Q&A: NEKO
Auckland-born singer/songwriter NEKO first started gaining attention with her unofficial Soundcloud releases and DIY-style videos posted on Instagram. She then turned heads when she featured on rising NZ hip-hop duo Church & AP’s critically acclaimed tracks “War Outside” and “Hello Hello”, as well as Noah Slee’s song “Soulflower” (with over 1M plays on Spotify!). Most recently, she featured on “First Take Strut” from the new Troy Kingi album, and is going on tour with him very soon!
Currently, she’s working on her own solo projects and chats to us about her new debut single “Serious” co-written by Wells* and HIGH HØØPS, her upcoming music, which artists would be her dream collabs and more.
We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey so far!
Kia ora!! I grew up around Kapa Haka (Maori Performing Arts) most of my life so I’ve always been singing really but also, my parents loved music too. And so a lot of my “WHY” is that. But as of like the last 2 - 3 years I’ve been making music with the intentions of it being a career.
We are absolutely in love with your new debut track “Serious”, giving us magical nostalgic soul vibes fused with modern R&B and smooth, sultry vocals! Can you tell us about what inspired the concept of this track?
Thank you so much, I was definitely going for that vibe. So … when I wrote it, I was in my last year of high school and I felt like most of my peers around me like students, teachers and adults were super serious and angry and mean. But I think at the time I just wasn’t opposed to the idea of making my own routine and change. So it could mean two things, embracing and acknowledging my/your teenage adolescence or stubbornness. And also just the pressure that hits you when you know that the change is coming but not wanting to.
What were some of your main highlights working on this track?
Honestly everything, but writing in the studio is always important for me. Like feeling comfortable, talking about anything and everything. Going with the flow and no pressure 🙌🏼. So chatting and getting comfortable with Wells* and HIGH HØØPS for sure.
We’re so excited to hear more of your music! What can you tell us about your upcoming tracks and will they be a similar sound?
I got this question the other day for a radio interview and my answer is still the same - me and my team are going with the flow and whatever happens, happens. It’s just good for the mental that way. I mean of course I want to make and release album after album but for now at least, I really advise my listeners or listeners of any artist to let us go with the flow, let go of some pressure. Well for me at least.
Who are your biggest inspirations in music, and biggest influences on your sound?
Erykah Badu ALL THE WAYYYYYYYYYY! And Young M.A as of recently. But even knowing that, my music doesn’t actually sound anything like theirs. I just love how they are unapologetically themselves. 🧘🏾
Which artist would be your dream collab?
Erykah Badu 🥺 or Willow Smith.
If there’s anything you could change about the current music industry, what would it be and why
Cost 😳 but it’s a career so honestly, I’m not sure. Ask me again in a year 🙌🏼
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?
I love this question. If you asked me this question last year, I would have said the artists that I’ve worked with in the past year or so. But to answer your question, right now I can’t stop listening to Deva Mahal!!
What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?
I actually don’t or haven’t travelled as of recently but one place I love with my whole heart is Tāwharanui Beach!!! It’s just really comfy and beautiful and calm.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far?
Patience FOR SUREEEEEEEE!
Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
ITS NICE TO BE IMPORTANT BUT ITS IMPORTANT TO BE NICE.
Thanks heaps Neko! Make sure to keep up with her on Instagram (@nganek0), Facebook, Spotify & Apple Music.
