10 November 2023 - 0 Comments

Tāmaki Makaurau based Pasifika artist Brandn Shiraz releases new single Junior today, with support from NZ On Air. This track is not just another addition to his impressive discography; it is a testament to his ongoing legacy as a pillar in the community. Brandn Shiraz continues to captivate listeners with his unique sound, pushing the boundaries of creativity, and Junior is no exception.

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The release showcases his incredible lyricism and groundbreaking talents. Whilst having only released his debut self-titled EP in March 2023, he’s riding the wave of this success which saw him open for Melodownz Lone Wolf album tour, as well as playlisting on SRN and community stations all across New Zealand.

The single is accompanied by a stunning music video out on Wednesday 8th November, with the track out on all platforms on Friday 10th November.

Listed by Rolling Stone AU/NZ as one of “eight Kiwi artists tipped to take over”, Brandn Shiraz shows no signs of slowing down with his latest release. The production showcases Polynesian drums in the rhythms, a nod to his Cook Island heritage, and sees the young gun join forces with long time collaborator LSJ on the production credits.

Shiraz weaves American hip-hop and Caribbean reggae influences, alongside Polynesian drums and rhythms to forge his own unique sound. The track oozes with effortless style and a distinct island flare, guiding listeners through a narrative that touches on day to day island life, hustling, but also knowing your roots and putting on your people.

Of the song Shiraz says,“Apart from the odd kuki reference here and there, the lyrics are more just me telling everyone who I am and what I’m on. Since I was mainly raised in the city life, I’m still talking mad colonised half the time, but at the end of the day that’s my truth and it’s always good to own that. I feel like the contrast between these lyrics, with the video in the islands perfectly sums up what I’m all about.”

The accompanying music video was captured on a trip back home to Rarotonga, filmed by Devan Narsai, plus directed and edited by Bryce Selu Tobin. The music video is filled with typical scenes of island life – locals coming together for a drink, coconut husking and Sunday market fare – all following Shiraz as he immerses himself with his fellow community.

“In the music video, I wanted to show parts of the island that tourists don’t always see, that’s why there’s barely any footage at the beach – we just wanted to show real life. Most of the places we filmed we didn’t plan too much. Even the goat we used was just a random goat near my family’s plantation. We put him in the back of the truck for a few hours and dropped him off after the shoot.”

The release of Junior is not only a testament to Shiraz's unwavering commitment to musical excellence, but also a reminder of his incredible talent. It serves as a precursor to what promises to be an exciting chapter in his career.

“Your favourite rappers favourite rapper” – Red Bull, 64 Bars

“Our local hip hop scene continues to evolve and progress, and represent various diasporas as it does, and Brandn Shiraz, an artist on the cusp of breaking through, is one of its leading exponents.” – Tony Stamp (The Sampler, RNZ )

No stranger to the music scene, Shiraz has had a prolific output in the New Zealand underground from a young age. We saw him collaborating with lifelong friend Angelo 'Lightskinjohn' Tuteao and label/collective The Grow Room on DIY rap project Shiraz & LSJ, which gave him the confidence and experience to expand his songwriting capabilities.

Recently, Shiraz released an EP with Christoph El Truento from @Peace and Avantdale Bowling Club, he was invited onto David Dallas’ 64 Bars series, and earned props from Melodownz, who said if he could “bet all his money on anyone it’d be Shiraz”.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Brandn Shiraz’s next moves, as he opens for Renaissance Family’s, Natia the God, on November 25th alongside local legends Nauti, Mokomokai and Eno x Dirty, with many more releases on the way!

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