New Jazz 2025

Misdirection

Sailing

ART MAKE LOVE

JAY LUV

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Hold On

On debut album ‘While I'm Distracted’, London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes draws inspiration from contemporary soul and jazz, touches of global folk, electronica, modern classical, and post-rock, with dynamic arrangements and production. ‘While I'm Distracted’ is an album about fighting for your innocence and right to be a vulnerable and honest human. Arjuna’s songwriting explores themes of identity, depression, existentialism, social media, loss of innocence, and finding hope for the future through artistic expression.

“I'm obsessed with albums,” says Arjuna. “I've made seven EPs, but needed time to tackle a full length record. I was using the EPs to learn the craft of how to make a great album, much like a director will make short films before they make a feature. I wanted to take the listener on a journey and spark their imagination. Hopefully the album expresses complex emotions, rather than having an intellectual concept. I'd rather ask questions than answer them”.

Across the album, Arjuna performs vocals, piano, keyboards, synths, production, and wrote the string arrangements. He’s joined by Harrison Scholes on bass, Jo Jenkins and Andre Smith on guitar, Sam Notman on drums, Louisa Williamson on saxophone, Nathan Haines on flute, Kate King on french horn, Leah Thomas on clarinet, Hilary Hayes and Emma Colligan on violin, Chris Van Der Zee on viola, Charley Davenport on cello, Zane Hawkins on percussion, James Macewan on trumpet, and additional production by Callum Mower.

Following the release of his debut EP ‘The Watcher’ in 2019, Arjuna has released various  projects including ‘First Nights’ and ‘Final Days’ (collaborations with longtime friend and co-producer Serebii), released by LA-based record label Innovative Leisure (BADBADNOTGOOD, Allah-Las). ‘First Nights’ debuted at  #5  on KCRW’s top 30 Albums chart with play on BBC 6 Music and BBC 1Xtra. He recently performed for the New Zealand Olympic team in Paris, supported Nathan Haines at The Jazz Cafe, and played sold out shows at 91 Living Room and Servant Jazz Quarters in London.

You've Got What It Takes (feat. Gregory Porter)

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