Q&A: Waazzoo and the Vibes

Missing summer? Yup us too … but don’t worry! Auckland-based solo indie-pop act & independent artist Waazzoo and the Vibes (aka Jordi Webber) is here to bring you smooth & sweet easy-listening tunes with the ultimate summery vibes to take you back to the beach & the sunshine. After releasing his self-titled debut EP last year, he’s now just dropped his latest track “Juice and Lemonade”.

We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey from when you first started singing and creating music!

I started my musical career in NZ boyband “Titanium” back in 2012. I was studying a Bachelor of Performing Arts majoring in Screen Acting at the time, and kind of just fell into auditioning for the band. From there, we toured, headlined, topped charts in New Zealand, and then eventually I found my way back into acting. I have since found my own original sound and followed that, which ultimately led me to “Waazzoo and the Vibes”.

Where did the name come from?

I always loved the name “Waazzoo”, so I started working on a clothing brand “Waazzoo”. Then it just clicked that I could weave my music and clothing together, that is how “Waazzoo and the Vibes” came to be.

Taking a little throwback, we absolutely LOVE the chill, laid-back vibes of your dope debut EP! Can you tell us a little bit about the concept of this EP?

The EP was a compilation of tracks I worked on with kiwi producer Rory Noble. First of all, I want to create music that makes people feel good, that has good lyrics and good meaning behind it. Second, the way I identify my sound is, if I can surf and skate or road trip to a song, then it fits my brand. So, the EP was a peak inside my variety and the warm/fun nature of my life. It has mellow, it has vibey, it has acoustic and it has hard! I want people to have a good variety when they listen to my music.

Congrats on your latest groovy, stripped back single “Juice and Lemonade”! Can you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind the song and what inspired you to write this track?

This is a funny one. Producer Daniel Martin and I just started jamming and riffing, and the hook in “Juice and Lemonade” stuck straight away. From there, after feeling it out a little and seeing where the song wanted to go, I decided it was simply about having a cold drink on a hot day. There is power in simplicity, and with how laid-back the music in the track is, it just fits that the messaging behind it is equally as laid-back.

What was one of your main highlights working on the track?

Like always, my main highlight is getting excited about a new creation. Once you get that first hook! It just excites the hell out of you, and motivates you to keep fleshing out the song until you have the best possible combo. 

It’s like you’re in an “all you can eat” restaurant. You’ve got so much selection, but you only pick the “best” stuff, and if it doesn’t work or you’re still hungry, you can just go back for more :)

Can we expect more music from you soon?

At this stage, I don’t have another EP or album planned for this year - I’m quite busy with my acting engagements. However, I do really want to record or film an acoustic jam series with a few mates, of some new original acoustic tracks. So keep your eyes out for something like that over winter :)

Who are your biggest inspirations in music?

Sticky Fingers, Surfaces, SIX60 - probably those legends :)

If there’s anything you could change about the current music industry, what would it be and why?

More “positive” music man! Everyone has their own taste in music and that’s fine. But when I hear songs with depressing messages and tones or songs about cheating on partners and stuff, it just makes me feel sorry for this generation. That’s the stuff that gets pumped into our heads and ultimately that’s the stuff that will shift the people that listen. So if I had it my way, it would be to put a lot more positive music in front of people.

Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love or connect with?

I love Balu Brigada, L.A.B., SIX60, and recently really vibing 0800 collective! But we have some great talent in New Zealand and great music. I’m blessed to be a part of it.

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 love the people and our beautiful slice of paradise. We truly do take it for granted sometimes. We’re just surrounded by some of the best sites and nature this world has to offer. I love going home (Rotorua), I love the Coromandel, I love the north (Bay of Islands) and I love Kapiti - I spent a lot of time down there in my childhood holidays.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far and what advice do you have for new artists out there?

Be the hardest worker in the room (The Rock). If you aren’t working hard enough for it, someone else will. Always be kind, lift others up and always support because there’s always days that we need it ourselves. Share your talents! God gave us talents for a reason :) 

Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?

Stop, breathe, and be grateful for all of the awesome things in your life at this very moment.

Thanks so much Jordi! Make sure to follow him on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.