You could say this week is a week of fresh starts for rising RnB star ZËxÏÏ, with news of being named as a recipient of the inaugural Six60 Scholarship as well as the release of his latest single, Done.
Fittingly, Done is an ode to leaving tough times behind and brand new beginnings and while his own spirits have already been lifted by the $10,000 that come with his scholarship, he hopes his track will be something positive for all New Zealanders.
"New Zealand is really going through it right now and I wanted to make an uplifting anthem, something to boost people's morale and not just another down-buzz sad song."
Straight off the back of the simultaneously smooth and funky Indigo, ZËxÏÏ's second release, in what is a linked pair, features a flawless vocal cameo by Henry Beasley from indie-pop darlings Balu Brigada.
This combination of voices and attitude has resulted in three minutes of dance-floor ready pop that's sure to worm its way into the ears and hearts of Kiwis this summer.
Hot on the heels of the release of Done will be a music video ZËxÏÏ says is inspired by the spirit of other trail-blazing local artists Kings and Six60.
“This video is what happens when a bunch of students have a huge dream, a lot of drive and zero budget. I feel like Kings when he shot his video on his phone or like Six60 when they made music in their flat - there's nothing that hits hard like using your limitations to make something beautiful.”