25 February 2024 - 0 Comments

Emerging singer-songwriter Imani-J announces the release of her debut independent single North Star, released Friday 23 February 2024. A Smokefree Tangata Beats National Solo/Duo Winner and 3x Play It Strange National Finalist, fifteen-year-old Imani-J debuts her emotive pop ballad as a tribute to someone incredibly important and special in her life. North Star has wide appeal as a heartfelt and uplifting song and would also be well suited as a soundtrack for TV and film.

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Youth artist Imani-J has had 4 song releases prior to North Star, all made possible through song competitions, so releasing her debut independent single is the next big step in her musical journey. North Star is written for her maternal granddad to celebrate and acknowledge the prominent role he has played in her life, and how his love and bond has been pivotal in guiding and inspiring her.

Recorded at Parachute Studios in Auckland with producer Christian Tjandrawinata and vocal producer Tali [MC Tali], North Star is also a family collaboration. Harmonies in the chorus include Imani-J’s cousin and musician/producer Kahu Sanson-Burnett, and mum Emily, and cover art by her aunty the grammy nominated visual artist Sarah Larnach.

“North Star is a really personal song for me about my Granddad. He’s always been a huge part of my life since I was born. His loving nature, caring ways and humour make him one of my all time favourite people. He is well deserving of his own song, and for his 80th birthday I decided to write one for him. It just poured out of me. The song is about some of the memories we share and how grateful I am for them and to have him in my life.” [ Imani-J, February 2024 ]

“As a surprise my cousin Kahu and mum sing harmonies in the last chorus and my aunty Sarah [Sarah Larnach Art] did the single cover art. It’s a family collaboration so that adds an extra dimension to how special this release is.” [ Imani-J, February 2024 ]

The release of North Star heralds an exciting development in the solo project of Imani-J showcasing her melodic and lyric ideas developed into a radio and TV worthy song. She is a composer, lyricist, multi-instrumentalist and sings in English, Te Reo Māori and French. Imani-J is gathering formative experiences as both a performer and studio artist and in the process is catching the attention of established musicians and producers.

“Imani-J is unquestionably a star in the making. A highly skilled songwriter and performer, she displays maturity well beyond her years. In the studio, she stands out as one of the most cooperative and delightful artists to work with, and being part of her artistic journey has been a genuine pleasure.” [ Christian Tjandrawinata - Producer, January 2024]

A special pre-release live performance of North Star by Imani-J at The Golden Bear in Mapua on Sunday 18th February with Granddad in the audience was a touching and teary moment for family members watching. “Music has the incredible power to connect and move people, and North Star is one of those songs that you’ll want to have on repeat to remind you of what’s important in life.” [Emily Sanson - Mum, February 2024]

Also planned in the next few months, with the help of more family members is a video for North Star shot in Paris at Christmas time by her aunty and uncle.

With more than 30 original songs already registered with APRA, and only a handful previously released online through song competitions, you can look forward to hearing more from Imani-J in 2024, and beyond.

North Star is being distributed through DRM NZ and is out now all major streaming platforms.

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