Single Review: Serious Time Feat. Rayjah45

Prolific local lad Oakley Grenell (now based out of Melbourne) returns with a bouncy slice of dancefloor double-time, which contains a serious message from vocalist Rayjah45. Titled Serious Time, the tight production assistance from fellow NZ’ers 10a and Hooves give this release a punchy impact destined for high rotation on Summer sound systems everywhere.

Uplifting horns ease into plaintive vocals as the breakdown builds, before a stinky, skank-inducing drop studded with rave blips brings the funk. Rayjah45’s lyrics speak of humanity’s ability to bounce back from tragedy: “rebuilding and reviving / always come back again”. Even though the soulful dub-style vocals get a bit lost in the mix on the verses, the lyrics hold a lot of meaning and inspiration.

Following a pattern of an annual single release supported by a tour, you can catch Oakley throughout the New Zealand Summer performing both DJ and acoustic sets. This song further cements that Oakley is a must-see live act, so make sure you head along to see him when he’s in your town.