Following on from her recently released single ‘Abstract’, artist Tīpare is treating fans to a ‘B-Side’ release ‘Quicksand’.
Taking her cue from when singles were commonly released on vinyl with an A-side and a B-side, this new track was written in her homeland area of Aria in Te Nehenehenui and showcases her diversity of musical taste.
“I was living back in my rohe surrounded by the hills of my people and I remember having this distinct sense about the depth of indigenous love. This powerful feeling that no one should ever underestimate the intensity of historical love. It felt like a film in my head.
Tīpare says she always knew she wanted piano on the track, so sent her close friend, Raliegh Neal an acapella recording of the song, which he sent back a recording with exactly what she wanted.
“Raliegh’s an African American and Native pianist, and it felt like, from that union, I had a responsibility to make something that respected all of us. I spent many nights and days uncovering the additional soundscape I wanted.”
Being influenced by spacial-driven producers like James Blake and Frank Ocean, where the “wairua lives in each sound,” Tīpare worked once again entrusted award-winning engineer Neil Baldock with the mix.
“I’m very grateful for how Neil handled the mix with such insight and grace. He is a huge part of bringing my imagination to life in musical form.”
As with ‘Abstract’, the artist wrote, arranged, performed, recorded and produced ‘Quicksand’ - something that has been hugely important to her.
Tīpare is a wahine clearly paving her own path, creating music that feels both nostalgic and contemporary - going from a club in 70s Los Angeles, to a 2000s Bloc party in New York - or a whare in Aotearoa. Fuelled with stories to tell and the skills to create, Tīpare is an artist to watch.
Follow Tīpare: