Series Classification: PG (Parental Guidance) | Produced by Vetiver Pictures for RNZ Music and TAHI
Hosted by DJ and music journalist Jess Fu, Amplified spotlights artists who use music to embrace, connect and explore their cultural roots.
Over five episodes Amplified discovers the looping pop of Kōtiro, the joyful Samoan indie rock of LEAO, the experimental hip hop of Phodiso, Samara Alofa’s soulful pop, and the electronic R&B of Imugi 이무기.
Through conversation with Jess we discover how each musician approaches their creative practice, revealing how identity is tied to, and reflected in their music.
Kōtiro, LEAO, Phodiso, Samara Alofa, Imugi 이무기 and Jess all speak to their cultural heritage, showing how it informs their artistic expression and music making.
Each episode of Amplified features a unique live performance, deep diving into the musician’s mind’s eye and showcasing their talent in its truest potential.
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Amplified | Episode 1 | Kōtiro
2 Nov 2022Jess sits down with Māori Jewish talent Ana Chaya Scotney to discuss her thrilling debut album, dawn ocean swimming, and how she creates her singular “high lonesome sound”. Read more Video
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Amplified | Episode 2 | LEAO
9 Nov 2022Jess catches up with David Feauai-Afaese of Samoan rock project LEAO about music as a form of rejoice, LEAO’s famous high-energy live performances and what it means to “think Pacifically”. Read more Video
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Amplified | Episode 3 | Phodiso
16 Nov 2022Jess goes deep with Botswana-Aotearoa hip-hop artist Phodiso Dintwe about finding home, telling stories through music, and making a career out of a precarious practice. Read more Video
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Amplified | Episode 4 | Samara Alofa
23 Nov 2022Jess grabs a drink with Samara Alofa, a child of Te-Moana-nui-akiwa, to talk teen raves, liturgical singing and their brooding debut album Earth Punk. Read more Video
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Amplified | Episode 5 | Imugi 이무기
30 Nov 2022Jess spends a day with Yery Cho and Carl Ruwhiu of electronic-pop duo Imugi 이무기 to chat about escaping into the internet, world-building through music and remaining independent. Read more Video
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Amplified | Breakout | Kōtiro Live Performance
2 Nov 2022Kōtiro Music Video Performance Read more Video
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Amplified | Breakout | LEAO Live Performance
9 Nov 2022LEAO Music Video Performance Read more Video
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Amplified | Breakout | Phodiso Live Performance
16 Nov 2022Phodiso Music Video Performance Read more Video
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Amplified | Breakout | Samara Alofa Live Performance
23 Nov 2022Samara Alofa Music Video Performance Read more Video
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Amplified | Breakout | Imugi 이무기 Live Performance
30 Nov 2022Imugi 이무기 Music Video Performance Read more Video
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Trailer | Amplified
1 Nov 2022Hosted by DJ and music journalist Jess Fu, Amplified spotlights artists who use music to embrace, connect and explore their cultural roots. Read more Video
Amplified
NZ On Air Photo: NZOA
Photo: supplied