Hailing from the summer-haven BoP peninsula of Mount Maunganui, Wheriko has hit the ground running with their sparkling debut single, combining experiences from their challenging non-binary ride through life into Enby, a bouncy, Latin-flavoured alternative-pop number. NZ On Air Music included Enby on the NewTracks compilation this July.

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

Wheriko Tamihana. I play guitar and sing, plus bass, ukulele, drums, piano.

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

For guitar and bass I wasn’t really trained until I discovered Pickup Music online in the last three years. I learned from playing in bands and learning bits and bobs from my father growing up. Singing in harmony was learned at church in my younger years. The vocal training was hands-on and came with high expectations every week.

Any other projects we might know you from?

Not that I can think of. Maybe an X-factor audition that had some TV time, haha.

What made you decide to choose Wheriko as your artist name?

Wheriko is Māori for glittah, shinning, shimmer, sparkle. People often say I light up the room, that I’m a sparkly person. In my mind, I shine their own light back at them. Share their own love back with them. Their joy at my existence seems like my joy in them.

It also helps that, pre-euphoria, I wore glitter to every show and party, so naming myself WHERIKO just made sense. It’s in capital letters because it’s supposed to be emphasised with whatever emotion you’re feeling at the time.

What’s the background story of how Wheriko came to be?

I have been on a wild ride, my body not fitting into the gender norms. It’s been a reason to celebrate now but came with its share of hardships and confrontations. Coming to terms with my gender fluidity has given me both power and a sense of excitement about life.
I believe I am Wheriko because of the combination of love from different communities and the absolute rejection from some of these same communities. It’s a tricky one but I still believe, even though people can be stink, that nobody is the shit they carry. Hence the importance of Wheriko shining their very own light back at them.

How has your music evolved from your beginnings in songwriting to now?

I began with basic chords and metaphors for every line in high school. Very singer-songwriter, very melancholic. I still very much enjoy a bit of melancholy but now I find power in a soul/joy combo. I still love metaphors but they’re surrounded by literal moments too.

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

This is my biggest moment as Wheriko! Dead names come with shaded experiences. The past, although great, is hard to remember in full light when you’re living in a closet. Acting, opening for bands, and meeting famous musicians and actors, to me, fails in comparison to this moment right now.

Enby has been added to a few of Spotify’s own playlists but more than that, I’m finding it being added to couples’ collab playlists. It’s some stranger’s love song!

What made Enby stand out for you as a single?

Its power to bring euphoria to those that need it. It’s finding an audience overseas already. Because there is finally language surrounding it, the gender-queer community is one of the fastest-growing ones in the world right now, especially amongst Gen Z.

Although it’s not a new thing, having the visibility that social media brings really helps people find the language needed to be themselves. This song is hitting at the right time in the world and bringing the same joy I feel personally to everyone, while transphobia is at an all-time high.

What is the story behind Enby?

Enby is a cuter way of writing NB – non-binary.

I often write down or screenshot compliments given to me. This song is a mix of these compliments and the self-love I now have for myself. When I wrote this song there weren’t many songs about desiring people like me, and I thought, ‘We are all magic. We create our beauty standards I want the NBs of the world to feel loved.

A rough recording sat in my voice notes for a year, bringing me to life every time I listened to it. It’s supposed to strengthen and bring euphoria to all the enbies out there!

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

I have many… “make everybody here a little bit gay” The number of times people, of all sexualities, can’t tell what I am and allow their intrigue to turn into flirting is the reason behind this line. Also when people begin with intrigue and end with hate, it often points out the boxes they have caged themselves in, and oddly expect others to congratulate them for staying in. Just admit it, your desires are outside of your own learned box.

Also, I’m obsessed with the wholesome moans. That’s just euphoria without words. “the perfect Mx…” sounds like ‘mix’ but is an honorific for non-binary people. I like that one too.

Who did you write/record/produce the single with? 

Working with Nate Sowter/ LinkFlamingo has been such a fun and safe space to explore my ideas. I am a fan of many artists he works with. He happily shared knowledge from his years in the industry as I lay down tracks. I feel like we were able to fully collect the essence of the song, and we now have continual vibes available on tap wherever the song is played.

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

To the NBs: Feel sexy, desired and empowered in your bodies.
To the Cis population: Adore us. Your crush on us doesn’t need a label.

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

This is the first of many singles lined up. I’ve written hundreds of songs but I’ll only release the ones that hold power, that emote and bring forward inner truths. My songs may have ridiculous sounds or noises in them, but each of those is as powerful as a word. I have a few new songs coming out in the coming months. 

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

There are so many great artists in the Mount, but I feel like Enby would fit happily in this locals lineup.

• Sophie-Maude: Take me Away
• Matty Buxton: Going Blind
• Skye Hine: Feel Your Love

Have any previous NZOA applications not gained funding or been included on NewTracks?

This is my first single. NZOA approached me on their last day to apply. I hope this means they’ll help fund my future projects.

Was there any criteria you struggled with in the application? 

The press shots. I’m so new to this that I haven’t had any professional ones taken yet! I just went out front of my house and just danced around with a timer on until I had any sort of photo I could use. It was so last minute that I’ve only just now gotten onto hiring someone for future ones.

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

Pickupmusic.com is an American-based music site started by a Kiwi. Incredible artists sharing their works and how to play them.

Any last words?

The future is Wheriko. The future is Sparkly ✨️