Music News - Maioha Silver Scroll winner AJA releases intimate new single + video 'Feel It'
23 March 2023 - 0 Comments
Ahead of her Cuba Dupa festival performance, singer and producer AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) has today released her beautiful new single + video Feel It.
Feel It is yet another stunning single from the 2022 APRA Maioha Silver Scroll Award winner, who started composing this track 12 years ago, alongside Te Kawa Herangi, Peter Riley and Sam Notman. Heavily influenced by artists D'angelo and Jill Scott, the vibe of the track is indicative of a real Wellington city sound. The jazz influence. The punchy horn section cajoled by gospel drums. The heavy hip-hop RnB, funky backbeat drive - and an intimate, tender and dynamic melody powerfully sung by AJA. This track expands into a bigger sound and brings forth a powerful, trustworthy song journey.
“It speaks about a dream,” says AJA. “A symbol of deep emotion and energy. ‘Feel it’ connects to the constant, to frequent thoughts and feelings of desire. It reveals truth. It’s explosive and passionate. It’s a self revelation.”
Feel It was recorded live at The Massey Studios in Wellington, by engineers Mike Gibson and Thomas Te Taite. Lucky for fans, the studio and performance magic of Feel It was visually captured by DOP Timon Zeiss and editor Tama Kawha. This time was made possible by producer, musician and Massey University Artist in Residence Delaney Davidson, who dedicated a day of his residency to AJA. “The band and film crew had full access to the entire recording space and gear to track and record the new content. It’s a serious and sassy live showcase, with all the instruments on display and me fronting the band and my music.”
AJA is also currently fronting her 12 piece band on her summer tour: a culmination of a life in music and dedication to her people, her vision and future. She recently headlined at Newtown Festival (5 March) and has the final show at Cuba Dupa 2023 coming up on Saturday 25 March.
AJA Ropata (Ngāti Toa rangatira, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou) is an industry professional in both Māori education and music whose talents and influences are to create and produce music in both te reo Māori and Pākehā. In Matariki 2019 AJA released her debut single Non-Handler, then in NZ Music Month 2020, her second single Kāwai was released. It explores themes of creation and environmental awareness. AJA was recently presented the esteemed 2022 APRA Maioha Award for collaboration waiata Te Iho alongside Byllie-Jean and Chris Wethey. First-time finalist and winners, AJA says it was another proud moment elevating contemporary waiata reo Māori. AJA’s voice and musical arrangements talk intimately to a wide audience luring listeners along a vast musical soundscape. With much-anticipated upcoming performances booked and a debut album being worked on alongside producer, singer and musician, Mara TK (Electric Wire Hustle), AJA is an artist you don’t want to miss!
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