Fat Freddy’s Drop singer Dallas Tamaira takes fans on a magic musical tour of Kaikōura

Dallas Tamaira. Photo / RNZ

Dallas Tamaira has always preferred to let his singing do the talking.

The Fat Freddy’s Drop vocalist and songwriter reckons quietness is a strong trait among those who hail from Kaikōura - the rugged coastal settlement that features strongly in his songs.

On a recent homecoming trip to write and record new material for a forthcoming solo project, Tamaira well and truly kicks out of his comfort zone by inviting a documentary crew, his family and RNZ along to experience his tūrangawaewae.

“Young Dallas would hate this,” Tamaira admits, as he hastily sets up a recording session amongst the chaos of a film crew.

Also on the Kaikōura mission are Tamaira’s music producer and old pal Devin Abrams (who is only in town for 24 hours), his two sons and his mum.

Time is tight as he’s also booked everyone onto a whale watch trip later in the afternoon.

Since the 2020 Covid lockdown, Tamaira says he’s seized the chance to do things differently – in his own words, he tells us why.

Dallas Tamaira and Yadana Shaw. Photo / RNZ / Nick Paulsen

Thanks to the Tamaira whānau for their aroha and support, Brett Cowan, Takahanga Marae, Jimmy, Whale Watch Kaikoura, South Pacific Helicopters NZ, Yadana Saw and Zen Yates-Fill at RNZ and Hayden Clavis.

Director - Sarah Hunter / Creative Director - Dallas Tamaira / Production - Sarah Hunter, Michelle Healey, Lucas Purser / DOP - Jake Munro / 2nd Camera - Sarah Hunter / 1st AC - Ethan James / Editor - Ben Dickens / Colourist - Shyam Patel / Sound Recordist - Trent Williams / Sound Mix - Thomas Voyce / Stills - Nick Paulsen