Some of Aotearoa’s finest up-and-coming artists headed to SXSW Sydney last week, ready to showcase their talent at Aotearoa House.
The three-day event brought 30 blossoming Kiwi acts to perform at the festival, from pop duo Foley to indie rock band Soaked Oats, sublime singer-songwriter Vera Ellen to Christchurch pop star ASHY.
MELODOWNZ and MOHI were also part of the travelling Kiwi crew, and their SXSW Sydney sojourn came after a big year for the pair.
Avondale king MELODOWNZ was one of the big winners at the 2023 Pacific Music Awards in August, earning three awards for Best Male Artist, Best Music Video (“Pray for More”), and Best Music Album for his excellent 2022 record, LONE WOLF (read his Rolling Stone AU/NZ interview about the album).
Not to be outshone, the soulful MOHI became the latest recipient of the APRA Maioha Award earlier this month, being bestowed with the honour for his heartfelt waiata “Me Pēhea Rā”.
To mark their SXSW Sydney appearances, Rolling Stone AU/NZ asked MELODOWNZ and MOHI to get to know each other better, which you can check out below.
MELODOWNZ Interviews MOHI
MELODOWNZ: Who’s your top three musical inspirations?
MOHI: Whuuu! My top three musical inspirations off the top of my head would have to be D’Angelo, Bob Marley, and The Temptations.
Where are you from? What’s your whakapapa/pepeha?
He uri ahau nō Te Tai Tokerau whānui, nō Ngāi Te Rangi, nō Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa anō hoki.
My whānau hail from Te Tai Tokerau in the far north, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Kahungunu.
Top three NZ rappers?
Heeeaaps to choose from, but top 3 would be Tom Scott, Scribe, and David Dallas.
Why do you make the music you make?
The reason I make the music I do is to showcase te reo Māori and the beauty of my culture with the world through waiata! And also to inspire our next generation of young Māori to pursue music and te reo Māori.
What top three Kiwi artists and three Aussie artists will we catch you in the crowd for at SXSW Sydney?
Yesss, looking forward to heading over to support our Aotearoa artists, Paige, Rebel Reid and you my bro! And Aussie artists Dean Brady, PANIA, and Boy Soda!!
MOHI Interviews MELODOWNZ
MOHI: Who’s your top three musical inspirations?
MELODOWNZ: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Isley Brothers, and Damian Marley.
Where are you and your whānau from?
Samoa (Vaimoso, Aleisa, Vaitoloa), Nga Puhi (Hokianga Kaikohe), and England (South London).
What inspired you to get into music?
I got into music when I was in primary school, my cousin put me on to some artists at the time. I had discovered P-money’s Big Things album and that introduced me to Scribe and other NZ rappers. From there I started writing my own stuff.
Who are your Top three NZ artists of all time?
Troy Kingi, Tom Scott, and Che Fu.
Why do you make the music you make?
Because I love it.
What top three Kiwi artists and three Aussie artists will we catch you in the crowd for at SXSW?
SWIDT, Paige, and MOHI.
Any words of advice for rangatahi keen to get into making music?
Keep going, be proud of yourself and Liiightside.
