IN THE UK
Jayson Norris
Freedom to live, FREEDOM TO SING His father and his son provide the inspiration for songs striking a chord with people all over the world. Jayson Norris grew up in Awanui but now lives in London where he has found success performing his original songs and producing two albums since his move to the UK in 2004. The Ngati Kahu man hasn’t forgotten his iwi affiliations however and is able to provide a detailed pepeha on request, as well as speak about where his love for music began. “I went to Kaitaia primary, intermediate and college. I first got into the guitar while watching my uncles play it,” Jayson says. “I got a guitar at age nine, played it for a couple of years then switched to playing bass. I learnt from different teachers at school, Dave King, John Barlow, and the late Keith Davis and George Allen,” he says. Jayson was a finalist at the 2011 Waiata Maori Music Awards, nominated for the Best Maori Pop Album and Best Maori Male Solo categories. His rich, earthy voice provides a blend of soul, roots and rock music. It’s a flavour which is inspired by many songwriters including Ben Harper, Lenny Kravitz and Bob Marley. Jayson’s first album, A Basket Full, was released in 2006 while his second work, an album entitled, Freedom 28, was released in February 2011. Freedom 28 hit the New Zealand top 40 album charts debuting at number 25 and number 2 on the New Zealand Independent Charts. The album’s second and third single, Love Someone and Window, both made the New Zealand top 40 singles chart with Love Someone making number 1 on Juice TV. The video to the first single, Freedom to Live, is a personal homage from Jayson to his late grandfather Charlie Norris who was in the 7th Reinforcement, A Company, of the 28 (Maori) Battalion.
‘Music is life, especially when you create it. It’s all about the music’ www.waiatamaoriawards.co.nz
Ko Puwheke te Maunga, Ko Mamaru te Waka, Ko Kahutianui te Tupuna, Ko Te Parata te Tangata, Ko Karikari me Tokerau nga Moana, Ko Haititaimarangi te Marae Ko Whanau Moana me te Rorohui te Hapu, Ko Ngatikahu te iwi.
Jayson says his son now provides inspiration for his original songs. “Not necessarily writing about him but taking moments that we share, or situations, that can be translated into a different scenario but still keeping those original feelings,” he says. “My song Freedom to Live was written about my grandfather but I was inspired to write it because I became a father.” Jayson says he’d like to incorporate more traditional Maori music instruments into his future work. “I have a very talented friend Jerome Kavanagh who performed on my album Freedom 28 and would love to have him on any future records. Koauau Toroa, Nguru and Putorino are beautiful,” he says. Jayson has embraced life in London where he is well established and there are opportunities to further a career in music. But it is also place where many other musicians are chasing a similar dream. “You have to be dedicated, patient
and thick skinned.You also have to take every opportunity you are given.You never know who could be listening,” he says. “Music is life, especially when you create it. It’s all about the music. Once you realise that, the more at peace you are with having to deal with the other side of the industry.” Jayson was about to embark on a tour of Asia when Waiata spoke to him about his work this year, which includes a new single to be released near the end of 2012. “My manager lives in Singapore and we tour Asia about once every 12-18 months,” he says. “It’s a great gig to do. People are sweet and the food is sweeter. I’m always planning future shows around the globe. I’ll be back in New Zealand early next year and Aussie is on the cards with shows in Europe this year.” Jayson says it was an honour to be a finalist at the 2011 Waiata Maori Music Awards and it “would be a dream” to be able to perform at the awards in the near future. HOTEKE/WINTER 2012 |
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