Sons of Zion: Hard yards done, now for summer fun

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Sons of Zion are hoping their second album Universal Love will have widespread appeal. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

They've put in the hard yards behind the scenes - now Sons of Zion are preparing to reap the rewards of their hard work with a summer playing gigs around the country.

The group's new album Universal Love was launched on Thursday night, almost four years after their debut album.

Now they have a big summer ahead of them, appearing around the country for the festival circuit, including Raggamuffin in Rotorua early next year.

Lead vocalist and former Rotorua man Rio Panapa said the band had worked hard to make sure their latest album had something for everyone. "We wrote it knowing we were going to release it at this time and with summer in mind."

Panapa said this album was "more stripped back" than their last one. "We tried to make stuff that people can sing along to. We're pretty proud of it and hope that the country latches on to it."

He admitted the album hadn't come about easily. "It was really, really hard for a bit. We struggled to find our groove."

But he said once they found that things happened fast.

Band mate Joel Latimer agreed the new album had a real summer vibe.

The recording spanned two different studios as well as work in their garage. Sam Eriwata said one of the biggest milestones was signing with Sony. "Just to have their support for things to go to the next level. It would have been really hard to do ourselves."

Panapa admits they're the type of band that "needs someone on our back".

He said it had been about six months since the group last performed in Rotorua and they were looking forward to getting on stage in front of the big Raggamuffin crowd.

"It should be an awesome day. I hear there is only one stage next year. It will be awesome to be on the same stage as the other big names," he said.

"[Touring] is definitely the reward. We've put the hard yards in the studio now we get to go out and enjoy it."

The band has had a big year with Tell Her achieving number one NZ Airplay. Their videos on YouTube are approaching almost one million views and they were nominated for Best Song by a Maori Artist and Best Song Writer at this year's Waiata Maori Music Awards.

Panapa and Eriwata also started the Aotearoa Reggae All Stars project contributing to a charity remake of Sensitive To A Smile to raise awareness and funds for child abuse.

Universal Love is available now.