Music Industry News

The New Zealand Olympic Team for Paris 2024 (The New Zealand Team) and Wellington band TOI have released an inspiring video for their just-released song ‘Ain’t Just Dreaming’, which features Olympians Ellesse Andrews and Max Brown.

‘Ain’t Just Dreaming’ was co-written by Olympic Cycling Silver medallist Ellesse Andrews and Tokyo 2020 Olympian Max Brown, capturing their journey as athletes competing on the world stage. Ellesse and Max then took the song to TOI, who added their own signature sound and style and invited the Olympians to their studio in Wellington where they finished it together.

The result is a laid back, groovy soul tune that serves as a reminder that New Zealand will have some of the best athletes in the world representing the country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It’s also an uplifting and relatable song for all New Zelanders. This sentiment is perfectly captured in the video, created by Dom Thomas and Tim Marshall.

The video features a blend of footage shot during the recording and production process in TOI’s Te Māra Studio and clips of current New Zealand athletes striving towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It ranges from those looking to make their Olympic debut (Speed Climbers), right through to seasoned Olympians such as Emma Twigg, Tom Walsh and Lisa Carrington.

“This video really captures the mana and essence of both The New Zealand Teamand ‘Ain’t Just Dreaming’. It features a host of our athletes striving for excellence as they chase their Olympic dreams and we couldn’t be more proud,” says Nigel Avery, New Zealand Team Chef de Mission, Paris 2024.

“A huge part of being a member of The New Zealand Team is the journey you go on to make it this far. This song talks about all the emotions and challenges we go through in the lead up to a big event. We wanted to capture the feelings leading up to competitions using them to perform. We also wrote the lyrics in a way so that they can relate to anyone who feels pressure…this song isn’t just for Olympic athletes, it’s for all New Zealanders,” says Max.

‘Ain’t Just Dreaming’ is now available for general airplay and has been added to Mai FM and The Hits. It’s also available on all streaming platforms and will be played at New Zealand Team functions in Paris where it will inspire the athletes as they chase their Olympic dreams.

In July and August 2024, New Zealand athletes will take on the world at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Around 200 New Zealand Team athletes will compete at the Games, with the stunning city of Paris set to host 10,500 athletes from 206 nations.

With competition taking place at the Palace of Versaille, beneath the Eiffel Tower, inside Stade de France, and around landmarks such as Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, Hotel de Ville and along the Seine, the Games are expected to be a spectacular event.

The New Zealand Team is once again set to shine in sports from equestrian, to rowing, rugby sevens, swimming, canoe sprint, sailing, athletics, cycling and more, while New Zealanders can check out the action in incredible new urban sports including skateboarding, sport climbing, breaking and 3×3 basketball.

Check out all things the New Zealand Olympic Team below:
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Check out all things TOI below:
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Photo credit: Dom Thomas