SORRENTO Releases Debut Funk-Fuelled Single ' Look Up'

December 7th 2018
‘Look Up' is a feel-good jam, which channels 70s funk, fused with modern synth pop and uplifting choruses, reminiscent of Parliament and Earth Wind & Fire.

New Zealand act SORRENTO has just released her debut single, the funk-fuelled ‘Look Up' featuring Troy Kingi. Stream/download on iTunes / Apple Music / Spotify

The video for ‘Look Up' premiered on RNZ. Watch here.

Although SORRENTO has seemingly sprung from nowhere, if you listen again and pay particular attention to the bassline, you'll hear an unmistakable groove that's been in your eardrums and peripheral vision without you even knowing it.

It is the work of one of New Zealand's most renowned musicians - a bass-playing sorceress, who is stepping out of the shadows with her own project of collaborations. She is SORRENTO.

"I grew up on old school funk and I love so many aspects of that style, the melodic and syncopated bass lines, the organic tones, the brave and quirky musicianship, the harmony, the importance of bvs" says SORRENTO.

"‘Look Up' is meant to sound like a party, full of energy, improvised and imperfect. Most of all, it's meant to make you move."

Recorded live and improvised, ‘Look Up' features the soulful voice and presence of Troy Kingi. One of New Zealand's most notable artists, Kingi picked up awards for ‘Best Soul/R&B Artist' and ‘Best Māori Artist' at the 2018 VNZMZs and was shortlisted in the prestigious Silver Scrolls for his song ‘Aztechknowledgy'.

Kingi helps bring to life lyrics, which convey a message about the importance of engaging in real life to fight off the black cloud, in a lighthearted way - think The NeverEnding Story for the Instagram age.

The track was mixed by Andy Lovegrove (Breaks Co-op), who also lends his angelic vocals to BVs. And while the drums, engineered by Lord Echo, are the driving force, it is without question the bass which lies at the beating heart of ‘Look Up'.

The musician behind the SORRENTO moniker has been a critical part of the New Zealand music community for many years. Her sound has been blasted across festival fields; spun on vinyl late into the night and hidden on your favourite Spotify playlists. She has loaned her extraordinary bass-playing talents to some of the country's most-loved and well-respected artists, from Hollie Smith, Teeks, Troy Kingi and Nathan Haines to Theia, Homebrew, Sons of Zion, Deva Mahal, Louis Baker, Alae, Moana & The Tribe and Estere. She has also played on some of the biggest stages in the world, including Glastonbury, Sziget and Bluesfest, as well as every New Zealand festival you've ever been to.

Now with all that compounded experience, SORRENTO prepares to deliver her own #timeless tunes, made with an all-star line-up and merging old school production values with modern sounds.

SORRENTO is all about classic feels, analogue sounds and good vibes. Understated and cool; unspoken steez - you need to stay alert to hear what SORRENTO's about to put down!

 

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