ARIANA TIKAO : TUIA online purchase click here www.AMPLIFIER.co.nz
"There is power and grace in this wahine"
- Mana Magazine (2006)
Ariana Tikao is a singer-songwriter based in Christchurch, New Zealand. She is of Kai Tahu (Maori), English, Scottish and Italian descent.
Ariana comes from a background of years of singing and composing her unique style of heartfelt music in both te Reo Maori and English, beginning with her group Pounamu in 1993. She draws on folk, pop, jazz and reggae styles, with a strong emphasis on Maori chant.
Recently Ariana has been collaborating with award-winning electronica producer Leyton to create her second solo album, Tuia. ‘Tuia’ means ‘stitched’ and is a metaphor for the connections between people, within and across generations. Inspired by her ancestors, Ariana's waiata are soulful and life-affirming. Leyton’s sparse electronic production – including real birdsong from a Southern dawn chorus and Richard Nunns’ taoka puoro – are the perfect relish for Ariana's voice.
Discography: Tuia (2008, Rhythmethod), Music 4 Mauis compilation (Native Tongue), Nuclear Free Nation compilation celebrating 20 Years of a Nuclear Free Aotearoa (Kog 2007) www.myspace.com/nuclearfreenz20, The Green Room 002: Wahine (2003, Loop), a compilation which showcases the spirit and strength of the women in New Zealand; Whaea (2002, independent), Ariana's debut solo album - a celebration of motherhood; Australasia Travelogue (Union Square, 2002), a UK compilation of indigenous Australian and New Zealand music; Mihi (1996), with band Pounamu.
"Ariana Tikao's Whaea is a lovely record that functions on many levels - on one level it's a soft singer-songwriter disc full of good tunes but it's much more than that - it's a celebration of language and culture." (Nick Bollinger, National Radio)
Aside from her solo work, Ariana is part of the folk fusion group Emeralds and Greenstone.
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