Music Industry News

The KaRs are gearing up to release their latest album Home for the Holidays, a mixture of new waiata and classic carols reimagined promoting the overarching kaupapa of kotahitanga (unity, togetherness).

With new songs ‘Kiwiana Christmas’, ‘Home for the Holidays’, ‘Christmas Boogie’, ‘Christmas is Coming’, ‘Underneath the Christmas Tree’ the tracks will set the scene for an inclusive, fun and festive season.

The KaRs, made up of Kane Parsons and Regan Taylor, are a children’s entertainment duo that creates educational and fun music, videos, and books.

Kane says the pair wanted to create an album that would spread joy and inclusivity. “We wanted to create a musical experience that would embrace the holiday spirit while respecting different traditions and beliefs. Therefore the album features a diverse collection of songs that cater to both those who celebrate Christmas and those who don’t.”

The songs are performed in a variety of languages thanks to a community of people coming together to help make the album as diverse as possible. The languages include te reo Māori, Samoan, Fijian, German, Spanish, and Irish.
The kaupapa of the new album can be summed up through the kupu (words) heard throughout the titular single Home for the Holidays, a heart-warming song that recognises the importance of family, friends, and loved ones during the holiday season.

To be together (kotahitanga), to be together (kotahitanga)
Home for the holidays, That’s where I want to be.
With my whānau and friends, and Pohutukawa trees
Hoki mai ki tō Kainga, kei konei tō ngakau
Hoki mai ki tō kainga, whakanuia tō whanau

The KaRs are committed to using their music to spread joy and inclusivity. They believe that music has the power to bring people together and create a more just and equitable world.

Since graduating from UCOL‘s theatre school in 2000, Kane Parsons has been working professionally in the arts industry as a composer, actor, teacher, musical director, and MC. His most recent work was the composition of an orchestral story telling of The Legend of Okatia which had its world premiere at the Regent on Broadway on 27 May 2023 and received a standing ovation.

Regan Taylor is a graduate of the UCOL theatre school. He has been working professionally as a director, actor, and tutor for the past 20 years with various companies around New Zealand and Australia. As a deviser and writer, his works are still in demand. His solo show “SOLOthello” has toured throughout New Zealand, Australia and Canada. For the past 6 years, Regan has been working with Te Rehia Theatre Company in Auckland firstly alongside Tainui Tukiwaho and more recently Amber Curreen, developing Maori-inspired stories for Aotearoa and beyond.

Together, they have been awarded Global Audio Story of the Year Award 2023 ‘The Legend of Okatia’, People’s Choice Award Song of the Year 2023 ‘64’, and People’s Choice Album of the Year 2023 ‘Runner-up’.

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