Radio BurgerFuel Interview: Dillastrate

Anthem for Ōtautahi

New Zealand's only five-piece duo is out of the ashes of Aaron Tokona's Ahoribuzz. Dillastrate is Henare 'H' Kaa (lead vocals/drums) and Tim Driver (keys/bass/vocals), and they returned with a track for Waiata Anthems in 2023. He was kind enough to answer some questions.

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RBF: So firstly, Dillastrate… I’ve seen you described as a duo/five-piece/three-piece. What’s that about?

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H: Dillastrate is a 5 piece duo. I (H) play drums and sing, and Tim plays keys, bass and sings, and we do it all simultaneously. Tim also plays synth and runs our tracks.

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RBF: Being an ex-Christchurch boy, do people still ask what high school, or have they moved past that yet? (I’m Burnside High, BTW!)

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H: Tim is a Cashmere boy, and I am an Atown (Aranui High) boy!

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RBF: So this track 'Ko Tātou Te Ahi' – where did it come from? What’s it about?

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H: 'Ko Tātou Te Ahi' means We Are The Fire. It is a song written for Ōtautahi/Christchurch. We've been dealt a pretty rough hand this past decade, but we always seem to push on. The song pays tribute to Mana Whenua, who have kept the home fires burnin,g and it is our job to keep them burning for generations to come.

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RBF: What does being released for Waiata Anthems week mean to you?

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H: This means everything to us! Being part of a Kaupapa like this hits differently. It hits the heart and home with only mana, joy and pride.

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RBF: This whole track (both audio and video) was recorded at Ngā Hau E Whā National Marae in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, right?

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H: Ye,s it was recorded at Nga Hau E Wha, where the journey began for me (H). It is where I found my love for Te Ao Maori, and it was a safe place for all of us rangatahi growing up and going to school in Aranui.

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RBF: What are the acoustics inside the wharenui like?

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H: The acoustics are Beautiful and welcoming.

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RBF: And back collaborating with the man Tiki Taane?

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H: There isn’t a day where we don’t pinch ourselves for working with Tiki. He is an icon, a mentor, and an inspiration, but most of all, he is humble and makes everyone feel tino pai in the workspace. We love him!

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RBF: I believe there's a new album on the way soon. What can you share about that?

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H: We are currently recording a full body of work, including this waiata and the two other singles we have already released this year!

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RBF: And finally, is there much touring coming up soon? You guys always throw down a fire live show.

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H: We aren’t touring as much this year as we are working hard in the studio, but we have an awesome show in Wanaka on the 15th of Spet that we are headlining,g and we are also playing at The Coroglen on NYE with CHAII and The Blackseeds. All were promoted by the amazing team at Nikau Rhythm.

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'Ko Tātou Te Ahi' is out now. It's Dillastrate's contribution to Waiata Anthems 2023. Watch the short doco about this track to find out more. You can find this and all their other tracks on Spotify and other streaming services.

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