29 November 2024 - 0 Comments

Award-winning Aotearoa artist AJA has today shared her timeless, unraveling and hypnotic bilingual debut album Kāwai.

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7 years in the making, today’s body of work from this bona fide talent is a truly authentic display of an artist finding her voice and inviting listeners into the inner-workings of her world. Alongside producer Mara TK (Electric Wire Hustle, Meeting House Records), and a talented network of band members, collaborators, and features, AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Āti Awaki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) effortlessly blends her ethereal melodies and flexes mesmerizing vocal agility with introspective musings on the world around her.

“Kāwai is a reflection of who I am, who I love, what I have respect for and what I value,” says the artist.

Rich in influences from te ao Pākeha and te ao Māori, Kāwai births a unique fusion of these worlds, a new flavour of indigenous soul music reflective of AJA and her community. Gently pulling apart the fourth wall, the Pōneke-based creative invites listeners into the homes in which the record took form, to experience the kōrero, whānau, and aroha that fill these spaces. “These spaces became sanctuaries for the creative process,” explains AJA. “In between takes, kōrero would unfold - moments of reflection, connection and laughter found their way into the fabric of the music.”

The album’s creative roots date back as far as 27 years ago with 2023 single Te Reo Ki Whakarongotai - an ode to the preservation of mātauranga, reo, and traditions of Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai - the marae and iwi to which AJA belongs. Explorations of motherhood, mana wāhine, the digital age and consumerism, whakapapa, whānau, and community are all rife in the thematic foundations of Kāwai.

The record also features recent single Quiet Storm - the breathtaking collaborative fruit between AJA and rising Pōneke MC MĀ. Today, listeners are engulfed in the dreamy warmth of new single Mutual Behaviour - which reflects on AJA’s upbringing in Porirua. She describes the track as “a journey from ever since, until now - an introduction to me.” Kōpere joins the list as another previously unreleased stand-out track, musing on sibling relationships and taking inspiration from a poem written by Keita Newbery, which was then adapted into theatre-art show Toi Aamai - produced by brother Tola Newbery (actor, theatre practitioner and multidisciplinary artist).

Made with the support of NZ on Air, the journey of capturing Kāwai took flight in Mara TK’s home studio in Newtown, Wellington. Weaved with the impressive musicianship of AJA’s band; Mara TK (producer/engineer, sitar, bass, guitar, vocals), Riki Gooch (drums), Cory Champion (drums), Peter Riley (Bass), Te Kawairirangi Herangi (guitar), Jules Blewman (guitar), Trey Ropata (guitar), Briar Barnsley (vocals), Daniel Hayles (keys), Leonardo Coghini (keys), Louisa Williamson (flute), Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper (strings), and Tola Newbery (vocals) - the work continued across AJA’s homes in Ōtautahi and Porirua, before mixing was completed by Mara and mastering by Bennytones (Ben Horton) of Organik Music and Mike Gibson. “This process wasn’t just about making music - it was about creating memories, sharing stories, opening the door to our life with whānau at the center of it all.”

You can also get very excited about seeing AJA perform live on the upcoming L.A.B summer tour! For more info and tickets head HERE

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