Music News - Stan Walker releases momentous single 'Back To The River'
03 October 2024 - 0 Comments
Revered Māori artist, Stan Walker has released his new single Back To The River today following the release of its waiata Māori counterpart, Ki Taku Awa, during Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.
Walker (Tūhoe, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāi Tahu) says the track ends a seven year long journey as the prequel and final addition to the trilogy of I Am, Māori Ki Te Ao.
“It’s an exciting moment for me, both musically and personally as I close this trilogy, this chapter,” says Walker.
The Back To The River music video will also drop today, premiering on YouTube at 9pm NZT. The video signifies Walker’s return to his awa (river) and coming full circle to begin his healing journey with his whānau by his side.
Walker says the first line that guided the track in the writing process was “take me back to the river”. When that line was complete, Walker knew the song would take him back to a place of healing.
“Once we had the chorus, I wanted an old school soul sound to come through. There’s a familiar pain shared across the world from old soul artists. After 15 years of writing music, I’ve found that this kind of sound feels the most like home.”
Walker’s profound ability to capture raw emotion and aroha in his music has landed him double-finalist status at this year's Silver Scroll Awards.
One week after release, Ki Taku Awa charted at number one on the Hot NZ Singles Charts, number two on the Top 10 Te Reo Māori Singles Charts, and the only Aotearoa single on the Hot 40 Singles charts, at number ten.
Back To The River and Ki Taku Awa are available now on all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: Ben Marr
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - TOO SWEET
Hozier
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
There are currently no comments for this article. Please log in to add new comments.