā and their recent releases - He Wai, Manu and He Manu Anō. The pair are performing 20 shows from Kaeo to Hokitika during and around Matariki 2022, as part of Arts on Tour - where they will be bringing their intimate storytelling performance to venues, mostly off the beaten track around the country.

Aro 2022 Matariki Tour Dates to be announced soon – with 20 shows from Kaeo to Hokitika

Tour details - Details and tickets can be found soon at aromusic.co.nz

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