O & The Mo Photo: Ezra Simons
O & The Mo are Olivia Gallagher and Alvin Bartley, a creative couple and bandmates residing in
Wakapuaka, Nelson. Since relocating from Wellington, they’ve immersed themselves in the
local community, running a venue for touring acts and working in conservation.
Their new life flatting has expanded, including a caravan for friends, four garden beds, expansive lawns that are “a bit of a full-time job,” and a warm, welcoming home studio.
Their latest single, “Make Way For The Sun,” is accompanied by a 16mm film music video
directed by Ezra Simmons. The video showcases the natural beauty of their new surroundings
and highlights their collaborative spirit with a small, dedicated team.
O & The Mo crafted their album piecemeal in their earth-built space, collaborating with bandmates Josh Brown, Laurens Burger and recording with bass player Connor Jaine.
Their debut album, 'Make Way For The Sun' scheduled for a summer release, features Bartley’s distinctive
nikau palm guitar, which he discovered in a Coromandel arts and crafts store. After tracking
down its maker, Auckland-based Julian Rosenberg, Bartley had the guitar refined by local Luther
Neville Claughton to make it stage-ready.
Maggie Tweedie spoke to O & The Mo about their new single- Make Way For The Sun.
Follow their music here.
Photo: Ryan Fielding
