TEEKS RELEASES HIS STUNNING NEW DEBUT EP 'THE GRAPEFRUIT SKIES'
Teeks’ (Cilla Ruha) highly-anticipated debut EP, THE GRAPEFRUIT SKIES, is out today. Recorded both in New York and in New Zealand, the EP makes a powerful statement that boldly introduces a young artist, who is unequivocally one of Aotearoa’s next great talents.
Teeks’ (Cilla Ruha) highly-anticipated debut EP, THE GRAPEFRUIT SKIES, is out today.
Recorded both in New York and in New Zealand, the EP makes a powerful statement that boldly introduces a young artist, who is unequivocally one of Aotearoa’s next great talents.
Steeped in old-school soul and yet shimmering with moments that capture Teeks’ strength of youth, THE GRAPEFRUIT SKIES will stop you in your tracks. From the EP’s velvety smooth lead single ‘If Only’ (produced by Jeremy Most) to the simmering soulful ‘Wash Over Me’, this is a debut that’s already got the critics talking.
“The Grapefruit Skies is one of the most original pieces of work a male New Zealand artist working within the genre of soul has produced”
- Mike Alexander, Sunday Star Times
‘If Only’ (produced by Jeremy Most), recently peaked at #1 on the New Zealand Viral Chart on Spotify. And #1 on the R&B/Soul Chart on iTunes NZ.
The video, shot and directed by the award-winning Shae Sterling, has already clocked up an impressive 20,000 views on YouTube.
“Teeks has the kind of voice people whisper about. When you’re lucky enough to hear him sing, your jaw will drop a little. Or your eyes will widen and you’ll say something about shivers under your breath, or point at the tiny goosebumps forming on your forearms”
TEEKS RELEASES HIS DEBUT SINGLE 'IF ONLY'
Kiwi singer-songwriter Teeks (Cilla Ruha) has today released his much-anticipated debut single ‘If Only’, accompanied by a powerful video, shot and directed by the award-winning Shae Sterling.
Kiwi singer-songwriter Teeks (Cilla Ruha) has today released his much-anticipated debut single ‘If Only’, accompanied by a powerful video, shot and directed by the award-winning Shae Sterling.
Steeped in old-school soul and yet brimming with the confidence and strength of youth, ‘If Only’ is a stirring ballad about unrequited love. “You know when someone has strong feelings for you but no matter how hard you try, you just don’t feel the same way? That’s what this song is about. Usually songs are written from the other person’s point of view but I wanted to change it up and hear the other side of the story.”
Written by Teeks in his bedroom, with his guitar, the song was recorded and produced by Jeremy Most (Emily King) in New York. It is the first release from the Auckland-based artist’s upcoming EP, THE GRAPEFRUIT SKIES, which will be released on June 23.
The video for ‘If Only’ stays true to the song’s nostalgic and dreamy vibe.
“We wanted to capture that era but at the same time not be restricted to it. The whole time I was thinking about my koro and what he might have been like when he was young. I used this photo of him for reference,” says Teeks.
Hailing from Northland, Teeks (real name Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi) grew up surrounded by music and performance. Raised with strong Kapa Haka influences, Teeks got his first big break when he was selected to participate in the late Dr Hirini Melbourne’s development initiative, Pao Pao Pao, for emerging and establishing Māori artists.
MEET THE NEW KIWI SOUL SENSATION - TEEKS
There are some singers who command the utmost respect and attention the second you hear that very first note. The voice grabs you; it holds you. You’ve discovered something rare and precious. You’ll always remember that moment. Meet the new Kiwi singer-songwriter who is about to stop you in your tracks - TEEKS (Cilla Ruha).
There are some singers who command the utmost respect and attention the second you hear that very first note. The voice grabs you; it holds you. You’ve discovered something rare and precious. You’ll always remember that moment.
Meet the new Kiwi singer-songwriter who is about to stop you in your tracks - TEEKS (Cilla Ruha).
The young artist, who hails from Northland, will release his debut EP THE GRAPEFRUIT SKIES, recorded in New Zealand and New York, on June 23. But before that he’s giving you a taste of the magic to come with his stunning debut single, the soulful ‘If Only’, due out on May 26.
“Teeks has the kind of voice people whisper about. When you’re lucky enough to hear him sing, your jaw will drop a little. Or your eyes will widen and you’ll say something about shivers under your breath or point at the tiny goosebumps forming on your forearms…” Lydia Jenkin, Paperboy
Prepare to be impressed. TEEKS’ music makes a powerful statement that boldly introduces New Zealand to one of our next great talents.
For a sneak peek, click here