29 June 2021 - 0 Comments
For the past 20 years or so reggae maestros Katchafire have usually spent much of their year travelling playing festivals and headlining shows around the world, but with international touring off the table, the band have kept themselves busy writing and recording at home in New Zealand.
Their next offering Whaingaroa is an ode to a much revered town in Aotearoa, set for release on July 9 – written and sung by percussionist Leon Davey (who also played drums + guitar and produced the track), and co-produced by fellow Maori legend Tiki Taane.
Katchafire’s first overseas show for 2021 has been announced – at the Promiseland Festival on the Gold Coast in Australia on October 2, with more Australian gigs to be announced soon.
When the world went into lockdown in March last year, Katchafire was in Hawaii and upon arriving back home to New Zealand were one of the first to ‘hotel quarantine’ for two weeks. UK/Europe/USA & Australian tours were all cancelled, so the team is very excited at the prospect of overseas shows now 18 months later.
Speaking about the release of the Whaingaroa single, Katchafire’s Leon Davey said:
“This song to me, is my finest work and a true labour of love. If I was to ever pick one of my songs that represent me, who I am, and what I stand for, it would be Whaingaroa.
The brightest and most memorable moments of my life were all in Whaingaroa during my youth, and no experience, memory, or drug in my older years could ever compare to those moments. Even now, when I’m surfing or catching up with friends and family in Whaingaroa, I find myself inadvertently being taken back to certain moments, or feelings that instantly put a smile on my face and make me grateful for being alive, and therefore feeling blessed.
And it is the constant world tours and travelling that has made me realise that Aotearoa is truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and that Whaingaroa is the only place where I can feel my spirit uplift and find true peace of mind. And Whaingaroa is the only place that makes me feel like every morning is a new blessing.
With this song, I want listeners to try see life through my eyes, and just how beautiful life truly can be when you become grateful for some of her simple gifts, such as a red sunset, the hills and skies reflection off the ocean, beautiful fresh morning walks along the beach, clear night swims at the camping ground, or a bending moon beam bending down the face of a glassy wave.
Even when I was alone in Whaingaroa, I never felt alone, I felt like I was forever in an invisible embrace.
I think it’s time for me to go back. But this time I’m never leaving.”
Katchafire - Whaingaroa
out July 9
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