It all started with a “yes” when local creatives JessB, Lance Savali and Sin Howard agreed to be part of Samsung’s #TeamGalaxyNZ. All are notable in the Aotearoa music industry, part of the zeitgeist of stellar talent, and the three have found a connection across their chosen fields — something they encourage others to seek out too, and say #yeS21 to everything this year has to offer. They sound off to Viva about what being part of this trio means for their work, self-expression and sense of community.
JESSB, MUSICIAN
How is your smartphone an integral part of navigating life?
As an artist, my S21 Ultra is a hugely important part of what I do. So much of my creative expression and connection with others comes via social media. These platforms have actually helped to advance my career and provide opportunities.
They have allowed me to explore my own artistic image, as well as find and connect with communities and people I relate to both here in Aotearoa and all over the world. I have been able to collaborate with creatives who I never would have met otherwise, and been able to see representation of different groups in a “for us, by us” context.
What excites you about being part of #TeamGalaxyNZ?
It is always exciting and inspiring being around other people or creatives who are working hard in their fields and carving out new paths.
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Advertise with NZME.Why is being connected so important to who you are and what you do?
Being able to connect with and relate to others through creativity via things like emotions, experiences and expressions of self helps me to feel understood and part of something bigger than just myself.
What’s exciting or inspiring you about the music universe now?
That it is always changing and infinite! You really never know what amazing people and opportunities lie just around the corner. I couldn’t have predicted where my music journey would take me a few years ago when I started out, so it is exciting to think about the moments and people to come.
What new things have you said yes to for 2021 — and why?
Besides saying yes to #TeamGalaxyNZ and Samsung, I have said yes to taking risks! Trying new things creatively and also just generally in my life. Being uncomfortable or feeling outside of your comfort zone is actually where all the amazing growth happens, so I want to keep pushing myself and not ever get complacent in what I do.
SIN HOWARD, DJ
What excites you about being part of #TeamGalaxyNZ?
I’m so proud to be known as a creative. All my life I have put art first, whether it be in the form of dance or music. Aligning with such a renowned tech company like Samsung, alongside Lance and Jess, to celebrate a part of myself that I’ve been nurturing above anything else in my life makes me feel very understood.
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Advertise with NZME.Why is being connected so important to who you are and what you do?
Self-promotion is big in the music industry, and in the past DJ’s and musicians had to rely on others to promote their work, sometimes in a way that became out of their control. It is a privilege to gain authority on the stories and moments we want to share. It’s also a chance to communicate, listen and learn from others who live in that world.
What’s exciting or inspiring you about the music universe now?
Right now, there is so much attention on us here in New Zealand when it comes to electronic music. Covid aside, within the last 12-18 months, New Zealand has become synonymous globally in the electronic music sphere. The world is watching and we have SO much to offer.
What new things have you said yes to for 2021 — and why?
I’ve said yes to so many opportunities I usually consider outside of my capabilities or comfort zone and it feels liberating! That confidence has come from those around me. I’m very lucky to have a circle who celebrate my successes like their own.
LANCE SAVALI, DANCER
Why is being connected so important to who you are and what you do?
I think being connected is one of the most important things to me because it allows me the opportunity to share my art and inspire people through what I do and at the same time connect with them.
What new things have you said yes to for 2021 — and why?
I have said yes to a couple of things I can’t say too much about just yet, but when the nation knows, I know it will open new doors to meeting new people along my journey! I also said yes to Samsung and the S21 Ultra this year because it provides me the opportunity and the platform to continue creating and inspiring people doing what I love.
What excites you about being part of #TeamGalaxyNZ?
Being a part of #TeamGalaxyNZ allows me to stay creative and inspired through culture, music and the arts! Surrounding myself with a team that allows all this to happen, and is equally as creative and inspiring, is always important to me! Lesssgooo!
Connect with #TeamGalaxyNZ on Instagram, and explore the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series on Samsung.com
