Michael Llewellyn shares poetic ballad ‘Pray For Rain’ feat. Avondale Intermediate Choir
Michael Llewellyn has today gifted Aotearoa listeners with a final taster of his forthcoming sophomore album I’m Gorgeous, with his peaceful and uplifting new single Pray For Rain.
A quietly determined plea for peace, Pray For Rain is a paired back ensemble of gentle acoustic guitar, soft piano, soaring strings, and a rolling rhythm section. Accompanied by Michael Llewellyn’s tender vocal tone and featuring the Avondale Intermediate Choir, today’s release is a shining glimmer of hope from the Te Whanganui a Tara-based artist.
“I wrote this song when the forest fires in Australia were blazing, and I’d also the day before been down to Waitangi Park to celebrate Waitangi day, listening to stories and music from Tangata Whenua left me feeling hopeful about how we might reconnect the rift between cultures on this land,” says Michael. “The day after I wrote. Pray for rain, rain to soothe the fires, rain to soothe the mamae, rain to soothe the pain and trauma of the past, bringing us together as one people.”
Today’s release was recorded at Roundhead Studios, Tāmaki Makaurau, alongside Michael’s band, Isabella Smith (backing vocals), James Morgan (guitar), Reuben Topzand (keyboards), Henry Smithers (bass), Josh Dominikovich (drums), and Nick Jones (violin).
Produced by Patrick Hill, the stunning track also features the sweet voices of the Avondale Intermediate Choir, reflecting Michael’s connection to rangatahi both as a musical storyteller, and as a primary school teacher.
“I love this song, and being able to record it with the Avondale Intermediate Choir really bought the whole thing together,” says Michael. “At the heart of things, everything I do is about trying to build a peaceful and more hopeful world for our mokopuna / tamariki, each generation leaving the earth a little more harmonious than how we found it.”
Pray For Rain follows the success of recent singles Down By The Packs (RadioScope Alt, RollingStone AU/NZ, Tahi FM, UTR) and The Fish Song (95bFM, Radio Active, RDU), and provides a final sneak peak of Michael Llewellyn’s highly anticipated sophomore album I’m Gorgeous – out this New Zealand Music Month on May 20!
Pre-save the album HERE
Soaring, sweet, and poetic, fans can now enjoy Michael Llewellyn’s new single Pray For Rain as they eagerly await his sophomore album, out this May!
Cover Art Credit: Isabella Smith
