01 November 2024 - 0 Comments

Otautahi duo Dillastrate (Henare Kaa, Tim Driver) have today released their powerful and heartfelt new soul-pop single Don’t Say It - alongside a 1980’s inspired music video!

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The dreamy new single effortlessly blends smooth vocals, a pounding beat, soaring piano, washy synths, and tender lyrics that reflect on the challenges of leaving behind unhealthy relationships.

“Inside, you are hurting and grappling with emotional turmoil,” says Tim, “despite the pain, you realise that enduring the struggle to get out is a necessary step towards breaking free and reclaiming your independence.”

The powerful message was brought to life when Dillastrate wrote the track at FiveAM Studios in Tāmaki Makaurau, where Don’t Say It was later recorded and mixed alongside producer Rory Noble. Additional piano parts were recorded at Roundhead Studios, before the stunning new single was sent to Benny Tones at Organik Muzik Workz in Wellington for mastering.

Today’s release follows what is proving to be an exponential career for the duo, having cemented their place across Aotearoa charts and radioplay, and garnering fans further afield since their debut EP in 2017. More recently, singles Kei Whati Te Marama, Ko Tātou Te Ahi Feat. Kiwi legend Tiki Taane, Taku Aroha, I’m Crazy, and more have seen Dillastrate become regular residents in RadioScope and NZ Official Music charts, enjoying airplay across commercial and independent radio alike. Alongside pick up on DSP playlists such as Spotify’s Island Time, Soulful, Waiata Reo Māori, and Apple Music’s New In Pop, Best of The Week and Te Reo Māori - not to mention extensive touring and festival performances that have seen the duo regularly play to crowds of over 20,000.

“Don't Say It is relatively distinctive in comparison with our previous releases,” says Tim, “but it has a continuity of vibe that speaks to the diverse influences, experience and musical ability of Dillastrate.”

Made with the support of NZ On Air, the new single is released alongside a gorgeous new music video, with an unmissable 80's flare. The video was directed, shot and produced by Taine Noble at Studio 22 in Auckland, with choreography by Ihaia Yok-Gee Kereama Kunaiti. “The video sits somewhere between a good-natured jab at and a full noise piss-take of the idiosyncratic music videos of the 80s.”

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