Fireside Chat

Sugarlicks Records feat. Solaa & Brother J

Auckland, New Zealand

Formed in 1999 in Auckland, New Zealand, Sugarlicks was conceived as a forum to showcase the melting pot of music, expression and culture of the infamous club Khuja Lounge. Sugarlicks quickly grew to become one of the most dynamic spectacles in New Zealand, showcasing spoken word, freeform HipHop, pacifican drumming, songwriting & dance. From the overwhelming response to the deep vibe of this clubnight Gareth Farry and his Sugarlicks crew developed the equally named record label to create their irresistible Pacific Soul sound. After an impressive string of albums, compilations and 12”s in New Zealand, the label now seems to be ready to conquer the world. Sugarlicks’ most important artists include the highly acclaimed collective Solaa as well as Jason Leslie Hall aka Brother J. The sound of Solaa has often been described as a unique New Zealand fusion of electronic and organic music. Rich in instrumentation, it bridges HipHop, Breaks, Funk, Soul, R&B and Latin flavours. This plentiful fusion of sound was evident in their debut album 'Steps in Time', receiving support from the likes of Benji B or Monk One (NYC). A few of the Solaa members including Isaac Aesili and David Wright aka Taay have been RBMA participants in the past. Brother J has always been threatening to create unique inspired music. As an accomplished player of traditional Maori instruments his debut album ‘Be Bop A Nui’ from 2003 was a snapshot of urban maori life with all the trials, triumphs and heartbreaks documented. Aotearoa Soul.