4/4 Pacific Music + Arts Volume 2:2 Oct 2017 | Page 45

Writer: P. Togi-Sa'ena
How long have you been making music and what got
you started?
Ever since I heard soul samples, I started making
music. I’ve been creating music for 7 years.
Do you do other work within music, outside being
an artist?
Me and my friends run our own label called “Authentic”
Who supports you to make music?
All my close family & friends who’ve been there from
the jump.
Who do you work with to make your music?
My cousin D4niel on beats & my mentor Prestige from
Rep FM. I also work with 7FIVE, Poetik and KIDSEB
What local artists do you listen to and are inspired
by?
Poetik, Melodownz, Rizvan, David Dallas, and
Kenziefromwelly
What motivates you to create music?
My daughter, hearing good music & knowing that you
can’t stop learning new things about the craft.
Who do you make your music for?
To the youth who can relate.
What was the process to make your ϐirst single and
how did you feel at the time of the release?
Heard the beat from Gums, start venting on the pad,
recorded it on pro tools with 7FIVE [mangere producer]
then released it on youtube & sound cloud! The song is
called “SIDES”
It was good to know I had found my sound
What is your recording process?
I had just learnt to make beats & mix & master songs so
I did the production alongside local producer 7FIVE. I
ended up writing all the lyrics, recording all the songs,
then my mentor Prestige helped out by pressing the
songs onto CD to sell.
Can you share details about your writing process?
It all depends on the vibe at the time! I mean if I feel
like I’m forcing my self to write I stop and let it happen
on its own time & that’s where I feel the best work
comes from.
What usually comes ϐirst for you?
The beat irst, then I visualise the concept and start to
write
How do you capture your ideas for songs?
They just arrive of there own time really, I don’t force
the art to happen
What is your recording process?
I make the beat on machine then transfer stems to
protools to record lyrics. Then I master on logic pro x,
and it’s all done at REP FM Studios.
How much do you listen or research other music?
To be real I listen to soul music only now. There’s way
too much talent to keep up with these days so I stay in
the 80s 90’s era.
What is your artist name and where did that come
from?
I go by Lukan Rais ey which is my government name.
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Do you identify yourself as a Paciϐic artist and why?
For sure I make music for my Polynesian youth who can
relate to our modern day society
What is your deϐinition of Paciϐic music?
I believe its good music that has certain vibes people
can gain knowledge from
Where do you see Paciϐic music within the NZ music
industry?
I can see it’s most de iantly healthy with all the new
talent that’s on the come up!
Where do you see Paciϐic music on the international
scene?
I feel we need more recognition for our craft as much as
everywhere else!
What is a future goal or aspiration that you have, as
an artist?
To own my own business
fourfour.co.nz
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