In 23 years of Play It Strange I have had the joy of listening to thousands of songs.
This collection of 10 songs brings together a handful that, for me, speak to the very heart of what young songwriters in Aotearoa can do. There’s honesty, imagination, and a kind of musical instinct that can’t be taught.
There’s a natural creativity in them that rises to the surface in a way that feels both collective and completely unique. They come from something deeply innate. They are, quite simply, riveting.
I’ve highlighted a few lyrical moments from each – small lines that have stayed with me – some, like Home by Annah Mac, for 20 years.
Please click on the song title to listen to them on Spotify. I hope you enjoy listening to these beautiful songs as much as I do.
Willow Lawton, Kaya Avni
From running through sprinklers
That spray through the night
Olive Mortimer
What if all the stars
Fell out of space
And the rhythm of the people turned into an off-beat drum
Olive Mortimer performing at the 2024 Play It Strange Annual Showcase.
Grace Gemmell
If all I am is a memory
Will you love me
Will you love me
Will You love me
Grace Gemmell, performing at the 2024 Play It Strange Annual Showcase.
Grace Lawrence
I feel stuck in the mornings
But my dad he picks me up
Annah Mac
It's gonna be okay this time
I'm coming home!
Grace David, Sabreen Islam
Don't let go your song
The one you hold means more
Ellie David
The sun's shining bright on rolling hills
Nothing but the sea sweeping in onshore
Greer Castle, Millie McLaren
There I lose myself
Maybe that's why I love it so much
Take me to the garden
Gareth Malan
On a broad back
We carry our honour
Ash Graham
I make the same breakfast in the morning
And I know exactly what will happen today