BOTH THE SINGLE AND VIDEO WAS DONE WITH THE INCREDIBLE SUPPORT OF NZ ON AIR
TJ TAOTUA has been working away on his original music and kicked off sharing what he created, earlier in the year, with the release of his track & video - ‘You and I’. To finish off the year strong, today he releases a new video and a completed EP – OVERDUE. The EP is a collection of tracks that TJ has worked on over the past few years, most unreleased and some released over the past 2 years. It is a reflection of the musical journey that he has been on, throughout his travels overseas (Hawaii) and collaborations with different writers & producers.
The OVERDUE EP shows TJ’s different styles but are all a reflection of his creativity and artistry. The title is literal, in thatvit is all well overdue to be released. But he is proud of what he has created.
TJ & HIS BAND ‘MINISTRY OF TONE’ WILL CELEBRATE THE RELEASE AND WRAP UP THE YEAR WITH A PERFORMANCE AT WOODSIDE IN MANUKAU ON FIRDAY NIGHT. LIMITED CAPACITY SO BOOK IN NOW!
Overdue, the single itself, reflects some of TJ’s influences growing up, particularly using the falsetto as the key tool to drive the song – Artist’s such as the Isley brothers, Prince, Eric Benet, Maxwell to name a few. The lyrics of the song have been written with an encouraging message behind it, for everyone and anyone that may have had aspirations or dreams but for whatever reason, it didn’t happen when you wanted it too. This track is about encouraging you and sending the message that its not too late. Your time to shine is well overdue. It is a song for everyone but more particularly our Pacific sisters – with lyrics like – “I wanna let you know, that its time to show the world that you’ve got what it takes to go all the way again, and make amends, dust yourself off and get up again….”
The last video TJ released for ‘You & I’ was a love story, but not your everyday typical story. However in this video for ‘Overdue’ TJ kept it simple but still personal:
“For a lot of my friends, and myself, we all grew up in the 90’s. So the video reflects 2 passions, Our love for RNB 90’s (which is reflected in our sharp approach to our dress code and ambient background) and our passion for our Pacific Culture (where we have the amazing Natalie Tovai setting the tone with her graceful Samoan siva and culture attire as a Taupou Manaia). I am also backed by my amazingly talented band The Ministry of Tone – Ben Tameifuna and Moses Atiola on BV’s, Isaac Etimani on Bass, Tim Samau on Drums and Jireh Falaniko on keys”.
TJ TAOTUA was born in Samoa, raised in Porirua and now resides in Auckland with his family. He grew up in the church which is where he learnt to play instruments and sing. At 19 TJ got into the Wellington covers scene and continues to perform covers and originals today. With influences that range from Boys to Men to The 5 Stars (Samoan band), there are elements in his music that appeal to a wide audience. In 2013 TJ released his first R&B soul single called ‘Foreign Queen’, followed up in 2014 by a Gospel EP, which went on to win a number of awards at the 2015 Pacific Music Awards. When it comes to performance, TJ just wants to share his music wherever he can, whether it be weddings or even opening shows for Eric Benet (2017), Musiq Soul Child (2012) and KC and Jojo (2007).