Tahini Bikini is a "collective of Wellington and Wairarapa folk" with an eclectic sound they describe as 'salad funk'.
Photo: Abby Maybury
Singer Maddy Taylor and guitarist Lukas Jury first met outside a bar toilet a couple of years ago. Everyone else in Tahini Bikini "kind of floated in over time", says bass player Cae Te Wheoro Heke (aka CAE)
Maddie was a "secret singer" before joining Tahini Bikini and her bandmates were the first people to hear her perform.
"I was real shy about it for a long time. I always wanted to do it. And I just decided I needed to get over myself otherwise I would just regret it."
The first Tahini Bikini gig was "terrifying", says Maddie, whose singing style is inspired by the late English soul singer Amy Winehouse.
"I couldn't let go of the microphone stand, I had a drink in my other hand and I probably looked so awkward. I've come a long way... My dance moves haven't but that's alright."
CAE co-hosts the music industry podcast Awkward Talks. She recommends this episode with fellow Pōneke musician NahBo.
Tahini Bikini is:
Madeline ‘Maddy’ Lucy Taylor (guitars, piano, vocals)
Cae Te Wheoro Heke (bass)
Lukas Jury (guitar)
Chev Fraser (trumpet/keys)
Barney Johnson (drums)
Alex Scott-Billing (guitar)
They played:
'Breakdown Service'
'Bad Karma'
'Footsteps in The Dark' (The Isley Brothers)
'Them Changes' (Thundercat)
'Life's a Beach'
'Electric Lady'
