Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi e tū whakahīhī ana
Ko Waikato te iwi e tū kaha ana
Hoi anō,
I tipu ake ahau i Te Whanganui a Tara
Ko Cae Te Wheoro Heke toku ingoa
E mihi ana ki a koutou mō to tautoko i ngā kaupapa o puoro me korerorero! Ake ake ake!
I’m Cae and I am the second note of Awkward talks. I am a 27yo Wahine who has dabbled in architecture, design, publishing, exhibitions and more notably in the bands Tahini Bikini and Sig Wilder. All of these ventures have been human-focussed, however, the latter role is where my heart lies. In music and personability.
Local music is not hard to find, especially in Pōneke, but do we get to have true access and understanding besides the live show, social media or Spotify releases? For me personally, there had been a disconnect from audience and artists. Once I finally became one I realized there were so many areas of the industry that are underestimated, mistreated, hard to find or even kept secret.
I’ve learnt a lot and I want to share it. I want to discuss and learn more with other artists and people in the field, to have true conversation and one of a kind interviews that aren’t the same basic questions said differently. To give words and platform behind the real experiences of these people and the real-life processes they have to go through, to give aspiring artists and techs some foundation and also a standard for their treatment in the Music Industry. This then means asking questions that aren’t as cheerful, holding people accountable and highlighting topics that are hindering success and opportunity for others. These are the Awkward questions that need to be asked.
Mauri Ora!!