When 16-year-old Skye Hine (Ngāti Porou, Tuhoe) first stood - quietly and bashfully - in front of the all-star panel on TVNZ’s Popstars in early 2021, she had written just a handful of original songs in her life. Debut single Outlier undeniably illustrates the fact that age, experience - and appearances - are no barriers to greatness in the music industry.
Skye Hine initially presented herself to Aotearoa’s television audiences as a shy, stoic teenager with a silky and soulful voice, stacked with potential but obviously unsure of her place amongst the talented industry veterans and contestants Popstars surrounded her with. Outlier lifts the lid on her transformation into a confident, authentic musical artist; as well as her journey into the final four of the show.
The opening lyrics of Outlier immediately provide fascinating insight into the world of reality TV as Hine walks us through a moment in her shoes.
I've only got one thing on my mind, so don't get in my way, and waste my time. Too busy thinkin’ ‘bout the dollar signs, you're after mine, that's outta line.
Hine’s debut release is a powerful statement of identity and strength the likes of which are rarely seen from a 16-year-old, indeed Outlier is bound to garner comparison to fellow local teen-sensations Lorde and Benee - and not without justification. Link to single ‘Outlier’: https://smarturl.it/skyehine