What first motivated you to get involved with music?
At the beginning of 2012 I made a commitment and that was to take every opportunity that came my way no matter how big or small, and one day I was listening to The Edge, I heard they were creating a boy band and were holding auditions, so I decided to look further into it. Two years later, here I am.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I have many, but my favorite highlights are performing on stage with Hot Chelle Rae at Vector Arena; and also listening to our first single being played on national radio for the first time, knowing that all of my whanau and friends were listening.
What was the most embarrassing moment you have had on stage or behind the scenes?
Sometime last year, we were asked to perform for Motown Week on Good Morning, so we did. When we performed, I ended up forgetting my verse and freestyling something else. That was pretty embarrassing, the boys still give me stick about it. But hey, I know what it feels like now.
What does New Zealand Music Month mean to you?
We have some very talented and renowned artists that have great music and work really hard to create it. The sad thing is, people take it for granted and think of it as "these guys are rich and famous, what I would give to live that life". But the reality of it is that music is one of the hardest careers to have. Musicians sacrifice time, money, effort, privacy and many more things to do what they are passionate about; and strive to reach that one moment that will make all of that hard work worth it. New Zealand Music Month means a time to appreciate our local musicians and the real value of music.
Why is it important to celebrate home-grown artists?
Because they are close to home, locals can relate to them, they have quality music that we can connect to more because it was created here in our homeland and because they are, in a way, ambassadors for our country.
What is the best thing about coming from Rotorua?
Rotorua is well known for its Maori culture and beauty, and being Maori myself, it just feels comforting to know that I was born and raised here. The community of Rotorua is also very supportive of any local people succeeding. We are small but strong. Another thing is that my whanau and friends from here are always behind me, motivating me and pushing me.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Learn yourself and your craft before jumping into something. Learn the style of music that best suits you, know your personality, and have your goals set in stone. If you have these things in place, you have a solid foundation for what follows. It is easy for musicians to lose their style, their feel, their personality and what they stand for when they get caught in the spotlight. So be sure to learn who you are, what you have and what you want so that when the time comes, you are unbreakable.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I have always dreamed of being an actor, so I want to have a lead or supporting role in a Hollywood movie.
I want to release a song worldwide with the band that reaches a position on international charts, and I want to be able to know several different styles of dance and be fluid in them. But most of all, I want to continue to inspire rangatahi (young people) to be more than they ever think they could be and do more than they think they can. I just want to make my family and friends proud.
