Announcing her arrival on the scene in 2019, Vayne‘s raw and honest rap delivery of two bangers, waitwait! and YUCK, turned heads even in the corporate shelter of major label land. Released by Sony Music NZ at the start of August, her debut EP ‘Gutta Girl’ shows Vayne continuing to fire from the hip with tracks that include My Next Ex, Ghetto Flowers and Uh Huh, which was picked for inclusion on NZ On Air‘s NewTracks compilation in August.  

What’s your name, where are you from and what instruments do you use?

My name is Vayne Wilson, and I was born and raised in Kirikiriroa. I’m a rapper, singer-songwriter and producer, I use beat making software on PC to create loops and melodies.

Was any high school or other music training especially important to you?

Nope, because I dropped out of school when I was 15.

Any other previous (or current) projects might we know you from?

This is my first project!

What’s the background to how Vayne came to be as a project? Who else is involved?

I signed a record deal with Sony Music NZ in October 2018. Then started recording this EP, mainly at the BigPop and Sniffers studios. I worked with LMC and Montell2099 to record most of these songs.

How did you come up with the name for the new project?

Gutta Girl is an alias I created for myself in 2016. A lot of things I had been through, lead me to feel like I was in some sort of dark realm… mentally and physically. Gutta Girl is a version of myself that I chose to embrace as an attempt to rid myself of that darkness I was feeling, almost like a shield.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date? 

That would be Six60 in Whangarei! Absolutely nerve wracking, from playing gigs to crowds as small as 20 people going to 20,000. Definitely an exciting experience.

What makes Uh Huh stand out for you as a single?

It’s basically an introduction to who I am, the song is made up of many layers, vocals and beat components. It represents my versatility as an artist and open-mindedness as a person. When I made this song I was in the studio with Montell2099 and LMC. Originally it was supposed to be a small intro made up of only sounds until both producers convinced me to write lyrics over the beat.

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

“Ain’t no silver spoon, yeah I was built from the ground”… Pretty self-explanatory, everything you see here is all me, all my hard work, from ground up!

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

I’d like the listeners to understand my versatility as an artist but mostly I just want them to dance!

How do you generally work out what song would make a good single?

If I like the song or if my friends and family like the song… it’s a good song.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for? (With this band or others.)

Yeah, I’m planning to do a tour of NZ and I’m dropping two singles featuring dope NZ artists!

Can you please name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song.

Yes!
Fiveofive – Love’s Dead
Fiveofive – Leave Me Alone
Fiveofive – Lovewild

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

Yes I love Sniffers & Nah Zone!

Who did you make the video with?

This video was directed by myself and Connor Pritchard, shot by Connor Pritchard, all on Super8 and VHS. Real paint illustrations by Shipping Proof and animation done by Yukimura.

Any last words?

Shoutout to everyone supporting me! Shoutout to Fiveofive & SunnyHills NZ. Stream Gutta Girl.

New Tracks is a compilation of new music from New Zealand artists which is distributed to broadcast and online platforms on the first of each month. Previously the Kiwi Hit Disc, New Tracks is one of the ways that New Zealand on Air promotes kiwi music to the industry, radio, streaming services, and media. To apply for New Tracks you must have a completed, airplay-ready song and a promotional plan.