Aotearoa’s own Dallas Tamaira has unveiled his latest single, “Stormy.” The track, which has its roots in a heartening blend of soul and jazz, serves as a teaser for his forthcoming solo EP, Levels, set to launch on 3rd November 2023 via Sony Music NZ.
Tamaira’s “Stormy” blends Ethio-jazz influenced horns with vintage dub elements, and it’s all brought together by his velvety vocals. The piece aims to evoke emotions of navigating through challenging times and provides solace to those who need it, reminiscent of a union between King Tubby and Marvin Gaye for contemporary listeners.
Speaking about his first solo EP in a quarter-century, Dallas shared mixed feelings of anticipation and relief. He started crafting Levels during lockdown, with themes that revolve around escapism, creation of new realms, and the journey of reinforcing relationships. Tamaira remarked, “I’m truly proud of it, and I’m deeply grateful for the incredible team who supported me in its realization.”
Dallas is widely recognized as the voice behind New Zealand’s iconic band, Fat Freddy’s Drop. His initial foray into the arts commenced over 30 years ago with Pacific Underground, a pioneering arts group.
Upon relocating to Wellington in the late 1990s, collaborations began with DJ and producer Chris Faiumu, which eventually led to the inception of Fat Freddy’s Drop. Fast forward two decades, and the group stands as one of New Zealand’s major musical influences of the 21st Century.
However, the pandemic brought touring to a standstill. This unforeseen break ushered in a period of renewed creativity for Dallas. Joining forces with award-winning producer Devin Abrams, the duo co-wrote and recorded three singles over the past few years, achieving substantial acclaim and amassing millions of streams.
Dallas’s upcoming EP, Levels, shaped with the expertise of producer Abrams and engineer Mu, promises a novel musical terrain over its six tracks. As someone who has consistently delivered captivating performances, this EP showcases Tamaira’s exploration of his artistic identity, reflecting both strength and warmth.
“Stormy” is available to listen to below. Fans can look forward to Levels, set to release on 3rd November through Sony Music NZ.
#Peace.Love.Stormy
