L.A.B. Bass Player's Visit Inspires Music Ākonga

Fresh off a world tour, L.A.B. bass player Ara Adams-Tamatea visited Toi Ohomai music ākonga this month to provide insight into the New Zealand music industry and share his career story.

Ara met with students from the Level 4 Music Industry class at Windermere. He answered a range of questions and discussed what he loves most about being a musician, as well as the more commercial aspects of the music industry.

Music student, Kaya Swann, said she found Ara's discussion very inspirational.

"He gave real insight into what the industry is like, from his own personal experience. He was very humble and down to earth. It was amazing to hear how many people go on tour with the band, and the range of different job opportunities in the music industry – some I had never considered."

Music ākonga, Jaidah Morris, plays bass guitar like Ara. He said he found Ara's career story motivational.

"My goal is to be part of a successful band that entertains people. So to hear how, through dedication to your craft, you can get to where you want to be in the industry was awesome. L.A.B. are great storytellers too… I like the style of storytelling in their music," Jaidah said.

Ara has achieved incredible career success to date. L.A.B.'s 2020 song In the Air was New Zealand's all-time best-selling single, spending 72 weeks in the chart and going 9 x platinum. Several of the band's albums have also gone platinum multiple times, and they have fans dotted across the globe. Previously, Ara was a founding member of well-known New Zealand roots reggae group, Katchafire.

Next month, Toi Ohomai music ākonga will also have the opportunity to attend a music workshop with Kora's Francis and Laughton Kora. The brothers are hosting a community music event on campus, with the invites being extended to Toi Ohomai students, staff and local secondary schools.