Flying solo
Words Emily Pattullo
Photo credit: Rooftop by Brutus
Back by popular demand, performing not just one night but two, Tiki Taane is at Leigh Sawmill this month, and due to his signature improv techniques, even he doesn’t know what to expect!
Legendary 'one man band’ Tiki Taane is returning to Leigh Sawmill this month to give audiences a taste of his popular “live looping”. A predominantly improvised method of making and playing music, using loop-pedals and vibing off the general atmosphere on the night, Tiki says, “It’s different every time I perform, which means I don’t even know what to expect; anything can happen.”
It’s not Tiki’s first appearance at Leigh Sawmill, having played there several times since becoming a solo artist, but it is one of his favourite places to play in Aotearoa. Tiki says, “The Sawmill is always a fun vibe and is the best place to try new ideas and take more risks as a musician.”
Starting his music career in 1991, Tiki went on to become the live engineer and eventually frontman of Salmonella Dub in 1996. Then, in 2008, he released his first self-produced track as a solo artist, Past Present Future, which was soon followed by Always on my Mind, the song that hit number one in the New Zealand music charts.
Just 11 years old when he knew music was what he wanted to do, Tiki now has children
of his own and says he would be happy if they wanted to follow in his footsteps, “As long it’s what they’re passionate about. What’s most important is they create their own footsteps with what ignites their heart and soul." Drawing from his extensive experience in the industry, Tiki says his one piece of advice to his kids would be, "You can’t fly like an eagle if you’re knocking around with turkeys.” Influenced by “anyone who makes music and art, no matter the genre and style”, Tiki is currently producing a band called Flaxxies, who he says “have a vibe”. As for his plans for the future, Tiki says they can be found on TIKIDUB where people can ‘Dubscribe’.
Due to popular demand, Tiki has extended his one night performance at Leigh Sawmill, to two nights, and says he is “so amped and super grateful for having such a solid fan base after all these years”.
Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July, Leigh Sawmill.