Hitting the road: Fran Kora (Kora)

What is your preferred mode of travel for the summer tour?

Maui campervan.

Who's in charge of the stereo/iPod, and what's on it?

No one in particular is in charge. If the van has an aux input we can listen to anything from Shapeshifter, Steve Vai, Major Lazer, Nile Rogers, Daft Punk and Katchafire to Roots Manuva.

Favourite place to grab a feed while out on the road?

Ohiwa Oyster Farm!

Your favourite summer venue?

Oh that's a tough one. I have always loved playing at the Coroglen Tavern. Reminds me a lot of when I played music with my dad as a young kid.

Where else are you looking forward to visiting along your tour route?

I really love it in the Hokianga. Lots of seafood, amazing coastlines with a stunning harbour, and really laid-back people.

Best spot for a quick dip in the ocean, or an inviting swimming hole?

I love surfing, so Taranaki or Gisborne are the areas we are travelling to for good waves. Mangawhai Heads or the Hokianga Harbour have some great places for swimming as well.

What song will you be playing to really get the crowd going?

Hit the Wall. It is a very politically motivated song that people in Aotearoa can easily relate to in these current times, and especially against this current Government.

What are your plans for New Year's Eve?

We are celebrating with a show at Butlers Reef in Taranaki, alongside Katchafire and a bunch of our friends with local MC Tali. We get to farewell 2013 in fine musical style.

Do you have any New Year's traditions?

It seems like every year I say I'm gonna do something physically amazing, then nek minnit ...

Do certain styles of music make more sense during the hot and sweaty months of summer?

Any music that suits the festive season, or music that you can relax to at the beach or around the barbecue. The Wiggles works for the kids, no matter what season you are in, haha.

Is it tough having to work over the summer break when everyone else is on holiday?

It has its moments, but as a musician nothing is more satisfying than watching people celebrate and surrender themselves to the music.

Ideal summer music fest dream team line-up?

Shapeshifter, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Daft Punk, Fela Kuti, James Brown, Roots Manuva, Erykah Badu, Prince, Outkast, Grace Jones and Fleetwood Mac.

Kora play Black Barn Vineyard, Havelock North, Dec 20; Commercial Hotel, Whakatane, Dec 21; Waihi Beach Hotel, Dec 26; Coroglen Tavern, Coromandel, Dec 27; BW Campgrounds, Gisborne, Dec 28; Station Village, Lower Hutt, Dec 29; Butlers Reef, Oakura, Dec 31; Opononi Hotel, Jan 2; Mangawhai Tavern, Jan 3; Brewers Field, Mt Maunganui, Jan 4.

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- TimeOut