Dillastrate and KEI team up to support diversity and self-love on new single ‘Freak’
Ōtautahi legends Dillastrate and KEI have today co-released a new track supporting diversity and selflove, Freak.
The new single emerged followed a significant run of heavy-hitting releases, including Dillastrate’s recent album Ngā Pounamu (nominated for the Taite Music Prize) and KEI’s debut single Stupid. The collaborative release captures a smooth and seductive instrumental, offset by swaggering and glitchy electronic tones as Dillastrate and KEI expertly trade verses. The sonic landscape serves as a hat-tip to modern greats Anderson Paak, Childish Gambino and H.E.R., connecting with the two artists’ shared passion for neo-soul and electronica.
Freak is a song for anybody who has ever felt abnormal or like an outsider, or who doesn’t feel comfortable expressing themselves fully. It encourages listeners to allow themselves to be exactly who they are, without fear or compromise, knowing that they are their own best guide. Specifically, there is an
underlying message of accepting and loving one’s own sexuality, and allowing this as an integral part of one’s identity. As the song’s narrative unfolds, the listener is taken on a journey through shades of social isolation, denial, and eventual acceptance, drawing on personal experiences to connect with any and all listeners that can relate.
“It’s written as a bite back to anyone who’s tried to question who I am and my values as a person”, says KEI (Keira Jonkers). “It’s been a crazy experience knowing we were dropping this song – a mix of fear, but also courage, as knowing what I needed to say filled me with pride, but the hardest truths to say often aren’t easy.”
A forthcoming music video made by award-winning cinematographer and director Taine Noble (Keenan Te, Chaii, Chase Woods; NZMA-nominated) is set to be released in the coming weeks (stay tuned for more details). The video was produced in Christchurch and Auckland, aimed at capturing the core essence of the song’s message through visual storytelling, and featuring scenes shot at locations such as the iconic Auckland Museum.
Born from the late great Aaron Tokona’s AHoriBuzz, Dillastrate have been making waves since the release of their 2017 EP, Black Diamond. Freak joins recent releases Ko Tātou Te Ahi (theme song for international New Zealand Cricket, Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart, described by Rolling Stone AUS/NZ as a “song you need to know”, RadioScope Te Reo Māori & Alt Charts, Te Māngai Pāho) and Kei Whati Te Marama (Waiata Anthems) as fantastic addition to the duo’s recent canon.
KEI (“key”) (Keira Jonkers) is an Ōtautahi based singer, songwriter, musician and producer in the alternative-pop scene known for combining a bold sound with introspective, honest lyrics. She is a prolific songwriter and performer, having appeared as a semi-finalist in TVNZ Popstars, major festivals (such as GoLive Festival and NYE Hagley Park) and sold-out headline shows. Her music invariably builds connections with listeners, often delving into confrontational and controversial topics with empathy and unarmed honesty. KEI is currently in production for a new run of single releases, hoping to delve deeper into harder truths that aren’t always easy to express or hear.
Freak was made thanks to funding made available by New Zealand on Air’s NewMusic Single fund. Produced by Liam Crawford at Ziggy Studio, Christchurch, and mastered by Jamie Boyo at FiveAM Music, Auckland. Pitching and publicity services were provided by Acts Agency, with additional support
from FiveAM Music. Distributed by Waave. Cover art by Taine Noble.
