Debut album by Ngaio artist

By Frank Neill

Ngaio’s Tom Knowles will release his debut album, “Atarangi: Morning Sky”, on Sunday 28 May.

While there will not be a launch event, there will be an “online listening party” at 5pm on 31 May. It will be streamed live through Facebook and Youtube channel @atarangimorning sky.

A full time actor, entertainer, writer and musician, Tom says he set out to create an album “that could be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their age or musical preferences.

“It is super exciting getting into this weekend and getting the music out to the world.

“This is my first big step out of acting and into music.”

Despite being new to the “whole machine of the music industry, I’ve gone all out.

“I’ve put it all on the line and put out a 20 song album off the bat. Some people think I am crazy,” he says.

Although new to recording – Tom is releasing only his third single, “Breath of Life” tomorrow, 26 May – he is not new to musical performances.

He has performed in various touring musicals, including playing Shrek in the show’s New Zealand tour. He also played at the wedding of the last “Independent Herald” reporter, Jacob Page.

“Atarangi: Morning Sky”, Tom says, “blends classic roots sounds with modern influences to create a unique and unforgettable listening experience.

“As well as catchy upbeat anthems, the album also explores the M i myth of creation, Ranginui and Papat nuku, while finding parallels to today’s world.”

The album crosses multiple genres, blending Tom’s unique style of

Michael Houstoun to perform in Waikanae

Michael Houstoun, New Zealand’s most acclaimed pianist, has chosen a stunning programme for his recital in Waikanae on Sunday 11 June.

He will open with the music of J S Bach followed by Brahms’s Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel, described as one of the greatest sets of variations ever written.

The second part of the concert starts with Chopin’s Berceuse and the Impromptu in F# leading to a luscious and varied selection of Preludes and Études-Tableaux by Rachmaninoff.

The concert, in the Waikanae Memorial Hall, starts at 2.30pm.

Door sales will be available or for enquiries about online sales visit www. waikanaemusic.org.nz or phone 021 251 7030.

Michael Houstoun Piano

reggae, with elements of pop and rock.

While a variety of genres is on display, the main influence is roots reggae.

Tom’s singing is complemented by groovy guitar riffs, epic layers of harmony, walls of sound, silky smooth basslines, catchy ear worm hooks and plush percussion.

His aim, he says, was “to create a sound that is both captivating, authentic and so clearly from Aotearoa.

“It promises to transport audiences of all ages on a musical journey.”

Creating the album, he says, has taken a long time.

In fact it had its beginning when Tom was at intermediate school and heard the creation story of Ranginui and Papat nuku.

He penned a song, a song that would later become part of a musical with the same name as his new album, which he completed in 2021.

“Atarangi: Morning Sky” will be available on all major streaming platforms from 28 May, including the new event page https://fb.me/e/XkHVRSiE.

More information is on Tom’s website, https://linktr.ee/tomknowlesmusic.