Music Industry News

Māori pop/alt powerhouse MAREYA has infused her soulful lyrics with some sassy saxophone by Keidan Morely into the electrifying beats of YOUNIQUE to produce their collaborative new single, ‘Need You Now’.

The New Zealand-born but Naarm-based (Melbourne, AUS) artist, is a prolific producer, songwriter, vocalist and guitarist. With vulnerable lyrics, vocals that hit the sweet spot and stunning melodies, MAREYA unapologetically speaks her truth and reflects the multifaceted nature of her artistic personality and advocacy for mental health, BIPOC rights and the dismantling of misogyny.

Now, teaming up with Keidan Morely on sax and her partner YOUNIQUE to provide the beats and polished production of the track, MAREYA delivers a heated, blood-pumping pop/dance track. The luscious and groove-laden dance number is, as always with MAREYA’s lyricism, filled with depth and meaning.

“The work is quite unique with the lyrics exposing a personal vulnerability insofar as they seek to return to a deeper sense of self after a depressive episode caused a disconnect with that,” MAREYA explains. “But then it’s quite particular in how the minor key and the beats juxtapose this yearning with such resolution and strength … all toward a climax which is released via an epic saxophone solo of pent up emotions!”

When YOUNIQUE started collaborating on the song and heard the hook that MAREYA was developing, he couldn’t resist calling on local Aussie sax star, Keidan Morely.

“I have always wanted to make a record that has huge sax appeal, and this one fulfilled that craving,” said YOUNIQUE. “I’ve also been a producer/engineer for multiple artists for their sound and their music so it was brilliant to be able to represent my own sound on this track, alongside my partner and to creatively direct the whole, super fun process to achieve what is now ‘our’ own sound.”

In other news, MAREYA also recently signed to Tomboi Records and the label’s Founding Director, Alexis Benedict, noted the artistry of the track explaining how “the versatility with the sound design both allows you to dance and get drawn into the music, while somehow transmuting the deeper message of Mareya’s lyrics.”

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