Having released his first EP ‘Food For Thought’ last year, Auckland-born, Melbourne-based RnB artist Sire continues to serve up his tasty tropical-garnished musical dishes with a new single, Have the Time, just released Australasia-wide. Sam Smith caught up with Isaiah Tavita Fa’amoe to learn a little about the song and what his plans are for 2021. 

How has life, and Covid, been treating you in Melbourne? 

I am doing well, thank you. Life is a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment but there is a lot to be grateful for. Melbourne was affected badly in 2020, but there has been an easing of restrictions, so we’re good.

When and why did you decide to move to Australia? 

My main reason for moving to Melbourne was to be with my mum, who was already living here, and that happened around 2004, which was also about when I started making music. I began writing and recording music when I was 14, and I’m now 27, watching and learning from my older cousin. 

What made you decide you wanted to make music your profession?

To be honest, I don’t consider myself a professional musician. But what made me strain towards music was the love and support from my friends and family. I actually had never released my own music but I was convinced to by those who supported me.

How would you describe your style of RnB? What sort of influences do you take inspiration from when writing?

My style is a mix of the current sound of RnB with my own little twist. I’m influenced a lot by my experiences and my surroundings, but my music now is heavily inspired by the holy spirit. 

You’ve just released a new single Have the Time. Can you tell us a bit about the song’s meaning?  

Have the Time is a mixture of things. It’s a personal statement of how I’ve been navigating through life this year and knowing that time can’t be wasted on things that aren’t meant for you. But overall just expressing that I’m being used by God and that’s how I’m able to do what I do.

What was it like working with producer Nextwavez on the track? 

It was awesome. He’s definitely a gifted producer and is very current with his sound.

You also released your ‘Food for Thought’ EP late last year. Who did you work with on that?

The producers on that project were all dope creators from New Zealand. Eli Mando, Astro and MangryMade. As for the artists involved, I only had one feature, my brother Lion Rezz blessed me with what he does best. 

You seem to be getting a lot of support for your music both in Australia and NZ. 

That’s very overwhelming for me because I still buzz out at the fact people listen to me. But man, all glory to God for it all, as long as he’s getting acknowledged for what I do, I’m happy. 

What plans do you have for the rest of 2021 musically speaking? 

Hopefully, I will do another EP by the end of the year, or start working on a debut album.