Soul singer TEEKS will headline his first ever New Zealand show later this month when he joins the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra at the Auckland Town Hall.
He joined Jesse in studio to talk about what it's like having his songs backed by a full orchestra.
Photo: David Shields
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Despite the show being only two weeks away, Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi says rehearsal haven’t started yet and he’s “freaking out”.
They will be his first headline shows in New Zealand despite a quick rise to fame and his household name across the country.
“I don’t know why I haven’t played my own show in New Zealand yet, but the time has come and it happens to be with an orchestra so I’m very excited.”
“I just know it’ll be an amazing feeling to here my songs imagined in that way. I can’t wait.”
Gardiner-Toi says he’s heard some of the arrangements, and the songs lend themselves well to an orchestra, but he’s still terrified.
“I’ve never done it before and I don’t know what to expect, so it’s into the unknown. It’s a scary feeling, but I’m also very, very excited.”
For all his award nominations, wins, and reputation as a singer and songwriter, Gardiner-Toi is yet to release a full album. He’s got on EP of four songs under his belt which will be featured in the shows along with some new songs. But, the album is on the way.
“It’s coming. I’m working on it and it’s been taking up pretty much all my time, that’s where my focus has been. I haven’t been doing too many shows besides this month, it’s getting close.”