As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, New Zealand is gearing up with an anthem that captures the spirit of its athletes.
“Ain’t Just Dreaming”, featuring Olympians Ellesse Andrews and Max Brown, is the latest track by Wellington band TOI, created in collaboration with the New Zealand Olympic Team.
The song, a blend of modern soul with Aotearoa influences, aims to inspire both athletes and the general public. Olympic Cycling Silver medallist Ellesse Andrews and Tokyo 2020 Olympian Max Brown worked with TOI to produce a tune that speaks to the journey and emotions faced by competitors.
Max, who has a background in music from his time at Jazz School in Wellington, explains, “TOI has a beautiful mixture of soul and reggae music, which is a big part of New Zealand music… they were the first to come to mind.”
TOI, consisting of members Conway Jeune, Jules Blewman, Luther Hunt, Bryn van Vliet, and Kaito Walley, brought their signature sound to the track. Producer Neil MacLeod helped them create an emotional and uplifting recording experience.
“The first time they played it to us, we were both really emotional because we were so amazed at how good it sounded. I shed a couple of tears to be honest,” says Max, who plays guitar on the song.
“I was a bit nervous and wasn’t too sure what to expect,” says Ellesse, who sings backing vocals on the track.
“It was quite a vulnerable space sharing our work with a group we’d never worked with before, but hearing them bring the song to life was such a special and emotional moment.”
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The feeling was mutual for TOI, says co-founding member and guitarist Jules Blewman.
“The most memorable moment for me was when we showed them what he had done with the song. We were nervous to know if they would like the changes. We jammed through the song and they absolutely loved it and had tears in their eyes (the happy kind), which gave the room butterflies.”
Max adds, “A huge part of being a member of the New Zealand Team is the journey you go on to make it this far. This song talks about all the emotions and challenges we go through in the lead up to a big event. We wanted to capture the feelings leading up to competitions using them to perform. We also wrote the lyrics in a way so that they can relate to anyone who feels pressure…this song isn’t just for Olympic athletes, it’s for all New Zealanders,” says Max.
New Zealand Team Chef de Mission Nigel Avery notes the song’s significance, stating, “This song really encapsulates the essence of the New Zealand Team and we look forward to incorporating it into our team environment at Paris where it will help bring our team, and the nation together.”
As the New Zealand athletes prepare to compete in the stunning city of Paris, with iconic venues such as the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower, “Ain’t Just Dreaming” is set to be a soundtrack of inspiration and unity for both the athletes and fans back home.
You can listen to “Ain’t Just Dreaming” below.
