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Pōneke-based soul-pop group Shivers have today shared their latest taonga, the uplifting and warm waiata reo Māori ‘Tahuti’ - alongside a moving new music video!
Today’s release combines a smooth bassline, cruisy guitar riffs and bright horn section, with the soulful melodies of lead vocalist Timmy Porter - who passionately sings of togetherness, lifting one another up, and being there for our most vulnerable. Originally written in english by Timmy, the kaupapa of ‘Tahuti’ is now amplified and strengthened through its transformational journey of integrating te reo Māori, bringing new layers to its confronting and raw message.
“Born from my personal experiences, ‘Tahuti’ was written for men who may see being vulnerable and asking for help as a sign of weakness,” says Timmy. “In my eyes that is really a strength. It is very open, honest and explicit in telling our bro's that we love them. We need to look out for each other, be there for each other through tough times, and that the small things we do can make a big difference.”
The group’s first single released in te reo Māori, ‘Tahuti’ follows what has been a steady climb to the top for Shivers (Timmy Porter, Adrian Win (Ngāruahine, Te Atiawa), Rick Cranson, Josh Parata (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Toa, Te Rarawa)) since their debut single ‘Right Of Way’ (#7 Hot NZ Singles Chart) in 2021. The group were the first recipients of Toby Lloyd’s Tiny Triumph Recordings Competition in 2020 - with Toby becoming a regular collaborator for the group, including producing and mixing today’s release before the renowned Benny Tones came on board to master the track. Shivers have enjoyed radio play across stations such as Mai FM, George FM, RadioActive, Ātiawa Toa FM and more; have featured on Spotify’s Soulful playlist; and their latest single ‘Look At ‘Em Now’ reached #3 on the Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart.
Known for their hard-hitting messages, and proud to “make music with meaning” - ‘Look At ‘Em Now’ speaks of overcoming adversity and intergenerational trauma, while ‘Tahuti’ is defiantly outspoken on the taboo topic of men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
Expanding on ways to best explore this complex subject matter, and sharing another part of their musical journey, Shivers are now showcasing the beauty of te reo Māori with support from Te Māngai Pāho. ‘Tahuti’ began its journey after the group decided to translate and bring new life and meaning to 2021 single ‘RUNAWAY’ - after guitarist Adrian Win had been studying te reo Māori at Te Wānanga O Raukawa.
“Timmy initially felt a little daunted by this, being pākehā and unsure if it was ‘his place’, but after some kōrero and reflecting on his way of life - his day job as a kaiako, his bi-cultural teaching practice with an understanding of te reo, pronunciation, te ao māori and Te Tiriti, as well as wanting to acknowledge and support Adrian's journey - he knew that he had a role to play in writing and performing waiata, so fully embraced the opportunity.”
The translation was completed with support from Malcolm Win, before the group approached Te Ingo Ngaia (Master of Arts in Te Reo-Waikato University, Kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa) to help guide Shivers as their Mātanga Reo and give the waiata its final blessing.
Also released today is a moving new music video for the track! Made alongside director Ben Cushman and filmed across Te Whanganui-a-Tara in locations where band members find themselves reconnecting, resetting and reflecting - Red Rocks, Mt Victoria. Following the journey of a young man overcoming challenges, the group hope that along with this precious new waiata, today’s music video inspires listeners to reach out for help and support one another.
An uplifting, empowering, and timeless message from Shivers, paired with the gorgeous integration of te reo Māori in what will no doubt become a song of the summer - now is the time to tune in to ‘Tahuti’!
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