Tama Waipara Newsletter Interview

Thanks to Tama for answering these questions:

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

This year is an exciting one full of new challenges. After touring with Maisey Rika in February I begin rehearsals for the musical ‘RENT’ for which I am playing the part of Tom Collins. Immediately following is SmackBang Theatre’s production of Albert Belz’ new play ‘Raising the Titanics’ alongside Fran Kora and Wesley Dowdell where I get to play a member of a showband form the 1960’s. I’m also hoping to tour with my full band later in the year.

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

Learn early on to be consistent and reliable and follow through on the commitments you have made. NZ is a small place and so are its networks so a bad reputation can grow easily based on mistakes or careless thinking. I’ve made a few mistakes and am never above eating humble pie when I’ve messed up.

Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?

I’ve been a fan of Dave Dobbyn from an early age and learnt to play guitar while strumming away at any number of his songs. The fact that he is so prolific only makes it better.

Who would you most like to support live?

Probably Dave Dobbyn, though it would be pretty nifty to open for someone like Fleetwood Mac.

How do you describe your music?

I write songs that cover a few different genre and have been involved in many different kinds of music. It is a mixture of pop, soul and folk and my influences range from The Beatles to Kate Bush and Nina Simone.

What is the best part of being a musician?

Being able to connect with other people all over the world.

What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?

I walked off stage and swore at a whole room full of rowdy drunk Australians in an Art Gallery in New York. I felt terrible afterwards and have gotten over myself since then but a friend of mine reminded me that after it happened while stomping home through the snow I said "If Nina Simone can f…ing do it, so can I!!".

What is your favourite place in NZ to be?

Waiotahi Beach in the summer. I grew up in Opotiki and it has many fond memories. Pretty much anywhere along the East Cape works for me.