16 Sep 2023

UMO's Ruban Nielson on Layla and Laneway

From Music 101, 1:45 pm on 16 September 2023

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Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Unknown Mortal Orchestra Photo: Juan Ortiz

Unknown Mortal Orchestra have written one of NZ’s top songs.

LAYLA, Co written by brothers Ruban and Kody Neilson is a Top 5 finalist for this year's Silver Scroll Award.

The song, and the album it's from, is inspired by family and tragedy - Bonnie and Clyde type stories inspired by his mother and uncle and their escape from Hawaii.  

Much of the album was written and recorded in Hawaii, Portland and Palm Springs - and reflects on family history - from the perspective of a NZ born Hawaiian. 

Charlotte Ryan spoke to Ruban Nielson earlier this week about the nominated song and the bands upcoming performance at Laneway Festival