Student Success

National radio station Triple J recently played one of Year 10 student Hemotu Whanga Katipa's many self-recorded songs. Hemotu sings and plays several instruments, including the piano and guitar. 

SNN: What was it like hearing your song on Triple J?

Hemi: It was quite funny actually because I didn't hear my song on Triple J directly. It was only when my friend sent a video of themselves reacting to my song being on the radio that I got to listen to it. Pressing play on the video and seeing how happy it had made my friend, had made me happier inside too. 

SNN: Please tell us about the song – what is it about?

Hemi: The song Cliché was inspired by a variety of moments that I had both experienced and witnessed from others. The first verse talking about the overwhelming feeling of wanting to be with someone, holding on to what you remember of them (specific features, actions they’ve done). During the pre-chorus, I wanted to bring out the emotions that a person would spurt out in the midst of telling their person/people just how special they really are. Finally, the chorus encompasses both ideas together bringing forward both feeling and emotion with the harmonies tying it all together. The second verse goes back to the feeling of wanting to be with someone but I had brought in the little guilt mixed with sadness that some people feel when they have to leave their loved ones.  

SNN: How did the playtime on Triple J come about?

Hemi: The playtime on Triple J came about with Mr Beins’ enthusiasm for all his music students to try out for the unearthed Triple J competition! I was a bit hesitant at first but then when I had looked more into it, I thought I’d enter and give it a shot. The competition itself being as simple as uploading your own original song and having the chance to fly to Sydney to mix, remaster or remix that same song in their studio! This had given me motivation to upload Cliché and see where it goes, next thing I know, Triple J hosts are giving me feedback, artist managers are wanting to get in contact and my Spotify had gone through the roof! 

SNN: Spotify? How many songs have you recorded?

Hemi: Up till now I have recorded around 200 songs over the span of six years and I’ve  released five albums (up to 12 songs each) and five singles. My first album was originally planned to consist of 50 original songs prepared and ready to be released, but I had chosen to take 12 each time and remake them as I had learned my own musical abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. When I had decided to share my music to the world, I wanted my audience to be able to relate with the artist more through specific experiences, not for them to wish for something that they are being told through music. I wanted others to feel that life isn’t full without problems or obstacles, and without those obstacles, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am right now. I have my own recording equipment to make music of my own. 

SNN: Do you play instruments as well as sing?

Hemi: Surprisingly, I play a lot of instruments! I wouldn’t call myself a prodigy but I try to dab in everything I can so that I might be able to make music in different ways or reserve to other things when I don’t have access to every instrument. My favourite instruments to play are the acoustic guitar and piano. I had started to play the piano at just five years old, leaving me with 10 years' experience to finally present my efforts towards the music industry. I had only learnt a little bit of guitar early 2019 when the first hints of Covid were starting to show and I had self-taught during quarantine. 

SNN: What projects do you have in the pipeline?

Hemi:  I’m spacing them all out as to not give too much or too less at one time. My next release is a single called “Think of Love”. If you’d like to stay updated with releases, consider checking out my business Instagram @piphemi_ and from there you can check my bio for my Spotify and main! 

SNN:  How has the music program at SNC supported your talents?

Hemi: My music has definitely grown since doing music at SNC in so many ways. Helping me to shape the way I both make and interpret it. Exposure from students and staff have helped me get to the right people I need in the industry, helping me to grow with knowledge and understanding. Not only has this brought me enough profits to support myself for the future but also to support my family and I am extremely grateful for everyone’s efforts and my own to help me get to where I am today. But my main goal for starting music was not just for financial benefits, it was also for the great friendships I would make along the way and I knew to expect obstacles, and there were many times where I thought I’d give up on music, but I was lucky enough to be surrounded by so many of these other talented and great people!

Here's a song link to Cliché:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5brTz9uRFqItVHJeWeImeN?si=622e6ffb435a496e

Mrs L Quartermain

(Community Relations and Marketing)