"It’s fresh nu-jazz from an emerging artist you should definitely keep on your radar!"
– Secret Eclectic, London
LIVE DATES IN MANCHESTER AND LONDON
London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes draws inspiration from contemporary soul and jazz, touches of global folk, electronica, modern classical, and post-rock, with dynamic arrangements and production. Taken from his upcoming debut album, new single ‘Before It’s All Over’ forms a central focus on the record with its unusual, energetic, pulsating reversed drums.
BUY ‘WHILE I’M DISTRACTED’ Digital : https://albertsfavourites.lnk.to/riVTmuPR And Vinyl from all good Record Stores !
Arjuna states that one lyric from the song also lends the record its title, ‘While I’m Distracted’. “Lyrically, it's the song I’m probably most proud of,” he says. “I wrote it in a very stream of consciousness way, lyrics like “sell my memories so I don't have to forget” express the feeling of how we've surrendered so much of ourselves to social media and mass consumption, we don't have so much responsibility for our own lives anymore”.
‘While I'm Distracted’ is an album about fighting for your innocence and right to be a vulnerable and honest human. Arjuna’s songwriting explores themes of identity, depression, existentialism, social media, loss of innocence, and finding hope for the future through artistic expression.
Following the release of his debut EP ‘The Watcher’ in 2019, Arjuna has released various projects including ‘First Nights’ and ‘Final Days’ (collaborations with longtime friend and co-producer Serebii), released by LA-based record label Innovative Leisure (BADBADNOTGOOD, Allah-Las). ‘First Nights’ debuted at #5 on KCRW’s top 30 Albums chart with play on BBC 6 Music and BBC 1Xtra. He recently had the chance to perform for the New Zealand Olympic team in Paris, supported Nathan Haines at The Jazz Cafe, and played sold out shows at 91 Living Room and Servant Jazz Quarters in London. After successful summer shows in New Zealand and Australia, Arjuna next plays live at Manchester Jazz Festival and then officially launches the album in London.
Live Dates:
24th May: Manchester Jazz Festival
31st May: The Lower Third, London
‘While I'm Distracted’ is set for release on 9th May 2025 via London label Albert’s Favourites. Albert’s Favourites was formed by Adam Scrimshire, Dave Koor and Jonny Drop in 2015, and is celebrating 10 years of releasing beautiful music this year. They have recently released albums by And Is Phi, Huw Marc Bennet, Inês Loubet, Irini Arabatzi, Jonny Drop & Andrew Ashong, Scrimshire and Qwalia in their continuing mission in finding and elevating incredible artists.