‘That’s Us!’ is set for release Friday 15th September via Rhythmethod.
‘That’s Us!’ features 12 tracks of original waiata. All songs and lyrics composed by Modern M?ori Quartet; James Tito, Maaka Pohatu, Matariki Whatarau, Francis Kora & Matu Ngaropo.
The album, produced by Francis Kora, features some of New Zealand’s most talented musicians including Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper (Co-Producer/Strings), Dixon Nacey (Guitar), Chris O’Connor (Drums), Thabani Gapara (Saxophone), Andy Cochrane (Keyboard), Awhimai Fraser (Vocals) and Temuera Morrison (Vocals).
“Shine is a song that celebrates children.
Written specifically for Coco Kora (Fran Kora’s daughter), it is a father’s message to his child, encouraging her to dream big and pursue any path her heart desires.
This song is for “all the kids in the world” and reminds them that they are able to achieve whatever they set their minds to, as long as they have the support and love of their parents and wider family.
As MMQ, we operate more as a wh?nau than a band or business. Working in this way is fundamental to us and also keeps us rooted in the reasons why we do what we do.
Shine is the perfect way to share that message and was the obvious choice for the first release.
It also has a strong, comfortable feel that is clear and joyful, which we believe represents us truthfully. Furthermore, it was our first original song written in English and has had a good couple of years to sink into our bones.
It feels right that this song should be our first voice in the world.
MMQ x”
You can download/stream Shine today from iTunes // Spotify
The award-winning Modern M?ori Quartet are a good looking, suave contemporary M?ori showband in the vein of forebears such as the Hi-Marks, M?ori Volcanics Showband, Dalvanius and the Fascinations, M?ori Troubadours, M?ori Hi-Five, Quin Tikis and The Howard Morrison Quartet.
Their debut album “That’s Us!” is set for release 15th September 2017. The album highlights their voices in epic harmony as they share M?ori traditions and tell New Zealand stories through original waiata with humour, charm, and class. Growing up performing in garage parties, this is a story of rags to flash rags.
“That’s Us!” features all original waiata, as band member Matariki Whatarau explains,“We’ve been singing covers for years and you know, we thought… why not?! The spirit of this album comes from the M?ori garage party, reminiscent of the parties of years gone by when someone would pick up a guitar and the music would flow. We strongly believe that real stories told with truth and conviction should be at the forefront of who we are – and that’s exactly what we set out to do with the creation of our first album”.
It’s been a whirlwind five years for the independent music group, they have toured throughout New Zealand – most recently on a 12 date tour with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra – to England, Wales, Uzbekistan, Hawaii, Rarotonga, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia. In June this year, the group head to Brisbane as part of the Queensland Cabaret Festival and are performing all around Aotearoa this June/July as part of Matariki on the Move. Their live shows are a classy celebration of Kiwi music honouring the legends of M?ori showbands that will warm your heart and make you cry with laughter.
“There can be no doubt that this quartet deserves the reputation that they are gaining internationally … they represent the best of the mighty showband tradition.” – Stuff
