Get ready to groove to the energetic beats of ‘F.E.M Man’, a hot new dance track & unapologetic celebration of queerness from multifaceted, queer Māori artist Ardon England (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ati Awa, Kahuranaki Marae).
Listen to F.E.M Man HERE
‘F.E.M Man’ (Feminine. Emotional. Masculine Man) transports you back to the iconic club techno vibes of the 2000s - with a modern twist. This infectious dance sensation is a joyful, high-energy experience that invites you to hit the dance floor and enjoy a memorable fusion of nostalgia and innovation. Following on from the artist’s popular debut track ‘Leather Daddy’, which was released earlier this year, ‘F.E.M Man’ is a powerful queer anthem calling for transcendence of societal limitations.
“‘F.E.M Man’ is a bold declaration of self-acceptance and embracing every facet of our identity as queer individuals,” says Ardon. “It challenges the reductive term ‘fem boy’ which has, in the past, confined individuals who embody their feminine energy into a limiting label, stripping away their masculinity.” The track is also confronting the impact religion has had on many of the LGBTQ+ community - including the artists own struggles attending a religious school. Ardon says he hopes the track will encourage conversations about the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ identity and celebrate resilience within the queer community. “Ultimately, I aim to initiate discussions that contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world.”
Ardon says that having the track recorded, mixed and mastered in his hometown, Whanganui, allowed him to rewrite the challenges he experienced into a fun, creative, and empowering narrative. “It’s incredibly meaningful for me. This project is a tribute to growth, resilience, and the ability to turn adversity into art.”
Also released today is a powerful ‘F.E.M Man’ music video, filmed in St Augustine’s Church, Petone, Wellington by Mark Russke, The Renegade Peach Project and Lighting Fergus, Whanganui Tech Services. The team took the opportunity to reimagine what a church environment might be like if it embraced queer culture - blending elements of queer culture with religious symbolism. “The intention was to be bold, brave, and boundary-pushing in order to create a thought-provoking and impactful visual representation of the song's themes,” explains Ardon. “It was incredible to witness the willingness of numerous churches to offer their spaces for our video shoot. The transformation of these places over the years and their newfound openness was heartwarming and it was also important to us that we were respectful in how we operated in them. Striking the right balance was paramount. We aimed for a video that was both tasteful and respectful, all while effectively sharing my personal narrative.”
Watch the video HERE
Calling his music and live performance CAMPHOUSE - you can experience Ardon England LIVE at his single release party, 17 November, below the S&M Bar in Wellington with guest DJs Buddy Nice and Kandy. Limited tickets are available so be sure to secure your spot at Under The Radar HERE
A dynamic, queer, Māori creative, Ardon England has represented Aotearoa as a dancer & worked alongside some of our best dancers, entertainers & choreographers. He released his debut single ‘Leather Daddy’ early 2023, and with the release of ‘F.E.M Man’, it’s clear he’s just getting started! His music is inspired by his own experiences as a queer person in Aotearoa, and he aims to be the diverse, queer & inclusive representation in NZ’s House/Dance & electronic music scene.
Find Ardon England