Anna Coddington releases the latest piece of visuals from her acclaimed funk-filled new album, Te Whakamiha. ‘GAINZ’ is anchored around a driving rhythm section, alongside some of the sharpest lyrics of Coddington’s career about needing more out of a relationship. The bilingual track moves effortlessly between te reo Māori & English, the chorus calling out for GAINZ/HUA, with guest vocals on the choruses provided by good friends Julia Deans, Anika Moa and Hollie Smith.
The release of ‘GAINZ’ comes as Coddington is named as one of five finalists for the APRA Silver Scroll for 2024 for her previous single ‘Kātuarehe’. On the eve of the Award being given out, ‘GAINZ’ further shows off the playful nature of the strongest-release of Coddington’s career which has seen her named as a finalist for four 2024 Waiata Māori Music Awards.
Co-written by Coddington alongside her band The Appreciations (Jol Mulholland, Fen Ikner, Mike Hall), the track combines the self-described “Māori funk” sound of Te Whakamiha with a more indie/guitar-based sound. The track arrives with a video again created by Fen Ikner, incorporating found textures and artwork made by Coddington and her children.
Described as “retro-fitted but contemporary, forward-facing”, Te Whakamiha encompasses Prince-inspired funk, neo-soul, R&B & disco vibes, presenting te reo Māori in a unique style. Sassy throughout with memorable hooks and singalong choruses in both te reo Māori and English, Te Whakamiha is a release with its own vibe, yet distinctly belonging to Coddington.
