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This empowering, high-energy album hooks listeners from the start. Seamlessly weaving Tali’s soaring vocals and quick-fire lyrics with orchestral elements, Jungle breaks, Neo soul beats and even a sprinkling of UK Garage. The impressive collection of celebrated featured artists – Nathan Haines, Jordan with a Why, Stamina MC, Polaris – also elevates this album to new heights.

The overall feel of the album is one of self-reflection, evolution, and self-acceptance, mixed with the struggle and confrontation of entering a new phase in the artist’s life amidst the chaos of the world. Many of the tracks showcase the artists ability to skilfully mix thought-provoking honesty with uplifting power and wisdom.

“I love all the songs on this album – otherwise they wouldn’t be on there!” says Tali. “The title tracks ‘Empress Era’ and ‘Spell’ really resonate with me. ‘Empress Era’ is a love letter to all the women out there going through this next phase in their life (peri menopause) and finding strength and power in that evolution. ‘Spell’ is slightly more personal and reflects on what it looks and feels like to be technically ‘middle aged’ but still performing on stages to a young audience and dealing with the ailments and anxiety that are present – exacerbated by the state of this chaotic world – yet that pale in comparison to what many are going through.”

Also being celebrated today is new album single ‘Amongst Kings and Queens’ featuring English drum and bass singer and rapper veteran Stamina MC. “Stamina is a legend of the scene, having worked with DJ Marky on the track ‘LK’ and one of his biggest tracks is ‘Roll The Dice’ with Shy FX and Lily Allen, so to have him on this album – as both a friend and music colleague – is a big win for me,” says Tali.

“Evocative and uplifting, [‘Amongst Kings and Queens’] is a very literal and straight forward track that states if you want to be amongst all the other amazing artists in our industry who have laid down a legacy and helped paved the way for others to come through, then you have to be prepared to work hard and hustle for what you want,” says Tali. “Too many people expect to be overnight sensations, or assume that TikTok popularity automatically translates to talent. When we all know that’s not the case! Prove yourself if you want to be respected – show us how much you want it!”

Made with the support of New Zealand on Air, EMPRESS ERA was written and recorded in Tali’s home studio in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland and mixed by Aotearoa legend Tiki Taane. All tracks were produced by Tali apart from ‘Life On The Line’ which is produced by Polaris (Canada), and the live version of the same song which is produced by both Tali and Orlando Cooper, with live drums by Cam Sangster, live guitar and bass by Orlando. In addition to the previously mentioned music talent, ‘Young Daylight’ features flute by Geo Seato, while Isdale lends his saxophone skills to ‘Empress Era’.

Driven by a hugely successful fundraising campaign, EMPRESS ERA is not only being released on select streaming platforms, but also on vinyl! Pressed by Holiday Records, this is Tali’s first vinyl album since 2003. “Expect a beautiful baby pink vinyl with cover art hand painted by Samantha Spence.”

Lastly, before you press play (then repeat) on EMPRESS ERA, be sure to mark March 21 in your diary – when you can catch Tali perform live at Synthony in the Auckland Domain.

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