Caru & Brandn Shiraz go ‘Back 2 Back’ in new EP

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Prolific Tāmaki Makaurau musicians Caru & Brandn Shiraz join forces on their new EP ‘Back 2 Back’. The project combines both artists' respective styles to create a unique and fresh take on the classic 2000’s dance genre UK Garage. Brandn Shiraz’s boundary pushing MC skills effortlessly complement Caru’s refined production, resulting in a sound that’s both laid back and danceable.

The project perfectly fits a pocket in the Aotearoa music community by appealing to club DJs who curate music for the dancefloor, as well as the music-lovers who attend their shows. The project sees the duo steering away from the stereotypical pop music sensibilities of UK Garage, instead opting for a slick and mature interpretation of the genre that pays respect to the electronic music underground.

Focus single 'Pull Up' features the smooth vocals of R&B powerhouse JARNA, who Shiraz connected with at the APRA AMCOS NZ Moana Songhubs. JARNA’s sultry vocal harmonies juxtapose Shiraz’s focused flows and enticing lyricism. Both vocalists seamlessly enhance each other's performance, over a backdrop of dreamy chord sequences and intricate drum rhythms – not to mention the heavy 808 bass lines throughout.

Title track ‘Back 2 Back’ begins with an introduction by British-Tamil Producer & DJ GoldTooth, who moved from the UK to Auckland last year and brought with him a wealth of expertise and experience. This allowed him to quickly integrate into the Aotearoa DJ community, eventually crossing paths with Caru & Brandn Shiraz. GoldTooth’s excitement over the early demos of the EP resulted in an off-the-cuff recording in which he states that the duo have “cracked it” and that “garage isn’t a sound, but a feeling”. The track encapsulates the duo’s respective sounds, resulting in an opener where Shiraz takes advantage of the skippy drum production and bass-heavy beats as a launching point for his bars.

Head nodding and contemplative ‘No Time’ features visual artist and vocalist Eo, previously known for his work in hip-hip group Badcrop. The track also features Rhodes and synthesiser from Mānuka Recordings co-founder Kenny Sterling (Matt Hunter) who adds jazzy embellishments that accompany the moody vibe of the production.

To close out the project, ‘Poster Boyz’ shows a darker side to their producer-MC dynamic. The song's high tempo breakbeats flawlessly pair with Shiraz’s grime-inspired delivery, ending in a glitchy jungle inspired rhythm that chops up Shiraz’s vocals.

You can catch Caru & Brandn Shiraz live at the upcoming Cross Street Music Festival on Saturday 8th March in Auckland, and in Wellington at CubaDupa on Saturday 30th March.

About Caru

Carl Ruwhiu, known as Caru, has been a fixture in Aotearoa's electronic music scene since 2017 as part of synth-pop duo Imugi 이무기. In 2022, he shifted his focus to dance music, drawing influences from UK Garage, Breakbeat, Jungle, and Electro. His tracks, which range from remixes of '90s and Y2K classics to underground club anthems, have gained international traction, featured in DJ sets worldwide.

Caru has released music on UK labels like Belters, EC2A, and Profound Sound, as well as local imprints The Big Fresh Collective and Redline Records. He’s also remixed tracks for artists including MOKOTRON, Aroha, MELODOWNZ, and Lady Shaka.

With a summer residency on George FM and a sold-out Boiler Room show under his belt, Caru continues to build momentum, with more releases and collaborations on the way.

About Brandn Shiraz
Cook Island native and Tāmaki Makaurau based artist Brandn Shiraz is a prominent figure in the local community. Recently hailed by Sniffers as a leading force in Aotearoa’s hip-hop scene, Shiraz's commitment to pushing creative boundaries is evident in his captivating sound, with many inspirations stemming from his roots in the Cook Islands. He has a number of notable collaborations under his belt, including his most recent feature on the latest Home Brew album. In previous years, he featured on rap projects Shiraz & LSJ and Risera, and also garnered recognition in Redbull’s' 64 Bars series. Brandn Shiraz is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the New Zealand scene, with only more heat to come.

Find Brandn Shiraz online

Sarah Leota