Te Huki and friends target Masterton

Makoura College old boy Matiu 'The Hook' Te Huki returns to his hometown for a performance alongside his backing band My Golden Soul at King Street Live in Masterton.

Makoura College old boy Matiu "The Hook" Te Huki is returning to play his hometown - only this time he's bringing friends.

Te Huki has completed two solo shows at King Street Live since the venue opened last year and on Friday will stage a third performance there with his backing band, My Golden Soul.

"I've played there twice already as a solo act and I'm really excited to be bringing the whole band with me this time," Te Huki said.

"I love the venue and what it does for the music scene of Wairarapa and I love coming back to play in my hometown. It's a great town with an awesome music venue and I want to share this with my band."

Te Huki, who also teaches music, boasts a background in theatre and traditional Maori performing arts, and had fronted numerous bands while also sharing the stage as a soloist with the likes of Fat Freddy's Drop, Rhombus, Pitch Black, Tiki Taane, and Anika Moa.

Te Huki prides himself on his vocal skills and energy, and his "ability to connect with, hold and lift a crowd" during his performances, he said.

The Hook was the founding member of the Kiwi roots band Homefire Burning and now leads My Golden Soul, which also features vocalists Shona Te Huki and Justine Hamill, keyboardist Cam Crawford, Warren Hastie on percussion, Rich Christie on drums, and bassist Shane Hamill.

Te Huki has released two EPs and a compilation album, including My Golden Soul in 2009, Manawa in 2012, and Rainbow Collection last year.

"I grew up in Masterton till I was 17. It was a choice place to start my life and I'm looking forward to seeing friends and family there on Friday. That would top it off," he said.

"We'll be performing a new song inspired by the legendary Warren Maxwell for the first time ever on Friday. He's such an inspiring man and I'm happy to come and support King Street Live by bringing our music home," he said.

"My music you could describe as soulful roots with grabbing grooves, deep dub with bass, funk and a bit of hip hop. My stage name 'The Hook' relates to my melodic hooks and bass lines that will hopefully stay with the listener long after the song is over."

Matiu Te Huki at King Street Live on Friday from 8pm. Tickets cost $10 and online pre-sales are available at www.eventfinder.co.nz.