Performing in front of local music fans and international delegates at the recent Going Global Showcase, South Auckland singer/songwriter Paige had to hurry from her own 20-minute slot on one stage to join rapper JessB in performing her latest single So Low on another. Paige Tapara took her first steps on the ladder to fame with self-filmed DIY videos, and has since connected widely enough with her own “groovy, funky RnB” to lend her voice across a variety of genres, and be asked to open for leading Kiwi acts including Drax Project and Six60. With a debut EP somewhere in the works, the 21-year old has just seen her new single, Bloom, included on NZ On Air Music‘s NewTracks October compilation.

What’s your full name and what instruments do you play, if any?

My name is Paige Tapara, I’m from Clarks Beach in Auckland, and I play guitar!

Any high school or other music training that was important to you?

My most important lessons in music came from primary school, it’s where I learnt guitar and where I got most of my experience performing.

What other projects might we know you from?

I featured on a song with JessB called So Low, and also featured on a song with Balu Brigada called Slow Dive!

What’s the background story of how Paige as a solo project came to be?

I knew I always wanted to be an artist. I spent so much time performing and writing music which gave me a lot of preparation for the writing sessions and gigs I do now. 

How did your music evolve from your beginnings in songwriting to what it is right now?

I always really loved acoustic music and I always thought I’d be writing slow sad love songs. Now I’m more into groovy, funky RnB music!

Why did you choose to go simply as ‘Paige’?

Honestly, because I didn’t know what to call myself! But also because my music is so honest and quite vulnerable at times I like that I use my real name. It feels more personal that way. 

What makes Bloom stand out for you as a single?

It’s my first song I’ve had that isn’t acoustic. It has a groove and I really like the song… It was so fun making it and I love that I expressed myself exactly the way I wanted to when I wrote it.

What is the story behind Bloom?

It’s about wanting to grow into the best version of yourself, in order to treat the people you love the way they deserve.

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

“I’ve gotta stay in my roots til I bloom,” – meaning you have to stay in your own soil to be able to blossom into the best version of yourself.

Who else did you write and produce the single with? 

I wrote the song with Djeisan Suskov and Josh Fountain from Leisure. I met them that day and told them I wanted to make a song with a groovy bass line, and that’s exactly what we did.

Describe in one sentence what you want listeners to take from the song.

I guess I want listeners to be inspired by the story of how I’ve grown and how I’ve tried to blossom as a person. It can be hard to do.

In general, how do you work out what song would make a good single?

Whatever song is my favourite and gets in my head the most, for sure. If it’s my favourite song and my parents’ favourite song then I know it has to be a single! 

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for?

I have an EP coming out next year that will be something to be excited about!!

Can you please tell us three other local tunes that should be on a playlist alongside your song.

Definitely Find An Island by Benee, Stay Away by Bexy, and All Over You’by Leisure! Such tuuunes!

Had any previous funding applications miss out or songs not been included on NewTracks? Got any advice for people out there?

If I’m going to be honest I never applied for funding up until I applied for Bloom, mostly because I had no direction on how to go about it. I learnt from my managers and other people who have received funding that it’s super beneficial, so it’s helpful to have guidance on how to receive it!

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re super into?

No, not really. I think the most interesting musical type of YouTube series I’ve watched is Genius. I find it fascinating listening to people describe what their songs are about, and finding out who writes their songs and who doesn’t.

How can we find you on social media?

All of my usernames on all platforms are @Paigesspace
Instagram 
Twitter 

Any last words?

You receive what you give out to the universe.