4/4 Pacific Music + Arts Volume 2:1 Oct 2016 | Page 24

easy. People are now able to listen and have it for their
own.

Do you identify yourself as a Paciϐic artist?
Yes. I am a Paci ic woman of Samoan and Maori descent.
I have a strong connection to my Island roots and

How inϐluenced are you by other artists?

culture

I appreciate and have a big love for local artists and I
have a few overseas artists that I listen to on the regular.
As an artist I have my own style and my music has its
own colour. I’ll take ideas here and there and work it in

What is your deϐinition of Paciϐic music?
When I hear the words “Paci ic music” I hear unique,

with my style and low, but I’d say the in luence is very
little. Originality is key for my music and for myself as
an artist.

How much do you research other music?
I’m always looking at new music online. I like listening
to the ideas, but I have my favourites that I almost
always go to. I also like going to check out places that
showcase underground local talent.

What is your process for writing?
I like to be in a room that has low lighting where it is
quiet - a studio setting preferably. There are times I
actually sit down with a pad and pen, then there are
times I’m on the go and will write or record straight
to my phone. I could be on a night out with a couple
of mates dancing or at dinner and I’ll just pull out my
phone and start writing/recording a few quick ideas.
They always laugh and say, “Coco do we have a hit?” Lols
Usually a melody comes irst for me. I tend to play these
melody lines on the piano then the lyrics low. If I am
given a beat/instrumental and I’m really feeling it, lyrics
just spill out onto the page

What is your recording process?
With Dee, we have a set day and time that we meet to
reco rd the music.
The recordings are done in a studio in Panmure, which
is owned by the label Promo Kings. There will be the
odd occasion where we use the Niu FM recording
facilities as well.

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image: Paul Lambert make-up: Konii Macquillage
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