The goal was to set out and make connections, collaboration, unite and spread a positive message.
That was how it all went down for Christchurch Hip Hop artist King Cass on his recent Music and Motivation New Zealand tour. An incredible journey, featuring 15 shows from cities to towns.
Collaborating with a range of talented New Zealand musicians (just to name a few) from supporting ‘The Nomad’ on his 25th year anniversary, creating 2 music videos with OneThree (GIS) and multiple studio tracks in various cities, including dropping April release ‘Unleashed’ with IR1E 3YED & ZNLA (AKL), the Gisborne crew 4010 joined the tour for 2 shows, there was a debut performance at Wingman Festival on Great Barrier Island that was a buzz and the convo‘s with venue owners and organisations across the country enjoyed the energy. All whilst creating a supportive and vibrant atmosphere at each stop.
Each event was impactful, keeping costs low to encourage less financial barriers, and making sure that each show included a tasteful line up with good clean music.
The Awakening motivational talks focused on High Schools where the discussions were about staying motivated, believing in one's goals, and emphasising the importance of being kind and stamping out bullying. If we can help at least one of those students to pursue their dreams we are winning, while also providing them with tools that they could use to take the next steps where needed.
Some highlights across the tour:
Meeting the King Cass fanbase and making each show unforgettable for them
Building whakawhanāungātanga through the connections made along the journey
Spending time in the community visiting local shops and eateries (doing food reviews)
Creating an atmosphere encouraging manaakitanga with the other artists on each of the shows. It wasn't just about turning up and doing the show, but breaking bread and spending time getting to know each other.
Growth is a big one, meeting new people has increased listenership and reach across Aotearoa.
Performing new music on the road, performing tracks featuring artists in those different cities.
Interacting and engaging with various High Schools, there is a real powerful energy sharing that space and being able to shift mindsets and through music and the tough subjects.
The tour successfully increased awareness just how music is the universal language. Attendees left the events feeling inspired, motivated. The feedback was positive, with planning already underway to head back into these towns and expand over the summer.
The success of this tour has motivated us to continue spreading our message of passion, potential, and purpose, and to further promote mental health and wellbeing through our music and workshops.
Thank you to everyone who supported King Cass along the way—our fellow musicians, the incredible venue owners, the dedicated organisations, and most importantly, the amazing audiences who made this tour unforgettable.
What's next??
Ashburton will see ‘The Elements’ songwriting and recording workshop happening this July school holidays.
King Cass has an array of single releases this year before dropping a mixtape at end of 2024.
A Canterbury schools tour is in the works.
Summer festivals are on the cards, and and we get planning on what a Summer tour looks like for 2025
King Cass drills in a message with his new single ‘Hit Da Road’
King Cass finds Drill to be a way to express light fun, and positivity despite the reflection of the genre, and the counterpoints show on his release Hit Da Road.
King Cass is moving around the country after manifesting his bold and brave ideas,and the storyline behind this catchy Hip Hop/Drill single with its iconic kiwi attributes will tell you exactly what King Cass has been up to over the past 12 months.
His last single Old Days hit number 2 on the NZ Hot Single charts in Oct 2023 and following on from that success, Hit Da Road has been received well at recent live events where King Cass has performed it and it has been an anticipated release by many.
‘Hit Da Road’ isn’t like any ol Drill track, no, it doesn't push profanity and the likes. King Cass is in this game to spread a positive light and make music for your kids to vibe to. Instead this is written from a story point of view, manifesting road trips and collaboration.
WEBSITE: www.kingcass.co.nz
SOCIAL MEDIA: @kingcassnz
SPOTIFY: https://shorturl.at/jnqrt
APPLE MUSIC: https://shorturl.at/fiLY9
YOUTUBE: https://shorturl.at/HK235
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kingcassnz
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kingcassnz