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Aotearoa soul, funk and roots group Tavita & Bay Road have today released ‘Celebrate Life’ - another new single from their upcoming debut self-titled EP!
Oozing summer vibes in the depths of winter, Pōneke-based Tavita De Seymour (Weave) has made his electric return after a hiatus from the Aotearoa music scene, with new project Tavita & Bay Road! Hailing from the multicultural city of Porirua, Tavita draws inspiration from his Samoan and Pākehā heritage, the beautiful surrounds of Titahi Bay, family, and his experiences as a mental health practitioner. Now, Tavita & Bay Road have spent the last two years cultivating a seamless blend of funk, soul, reggae, blues and folk music.
Today’s smooth new single, and exciting announcement, follow the group’s debut single ‘Lay it Down’ - which saw love from across the motu (Radio Active, Radio Control, JUICE TV, The Most FM, Sun FM, Flash-Trax).
“The song hints at the transient nature of life and our struggle to find happiness,” explains Tavita. “It suggests that the one thing that can give us hope, meaning and grounding in this vast, mysterious universe - is love.”
With an uplifting message of connecting with friends and whānau in times of need, the calming new single combines Tavita’s soulful vocals and lyrics, with Bay Road’s smooth and reggae-influenced instrumentation. ‘Celebrate Life’ was first written 15 years ago by Tavita as a tribute to a close family member that had passed, before being brought to life with the band two years ago, and then completed alongside Toby Lloyd - Tiny Triumph Recordings, who produced and engineered the track.
Also released today is a gorgeous new music video that captures the essence of a kiwi summer and young love. Created alongside celebrated Aotearoa director Chris Graham (‘Sione’s Wedding’, Scribe, Trinity Roots), the cinematic video was shot at Piha in hopes of creating a “coming of age portrait of kiwi teenagers today, capturing genuine moments of these kids just being themselves - vulnerable and authentically who they actually are.”
A stunning reflection on life, love and loss, today’s release provides an exciting insight as to what fans can expect from Tavita & Bay Road’s debut EP - out August 9!
Having already made such a mark on Aotearoa with their debut, there’s no doubt that listeners across the country are ready for the sweet sounds of Tavita & Bay Road!
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