Emerging local musicians are given two minutes to introduce one of their songs and say whatever they like about themselves and their music.
Name of project: Maaka.
Real name: Mark Te Otene Fiso.
Age: 30.
Hometown: Upper Hutt, Wellington.
Formative Musical Experience: I was always mesmerised but the vocal ability of the singer’s singer. As a kid, I remember playing ‘Mariah Carey Live in Madison Square Garden’ every Saturday morning. Then I discovered the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and then onto more current artists like John Legend and Beyonce. I loved any singer who was able to trill skillfully and effortlessly, and I would try and imitate them. Needless to say, this influences a lot of my writing today.
Musical Guilty Pleasure: Pop! Early 2000’s pop more precisely.