Quintessentially Raglan-based band Masaya has released the fun new single ‘Soda Dreams’ and it’s set to be a summer floor filler.
Filled with catchy hooks, ‘Soda Dreams’ was written during the lockdown period and is all about what is at the essence of the five-piece band, going out dancing and socialising with friends but they say it’s also a state of mind.
“It’s about when you’re trapped in a mental state that is too boring or annoying so you drift into your Soda Dream and that’s where you actually want to be,” says lead vocalist for Masaya, Reiki Ruawai.
Sonically, ‘Soda Dreams’ is a new in-between genre sound for the band. “This single was about finding a new and funky genre of music to jump into, kind of in-between our unique style of indie reggae with a touch of funk.”
The single is a follow-up from their 2019 EP, TONGUE & GROOVE, which they released two singles from - ‘Tale of the Moonshine’ and ‘Shake the Sun’, picking up thousands of streams on Spotify.
Alongside the single release, the band will be performing on August 14 at Wellington’s Meow and at Turoa Lodge in Ohakune on August 15. They have also been announced to play at the Rhythm & Vines Warm Up on the Garden Stage in December, as well as Soundplash in Raglan in 2021.
Masaya was formed in 2019 when lead singer Reiki Ruawai needed to put together a band for a university assignment. He coaxed his sister, Kaea, to jump on the drums and friend Muroki Pearsall to play bass. Performing as a three-piece for a short time before they were joined by Jules Blewman (Tunes of I) on lead guitar and Joe Kaptein on keys. As a five-piece, they recorded their 2019 EP, TONGUE & GROOVE and have been playing wildly successful live shows and festivals ever since.
Catch them touring over the coming months, starting with Meow in Wellington on August 14, tickets available HERE and Turoa Lodge in Ohakune on August 15 (free entry).