Ria Hall celebrates the release of her debut album, Rules Of Engagement, with a special one-off show at Auckland's Lot23 presented by Loop and Flava.

Purchase/stream Rules Of Engagement here - http://hyperurl.co/RulesofEngagement

Hall will perform live alongside Wellington three-piece powerhouse The Nudge (Iraia Whakamoe, James Coyle & Ryan Prebble), who will bring Rules Of Engagement to life in a unique performance.

Drawing on the themes of not only love and war, but also revolution and change, Rules Of Engagement has been nearly five years in the making.

Initially conceived in Wellington and completed in Hall’s ancestral home of Tauranga, the album’s inspiration and concept stem from the New Zealand Wars of the 1800’s, specifically 1864’s Battle of Gate Pā (Pukehinahina). Known as one of the most important battles of the New Zealand Wars, the Battle of Gate Pā saw hugely outnumbered Māori defenders managing to hold off an experienced British force, and secure a key Māori victory.

The inspiration behind the concept comes from a letter written from Henare Taratoa to Sir George Grey, outlining the manner in which the Battle of Gate Pā should ensue, and how both parties should conduct themselves during war. This code of conduct was known as the Rules of Engagement, and is where this project takes its name from.

Sonically, the album moves effortlessly from hip-hop beats to lush soundscapes and soulful crooning. Featuring performances and production from Tiki Taane, Kings, Laughton Kora, Che-Fu and Electric Wire Hustle, Hall’s incredibly powerful voice shines throughout.