Single Review: Party Calls

Tipare dropped the single Party Calls to enliven the new beginnings of our post-pandemic world. She’s a singer songwriter who’s lived all around Aotearoa, having lived in New York as early as seventeen. Born to parents in the industry, Tipare has grown up around gigging, clubbing, travelling, expression and inspiration. New Zealand once celebrated a heroic win of the Black Ferns Women’s Rugby World Cup, which many of us wish to continue to celebrate as an event of good fortune. I feel Tipare makes a statement on celebrating women, memorable summer events, and the collaboration of friends and whanau; collaboration called “mahi tahi”. The song is co-produced with artist Simon Holloway, and mixed by Neil Baldock. Mastering the track was done by ‘Gene the Machine’ at Oasis in Hollywood. The timing of the release is great for exposing a new year, new incentives and a new prospect on NZ music. 

The track has an 80’s vibe and a simple message to keep our communities lively and supportive of one another. Most importantly, the track welcomes good times to all. There’s a collective attempt in the music video to enable women’s empowerment and success stories. Tipare discusses the concept of our connected experience, faith and our “soul” or in Te Reo, “wairua”. To experience a healthy wairua, it seems very linked to your mental wellbeing. Hence, celebrating the success of Maori wahine in women’s sports would be a very empowering and positive unearthing of a communal understanding of happiness. After a few listens on different occasions, my personal take on the song itself would be that it focuses mainly on having fun. The repetitive message and intent of the artist is felt, and it would definitely sit well at events. However, I’m left with a gap between my liking of the intent of the artist, and the actual composition and originality of the track. 

To support and promote is to also give context, and to give a viewpoint. I think the song is vibrant. I do, however, believe that the character and musical substance of the song could improve and have more individuality. If you want to make people dance, it has to inspire. I adore a party, and I adore a feeling. If I could hear more instruments, perhaps a more gripping beat or lyrics then it could have more impact. I applaud the effort and bravery of the artist to release music without question. It’s a very difficult step to take for many, and sometimes with each release comes a new listener. If the track had a more substantial composition for a diverse crowd to chant to, this would be more memorable. I genuinely am excited to see Tipare’s evolution with her unique expression.