One of the most esteemed trailblazers in New Zealand music, the award-winning Ria Hall, today returns with ‘Owner’ – a poignant and powerful ode to Papatūānuku/Mother Earth.
Listen to ‘Owner’HERE
‘Owner’ is the second single from Hall’s upcoming second album MANAWA WERA, which is out on February 28. Pre-order HERE
‘Owner’ is a hard-hitting and unapologetic anthem, with a vibe steeped in beat-driven reggae, blended with Hall’s soulful voice.
Hall co-wrote and produced the song with Laughton Kora (who also lends his talents to backing vocals), with well-known musicians Ara Adams-Tamatea and Miharo Gregory from L.A.B; Zane Graham from Sons of Zion and Wiremu Barriball from Katchafire also playing on the track.
‘Owner’ is a taste of what’s to come from Hall on her new album MANAWA WERA.
The album takes its influence from Hall’s own personal journey in music but also the current political climate across the globe. “It’s a collection of songs that speak to my views, vision and experiences. In these testing times which we live, and with the current social and political climate, it is essential we remain passionate and fervent of heart. To be steadfast, bold and brave irrespective of the storm. These stories are told through music that sounds like the Earth is heaving. That is the essence of this record,” says Hall.
MANAWA WERA follows in the footsteps of 2017’s RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, which earned Hall the 2018 APRA Maioha Award for Songwriting, and Best Female Solo Artist at the Waiata Maori Music Awards.
Hall is a powerful live performer, who has performed to audiences of thousands at a number of festivals across Australasia.
This month, she will take to the stage at one of New Zealand’s biggest and most popular festivals One Love. Held in Tauranga on January 25 and 26 it features big names such as Sean Paul, Shaggy, Common Kings, Katchafire, L.A.B and Sons of Zion.