Tararua is a Te Whanganui-a-Tara based contemporary art music quartet. The members are all established artists, Al Fraser (taonga puoro), Ariana Tikao (taonga puoro & vocals), Ruby Solly (taonga puoro, vocals & cello), and Phil Boniface (double bass & taonga puoro).
Their music combines taonga pūoro, waiata, karakia and pūrākau (story) with a strong southern Māori influence, with the western instrumental elements of the cello and double bass.
‘Bird Like Men’, their debut album, was released in July.
Tararua joined Trevor Reekie to discuss the new release, their deep connection with their name and explain their creative process.
