This week we hear from singer songwriter Bella Kalolo (Ngati Porou), newly crowned Best Female Artist at the Pacific Music Awards 2012.

Bella is one of ten contemporary Maori musicians performing at the Pao Pao Pao 10th anniversary celebrations this weekend, at Pipitea Marae in Wellington.

This week we hear from singer songwriter Bella Kalolo (Ngati Porou), newly crowned Best Female Artist at the Pacific Music Awards 2012.

Bella is one of ten contemporary Maori musicians performing at the Pao Pao Pao 10th anniversary celebrations this weekend, at Pipitea Marae in Wellington.

"It’s great because it’s an outlet for Maori artists to tautoko each other in the arts and Ngahiwi has definitely given that launching pad to do so."

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

I’d have to say anytime of the day!

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Rockabilly-esque.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Being able to look out into an audience on a gig and see people enjoying your music!

How does your environment affect your work?

We live near the sea which is a great place to be creative  so in that sense my immediate environment affects my work in a great way. But unfortunately “work” wise, I  have had to go elsewhere away from Wellington to establish more income in my field.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

I’m quite a “details” person,  and my husband is the “big picture” guy so I guess we have things covered. It’s really nice to have the balance.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

To keep up-skilling and gathering tools to help make your craft excellent.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

Releasing the album Without the Paper has definitely given us the most satisfaction. The follow on effect is since releasing it in NZ, we have been fortunate to have released it in France last Month.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Mary J Blige, listened to her self titled album which came out in the late 90’s and just thought…WOW!

Tell us a bit about your background.

Born and raised in Christchurch. Started singing at the age of 3, started performing with my Dad when I was 5. The genre I started out in was country and western.  I am the only one out of my siblings who has pursued this career even though we were brought up on a hefty diet of music.

Tell us a bit about your recent and upcoming projects.

We are releasing an EP very soon which will feature some musical genius from Issac Aesili, Jet Jaguar and Ali Isdale. Really looking forward to it!

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

I’d be a chef. I love creating culinary tastiness in the kitchen! Although I had some kitchen disasters! My motto is, chuck it and start again hahaha!

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

Not so much a place but more people! I carry my parents lessons and laughs everywhere I go. Mum passed in 2005 and Dad in 2007.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

On my iPod! You can be your own DJ!

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

I’d make a tipi I guess!  Or a kite.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

I think the best advice has been to take a holiday!!!!!

What’s great about Pao Pao Pao?

It’s great because it’s an outlet for Maori artists to tautoko each other in the arts and Ngahiwi has definitely given that launching pad to do so.

What does Matariki mean to you?

A celebration of newness. A respect for the land and all that it gives to us.

What’s your big idea for 2013?

Tour and gig more and share the musical love with the world.

* * * The Big Idea 10th Birthday Questions * * *

What does The Big Idea mean to you?

The Big Idea is quite new to me but looking around the site has given me insight into what it’s all about. It seems like an awesome place where like minds can interact.

What changes have you noticed in  Music in the past 10 years?

A lot has happened! The reliance on the digital age by the industry. Instant access to music/musicians and the like. Online followers via Twitter/Facebook/Intstagram. Also an uprising of music from Aotearoa throughout the world!

What are some of the opportunities and challenges for the next decade?

That radio stations to keep building their empires in picking what should be played and what should not be played commercially! That we as NZ musicians can get on more festival circuits around the globe to ensure our mark is made on the world stage!

Futher information:

Bella Kalolo is of Samoan, Tonga and Ngati Porou descent.

She has just released her debut album “Without The Paper” across France, through Wall Street Artists. The first track, from the up and coming Remixes EP, “Superstar” (remixed by Ali Isdale) was released for free download to celebrate the end of NZ Music Month.

Superstar (Remix by Ali Isdale)

Kalolo has also just released her new video “Good Things” (below), directed and produced by DiamondCut Media.