My Version: Geneva AM.
My Version chats to stars and people of influence to give a glimpse into their time as a teen and see the things they are currently obsessed with!
This New Zealand Music Month, we are celebrating by profiling some amazing wahine in the music industry!
Say hello to award winning producer, beat maker and vocalist, Geneva AM!
Obsessed RN.
Kiwi musician/band that I’m loving:
MOKOTRON.
I’ll be celebrating New Zealand Music Month (NZMM) by:
I began by releasing ‘Pikipiki’ on the first and then launching the digital mixtape Miki Rapu Waiata: Pikipiki - an interactive treasure hunt for music lovers! It’ll be going on until 2 June.
NZMM is important to me because:
I love music! And I love Aotearoa?
My favourite thing about the New Zealand music scene is:
There are many pockets. Like a big old fisherman's jacket.
Currently bingeing:
The Curse with Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder. Not really a binge because I can only handle one episode at a time, very cringe.
Song on repeat:
PHANTOM BRICKWORKS by Bibio.
Favourite Insta account to follow:
Lately I find myself engaging with accounts who are actively documenting what is happening at the moment. I think it’s important to stay connected to current events. I believe for those of us who can, it is important never to look away from injustice. Liberation to Palestine. @translating_gaza, @wizard_bisan1, @motaz_aziza, @wael_eldahdoh
Must have beauty product:
Sunscreen and a hat. Hydration + sleep.
The item of clothing I’m definitely over wearing:
Any lavalava within arms reach. It’s so hot!
Currently reading:
Polynesia 900-1600, An Overview of the history of Aotearoa, Rēkohu and Rapanui by Madi Williams.
Snacking on:
Sun ripe cherry tomatoes from the garden, the flavour is so sweet and delicious!
Can’t stop watching on TikTok:
I love Māori TikTok, what a great part of the universe 10/10. Mauri ora
Dreaming of:
I’ve always wanted to press my music on vinyl. In saying that, I do feel like I’m in a dream most of the time, just full of gratitude for my family and the wonderful people in my life.
Next place on the list to travel to:
We want to revisit Japan this year and stay for longer this time if possible. I would also like to go to each country I have whakapapa to, Aitutaki, Palmerston Island, Tahiti, Scotland, Ireland, England, and France. I recently learned that we may have Indian heritage as well, so I’d like to visit there too!
I’m currently inspired by:
Mana Motuhake, Tino Rangatiratanga, Te Whare Tangata.
My favourite way to relax is:
Going down to the local spot and having a swim, or playing imaginary games with my son.
I stay healthy by:
Surrounding myself with a loving, supportive and uplifting community. Holding myself accountable. It is worth noting that it takes time to uphold practices like going to bed early, healthy eating, exercise, meditation, yoga etc. Overall, I want to be consistent in my day to day rather than chaotic, haha, I’m still learning!
When I was younger…
One thing I love about Gen-Z is:
No notes. Keep doing what you’re doing. Honestly? The future is bright. Looking forward to what unfolds next, I wonder what Gen-Alpha are going to get up to!?
If I could give my teenage self one bit of advice, what would it be:
Ugh, just... you’re awesome, I love you. It gets even better like you thought it would!
My favourite part of being a teenager was:
Just experiencing things for the first time. It’s cheesy but it was just so exciting holding someone’s hand or eating something new or driving a car or going on your first holiday with friends. Growing up in the city we always had something to do. We would walk everywhere, go to art openings, or gigs and dance, we hit the op shops or spend hours in a cafe. I loved doing Kapa Haka with Kahurangi Ki Maungawhau - we were the only girls only team to ever make it to nationals, For work experience in 6th form, my friend Lane got a graveyard shift at 95bFM on Thursdays and we had the best time making radio in the middle of the night and then going to school in the morning. You have to remember it was just CDs, Tapes, Records and their thoroughly used but very cool music collection in the studio. No Spotify. I had to run around trying to find these things! By the time I was in 7th Form I had my own show on ALT TV taking requests after school. Man, what a time.
My first job was:
I can’t even remember it but I did a Toyota Commercial when I was 2 years old so I’ve had an IRD number since then. Officially though, Hell Pizza Symonds Street when I was 16. Free Pizza for two years was dope.
My dream job as a teen was:
Actress Architect Millionaire.
Best piece of advice I ever received as a teen was:
(R18): Don’t party with people who don’t care about you, especially when you’re under the influence.
My biggest fashion faux-pas was:
I can’t even count them all. All I can say is: It’s lucky we didn’t have iPhones back then in the olden days of the 2000s. I was fearless.
My biggest inspiration was:
Punk Music from the 80s, Indie music, Kapa Haka, One Piece, and The Carter III.
My fave Kiwi musician/band when I was a teen was:
The Mint Chicks and Che Fu.