Hot new talent Duke Boara at barely into his 20s has already notched up over 1 million streams on Spotify alone, spins on BBC Radio 1, and recognition from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Richie Hawtin, Sasha and Severino Panzetta. Now he adds ‘Wairau Bay’ to a growing procession of acclaimed singles since his debut ‘Focus’ in mid-2020 and recent cuts Rain and Sundown.
Multi-instrumentalist Duke, aka James Toomey, who plays piano, guitar and drums, has described his music as ‘instrumental melodic electronic/house’. Currently in London, growing up in England’s West Country, studying and living in Newcastle, he also spent five years living and travelling in Asia, where world music and instruments such as the sitar sank into his musical consciousness, leading to a rich melding of cultures.
‘Wairau Bay’: the influence of Asian culture permeates his new single, from the gentle tuneful notes like raindrops in lush forest, to the loose laidback melodies and stylised vocal sounds woven into the stealthily compelling beat, not to mention the solo sitar in the otherwise silent breakdown. Equally mood-setting for intimate listening, and inspiring to the dancer in us all.
Duke Boara tends to keep in the shadows, letting his music speak for him; the coming months will bring a prolific run of releases, with a larger project also on the horizon…
‘Wairau Bay’ is out now on LG105. Get it HERE.
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