1 Drop Nation release new soul-country single ‘This Heart’ + announce second album

Following on from their recent Official NZ Chart success for I’m Home (#19 Hot 20 NZ Single), and a sold-out headline show, Ōtautahi six-piece 1 Drop Nation are set to surprise with new single This Heart – and build excitement for their upcoming second album!

Listen to This Heart HERE

This Heart is a smooth love song that has flourishes of RnB-soul-pop and, with the inclusion of slide guitar, a country edge. Written by band member Derin Thompson (keyboards, backing vocals / Nga Tai Ki Torere) this light and easy track adds an exciting and different flavour to 1 Drop Nation – who have come to be known for their feel-good roots-reggae-funk sound.

“This Heart was written for those who have someone they are willing to share the rest of their lives with,” says Derin. “Every look, every step together, every emotion felt. It speaks of an everlasting love and the reality of a relationship – trials and tribulations – that good things are worth fighting for.”

1 Drop Nation is made up of six talented Õtautahi-based musicians, Derin Thompson (keyboards, backing vocals / Nga Tai Ki Torere), Paerau Hemopo (guitar / Ngāi Tahu, Te Arawa, Ngā Puhi), Burke Goffe (guitar / Ngā Puhi, Te Ātiawa) Marc Hansen (drums), Dru Sione (bass, backing vocals), and Kanei Johnson (lead vocals / Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu).

This Heart joins single I’m Home in the building anticipation for the release of 1 Drop Nation’s second album – due for release in later in the year, and recorded/mixed by Dr Lee Prebble at Wellington’s Surgery Studios, and mastered by Josh Llewellyn at Downbeat Mastering.

These singles also join the ever-growing impressive list of hits from this up-and-coming group -including Groove Show, The Children, Runaway and Good Doctor (ZM Locals only, NZOA New Tracks) – all from their 5-star-reviewed, self-titled debut album (Dec, 2022). Over the past eight months, the group have also added some huge performances to their CV – such as a sold-out headline Christchurch show, Electric Avenue and Ōtautahi 4 Aotearoa. With their exciting second album on it’s way, 1 Drop Nation are definitely ones to watch!