Teeks talks ‘Oil & Water’ with Remix for the big song release today
Described by many as the new generation Elvis, Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi or better known to fans as Teeks is one of New Zealand’s most favoured artists. To celebrate the release of his newest and highly anticipated song Oil & Water which was released today, we sat down with the soul singer to chat inspiration, what a collaboration with Gucci might look like and what can always be found in his fridge...
Your new single Oil & Water was released today, what inspired this track?
This song was part of a co-writing session I did in 2017 as part of APRA Songhubs. I was in a room with Dave Baxter from Avalanche City, Emily Warren and Josh Fountain. Emily wanted to pick my brain a bit to understand where I was and how I was feeling at the time. I suppose when you listen to the song, you can interpret it many ways. From my point of view, I was explaining the things going on in my life. I was thinking about the ocean and finding peace and sanctuary returning to the sea. To me it’s about returning an embrace when times are tough, using water as the body that holds the oil together.
Who’s your dream collaboration?
Frank Ocean.
What would you be doing right now if you weren’t a musician?
It would have to be something creative. If it wasn’t music, it would be related to fashion.
Have you picked up any hobbies in lockdown?
I’ve been cooking more. Some favourites I’ve been making are potato gnocchi and spinach & paneer curry.
Happy birthday for the other day! How did you spend it?
I spent my birthday in lockdown, so it was pretty chilled. I did things around the house, I walked my dog, my flat mates made dinner for me and set up the house. For a lockdown birthday, it was definitely a good one.
What’s your top tip for staying creatively inspired?
A change of scenery. I like to find new spaces away from my every day because it’s conducive to getting in the right heard space. For writing, I like to be hidden away somewhere.
Are there any new things you’re working on that you can give us an inside scoop on?
I’m working towards live shows next year.
How would you describe your personal style?
Understated with a balance of street and high end.
How does it feel to know musicians on the other side of the world, like BTS, are listening to your music?
It is definitely very reassuring, but I still find it weird and strange to comprehend that someone on the other side of the world could be listening to a song I’ve written. You just never know how far a song will travel.
If you could write a fortune cookie insert, what would be your words of wisdom?
Get out of your own way.
When was the last time you really belly-laughed and what was it about?
I think to be honest it was a few weeks ago, I can’t even remember what it was about.
What’s something that can always be found in your fridge?
Oat milk or coconut water.
Whose music do you love listening to that might surprise our readers/your fans?
People who don’t know me might be surprised to hear this, but those who know me know how broad my musical taste is. Tupac was my most listened to artist on Spotify last year.
What’s your favourite summer evening meal?
It has to be kaimoana (seafood). Something simple like baked fish or shellfish with a side of veges like potato or kūmara. A very Māori inspired meal. When I think of holidays, I think of fishing and diving and eating the food you catch.
If you had the opportunity to collaborate with the brand on an item, what would it look like?
It would have to be a jacket or pair of pants, a blend of street and high end, incorporating my indigenous heritage in some way. Possibly weaving in patchwork with tāniko or tukutuku designs.
What was your favourite piece from the 100 years collection?
The suit.
What’s your favourite thing about Gucci?
The way the clothes make you feel.
What does Gucci as a brand symbolise for you?
Legacy. Gucci is an emblematic brand.
If you had the opportunity to collaborate with the brand on an item, what would it look like?
It would have to be a jacket or pair of pants, a blend of street and high end, incorporating my indigenous heritage in some way. Possibly weaving in patchwork with tāniko or tukutuku designs.
Oil & Water is out now and available on all streaming platforms.
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