Teeks

TEEKS

Meet the new Kiwi singer-songwriter who hails from Northland. TEEKS (real name Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi) grew up surrounded by music and performance. Raised with strong Kapa Haka influences, TEEKS went on to form his own band at high school, before being selected to participate in the late Dr Hirini Melbourne’s development initiative, Pao Pao Pao, for emerging and establishing Māori artists. His involvement in the Pao Pao Pao initiative, alongside the mentorship he’s received from the likes of well-known figures in New Zealand music, Tama Waipara and Maisey Rika, has set a strong foundation for the next step in TEEKS’ journey. And that begins now, with the release of his debut EP THE GRAPEFRUIT SKIES. Recorded both in New York and in New Zealand, the EP makes a powerful statement that boldly introduces a young artist, who is unequivocally one of Aotearoa’s next great talents. Steeped in old-school soul and yet glimmering and shimmering with golden moments that capture TEEKS’ strength of youth, the songs that make up THE GRAPEFRUIT SKIES - from its velvety smooth lead single ‘If Only’ (produced by Jeremy Most) to the simmering soulful ‘Wash Over Me’ - are no short of stunning. Sit back. Imagine the sun easing up and casting a glow across the southern sky. You’ll get a glimpse of the songs that make up TEEKS’ poignant debut THE GRAPEFRUIT SKIES EP.