The EP follows first single ‘Loved’, alongside a developing series of stripped-back acoustic sessions created in collaboration with Gaze Films and contemporary Māori visual artists. Across the project, Taylah returns to the simplicity of guitar and voice, drawing on the foundations of her songwriting while moving between neo-soul, blues, contemporary R&B and acoustic influences.
For Taylah, the collection represents a return to where her relationship with music began.
“This collection has been a return to where I began with music. Back to my acoustic guitar, back to using music as a way to find perspective on things I struggle to understand.”
Each of the EP’s five songs approaches that idea from a different perspective. ‘$4’ reflects on the realities of being a working artist and the persistence required to keep going; ‘Loved’ is about recognising what you deserve in a relationship; ‘Soft’ considers softness as a source of strength; ‘Descendant’ acknowledges those who fought for the rights enjoyed by generations today; while ‘She’s So High’ turns its attention to tall poppy syndrome.
The project began with Taylah previewing songs from the EP through the acoustic session series. The first, ‘Soft’, was recorded at the Civic Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau, with Lissy and Rudi’s Wharenui Harikoa – a large-scale crocheted wharenui – forming the backdrop. ‘Loved’ followed, with Taylah performing among works by Messini Palace, Raukikini, Stacey Moana Smith, Lissy & Rudi, Feona Pula and Hikurangi Edwards.
The series concludes with ‘Descendant’, captured at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki within Brett Graham’s acclaimed exhibition, Wastelands.
Gaze Films then joined Taylah again at Auckland’s Parachute Studios, documenting the recording process as the final EP came together over the course of a day and a half. This stripped-back approach to the recording also helped reconnect Taylah with her early experiences making music through kapa haka.
“This EP has felt incredibly cyclical. Sitting down with just a guitar reminds me of my kapa haka days, where guitar and voice are all you have to build your musical universe. This has probably been the most authentic songwriting process I’ve ever had. I wrote most of these songs with no intention of releasing them. They felt sacred in a way, but I know we’ve captured that sacredness in these recordings.”
Of Ngāpuhi descent, Taylah first appeared on Loop as part of the cast of Fly My Pretties’ ELEMENTAL, contributing three original songs including ‘Red Flags’. Her self-titled EP marks her first solo body of work with Loop Recordings Aot(ear)oa and introduces a new chapter built around direct songwriting, acoustic instrumentation and her distinctive soul-drenched vocal.
The release arrives as Taylah takes the project on the road, with a New Zealand tour beginning Saturday November 7 and running through to Saturday November 14, including an appearance supporting L.A.B and Sir Dave Dobbyn.
Taylah
Aotearoa tour dates
Saturday November 7 – Ayrburn, Queenstown (Supporting L.A.B and Sir Dave Dobbyn)
Thursday November 12 – Oneonesix, Whangārei
Friday November 13 – Turner Centre Theatre Bar, Kerikeri
Saturday November 14 – Movespace, Auckland
Buy tickets here
