Here’s how Anika Moa describes herself in her latest press release: “Same-sex symbol, Māori princess (literally), mum-of-three with one in the oven, humble and reluctant TV star, children’s entertainer, and wondrous bloody New Zealander.”
She’s also one of NZ’s favourite musicians, and her new album is out this Friday. The self-titled album was recorded in New Orleans – here’s a peek behind the scenes of its creation:
Filmed and edited by Paul Casserly.
The new album is Anika’s sixth, and was recorded at Esplanade Studios in the New Orleans neighbourhood of Treme. The studio is a former Presbyterian church, decommissioned after Katrina, but now beautifully restored as a recording space.
Anika Moa was produced by Louisiana native Brady Blade, who – as a drummer – has worked with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Jewel. He also produced our own Brooke Fraser’s 2004 debut What To Do With Daylight.
For the recording, Brady assembled a group of top musicians as Anika’s backing band, including guitarist and pedal steel-player Doug Pettibone who’s worked with John Mayer, Lucinda Williams, Marianne Faithfull, and Tracy Chapman; and bassist Tony Hall who’s played alongside Bob Dylan and Emmylou Harris among others
The result is a 10-track collection of songs that Anika is really proud of: “Showing this new album off is like having a baby in a way. Your proudest moment with tumultuous moments in-between. I am very proud of this music!”
Anika Moa is out Friday 5th October.
To celebrate the album release, Anika is also assembling a top-notch local band to play three shows:
- Friday 19th October – San Fran, Wellington
- Friday 26th October – Galatos, Auckland
- Saturday 27th October – Bluesmoke, Christchurch
And if that wasn’t enough, the new season of Anika’s TV show Anika Moa Unleashed kicks off on TVNZ OnDemand this Wednesday 26th September, with 20 new episodes.
