Meet the Wahine of Take the Mic.
ICYMI there has been a new show on TVNZ searching for the new generation of talented Kiwi musicians!
Out of a pool of 200 contestants, 12 teens were handpicked to showcase their talents and create their very own music video thanks to some industry professionals!
Billie chatted to contestants Betty Smith, Milly Eaton, Bella Casey-Solly, Georgie Levien, Katie Lee Webster, Karla Naude, Molly Pawson and Rhythm Titimaea, all about their songs, what the competition has been like and why you should vote for them!
These talented ladies need your vote so they have a chance of making it into the top 3 where they will then go head-to-head to try and take out the Take The Mic 2022 crown.
Make sure to read their interviews, watch their music videos and then to head to takethemic.co.nz, to vote.
Votes close midday on Sunday 9th October, 2022 - so get in quick!
Betty Smith.
Age: 16
From: Wellington
Name of song: thedumbthingsyoudo
Why did you enter Take the Mic?
I entered Take The Mic as I thought it would be a fantastic experience and a great way to getmy name outthere but also to create a music video for my song ‘thedumbthingsyoudo’.
Tell us about your song? What was the inspiration?
The inspiration for my song is that I wanted to present the raw representation of what overthinking is and how it makes you do certain things, significantly changing yourself for someone else. I also really wanted people my age and teenagers, in general, to relate to this song as I know it is something that people experience on a daily basis, and not always just in a relationship sense, I believe that this song is all up for interpretation.
What has been the best part of the Take the Mic experience so far?
Something I really enjoyed was meeting lots of people who have been in the music and film industry. I really valued my time working with these lovely people as I learnt a lot and also loved receiving new perspectives that were incorporated into my music video.
What drew you to music?
Music has always been something that I have loved and I’ve been performing and writing songs ever since I can remember. I believe that one thing that really drew me to music was that my dad was always playing it loud in the house and also in the car every chance he could :).
Who’s your biggest musical inspiration?
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved Taylor Swift. She was and still is a really big role model to me songwriting-wise and I have always looked up to her as she is such a powerful woman:).
Why should people vote for you?
I have so many songs that I would love to record and produce music videos for, I feel like one isn’t enough, and I just want to keep creating and sharing my work with others as it is what I love doing :).
What’s your ultimate music goal?
To be a successful singer-songwriter for the rest of my life. I can’t imagine anything else that I would be doing :)
Millie Eaton.
Age: 17
From: Auckland
Name of song: Messing With My Head
Why did you enter Take the Mic?
I entered Take The Mic because I thought it would be a really cool opportunity to do some more focussed work on my music and have the opportunity to record and film a music video which was something that I have always wanted to do. It was also a great opportunity to work with people who know what they are doing in the industry and to pick up on skills that they have learned over their career which have helped them to succeed.
Tell us about your song? What was the inspiration?
My song “Messing with my Head” is about a scenario I was in where I was really close with this person and we got along really well but then all of a sudden, they moved on and we drifted completely. The song is essentially telling the story of how I felt after that, and it captures the idea of “what if” and wondering what it would have been like if we were still close but knowing that I will never get them or our friendship back again.
What has been the best part of the Take the Mic experience so far?
The best part of theTake the Mic experience so far would have to be both being on set filming and getting to meet these amazing people who have such awesome ideas and collaborating with them to bring our vision to life for my song, as well as getting to actually experience what it was like to be on set filming a music video. Another amazing part has definitely got to be watching all the episodes and seeing everyone else’s amazing talent and finished products!!
What drew you to music?
I was always drawn to music as it was a way that I could express myself and put my feelings and emotions into words when I struggled to make sense of them. I also have always loved the way music allows you to be creative and free in your crafting and creative process, whichI love. These things have always drawn me towards music and kept me going in my songwriting and performing.
Who’s your biggest musical inspiration?
My biggest music inspiration is probably Ed Sheeran. I am always in awe of the way that he can fill a stadium and create such a big sound with just him on his little guitar. His songwriting is incredible and the way that he can command an arena alone is so awesome - so I would definitely say him.
Why should people vote for you?
Hopefully people will vote for me because they like the sound and style of the song and music video that I had the privilege of creating. Also, maybe for some people they will vote for me because they have been in a similar situation or can relate to the song that I have written.
What’s your ultimate music goal?
My music goal is to write songs that help people feel less alone.Its also to help myself understand my feelings and experiences but also to share them with others in a cool way. I want to bring fun and joy to different places and people and to share what I have been so lucky to do with others. Also my ultimate goal would have to be performing in a sold out stadium. Maybe one day..... (fingers crossed).
Bella Casey-Solly.
Age: 16
From: Methven
Name of song: Seventeen
Why did you enter Take the Mic?
Take the Mic was a great step for me as I was already writing and playing music and I wanted to get more into the music industry. I felt that creating a music video was such a new and exciting step into my dream future job.
Tell us about your song? What was the inspiration?
The song I entered, Seventeen, is about a man with dementia. It shows dementia from a different perspective and I believe really makes you think about how it would feel to have this condition. This song was inspired by the short story, I’m Seventeen, by Brain Falkner, that I read in English class. Falkner’s story shows a man with dementia, thinking he must have switched bodies with someone when he was in a car crash at seventeen. He is so confused with what’s happened, but so certain that he is 17. Although he is just an old man with dementia. I have contacted Brain Falkner and shared this amazing journey with him, the story, the song and the competition.
What has been the best part of the Take the Mic experience so far?
The big film day was surreal. Spending the day working to create the music video that best conveys the meaning of my song was a dream come true. The people I worked with from the makeup artist to the camera crew and director, everyone was so supportive and made the experience so fun. I loved how much creative control I had and how my music video brought my ideas to life.
What drew you to music?
Ever since I was young I was encouraged to learn, practice and play music. I learnt guitar and piano and took singing lessons.From playing and singing songwriting came naturally. I grew up in a musical family with everyone either playing instruments or singing. My family was a real inspiration for music.
Who’s your biggest musical inspiration?
I’m inspired by Taylor Swift for how she made her career and is so in control of her music. I am inspired by small NZ artists as I can watch them become successful and can relate easier.
Why should people vote for you?
I believe people should vote for me because this is my dream and this is an incredible opportunity to make it come true. I believe that communities need to get behind artists. Also when living in a small town it is harder to get opportunities so I would appreciate the community to help me get this one. I believe I have what it takes, so watch my music video, listen to my song and decide for yourself. I need your vote!
What’s your ultimate music goal?
I want to be a singer songwriter. I want to make money from doing something I love. I want to play to an audience and connect with every single person in it. I want my lyrics and music to mean something and make a difference to someone. Music videos, recording songs, concerts and festivals would all be great adventures and life experiences to add to a dream.
Georgie Levien.
Age: 16
From: Nelson
Name of song: Taking me Places
Why did you enter Take the Mic?
Why did you enter Take the Mic? I entered Take the Mic because my band teacher Mr A showed me the poster during band practice. I was skeptical at first but after a lot of persuasion from my teacher I decided to film my original song and send it as my audition video. My dream has always been to show the world my music and Take The Mic is the perfect way to showcase what I am capable of.
Tell us about your song? What was the inspiration?
I wrote this song in September last year. This song is about feeling like somebody is losing interest, but you’ve already felt this way before. I wrote this song from a personal experience around liking someone and it not feeling reciprocated. The inspiration for this song was a person who was constantly on my mind. I find that when I have something troubling me the best way to get through it is writing it down in song. I felt inspired to write a song about how this person made me feel and that allowed me to interpret my true emotions.
What has been the best part of the Take the Mic experience so far?
It’s hard to single out the best part of Take The Mic because the whole experience was so inspiring. I enjoyed flying down to Christchurch with my sister and having a full day of feeling like a celebrity. It was awesome working with people who are professionals in their fields, from a singing coach to composers and directors. I loved recording my song in the studio and filming the music video in a beautiful house. The whole experience was a dream.
What drew you to music?
There are many factors that drew me to music. From a very young age, I was obsessed with Michael Jackson and Katy Perry. At the time my sister was taking piano lessons and I begged my mum to join in. I then started writing songs when I was 5 with my childhood best friend and that led to writing a bunch more songs. I always knew my dream was to perform as I was always dancing and singing for my family and friends. My parents have always been supportive of my dancing, theatre and singing passions from a very young age so that also helped a lot.
Who’s your biggest musical inspiration?
I love every genre of music. From Frank Sinatra to Sex Pistols, the Beatles, Katy Perry, J. Cole, and so many more artists. I get my music taste from my brother, my sister, my friends and mostly my dad. Recently bands like Sticky Fingers and Spacey Jane have been my biggest influence. I think my music taste reflects my music as I like to write songs in the form of rock and singer-songwriting. I love writing songs about love which is inspired by Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish but I also like to add my own twist to every song. I like to find inspiration from the energy of a song instead of specific artists or genres. This way I can listen to music without feeling like I need to follow their structure of chord progressions or lyricism.
Why should people vote for you?
I think people should vote for me because I don’t only write original and authentic songs, but I am passionate about music and passionate about the art that surrounds every type of song. I think I can bring something new and different to New Zealand’s music industry and write songs that are both relatable and filled with emotion. I’d love to have a platform to release my music and follow my dreams of becoming a singer/songwriter.
What’s your ultimate music goal?
My ultimate goal would be to have my music on Spotify and other music platforms for people to listen to. I’d love to have a group of people who relate to my music and find inspiration from my songs. I’d also love to perform my music and feel the exhilaration of a crowd listening to a song that I wrote. In general, Take the Mic has been a dream come true and anything that happens after this show is an added bonus.
Molly Pawson.
Age: 16
From: Dannevirke
Name of song: Home
Why did you enter Take the Mic?
I entered Take The Mic because my music teacher introduced it to the class. I saw it as an opportunity to evolve my music career and a way to put myself out there.
Tell us about your song? What was the inspiration?
The song ‘Home’ is inspired by someone very close to me and I wrote this song to show how home doesn’t necessarily need to be a physical place, home can be a person and therefore home can be wherever you are with that person.
What has been the best part of the Take the Mic experience so far?
My favourite part so far was watching the vision of my music video coming to life. Meeting the people who were dancing to my song and the people behind the scenes made the whole experience wonderful and I couldn’t be more grateful!
What drew you to music?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. Mum and dad say I was singing basically once I learnt how to speak and I think this is partly due to my parents listening to all sorts of music around the house and I think that was what drew me into music from such a young age.
Who’s your biggest musical inspiration?
My biggest musical inspiration right now is Kate Bush. I have been drawn to her quirky music style and the interesting way she writes her music. I like that she’s not afraid to be herself in the music industry and I hope that I can be the same.
Why should people vote for you?
I think that people should vote for me because this opportunity would mean the world to me. I feel as though I’ve already won from gaining the chance to produce and film a music video for my song. But overall I don’t really know how to get myself out there in the music industry and by gaining votes I would be one step closer to getting the help I need to figure that out.
What’s your ultimate music goal?
My ultimate goal is to create a life for myself with music. Music is such an important thing tome and I can’t really imagine myself without it so I would love to spend everyday performing and sharing my music with the world.
Rhythm Titimaea.
Age: 16
From: Auckland
Name of song: I’m not the same
Why did you enter Take the Mic?
I entered Take the Mic as a fun thing to do. I did not think much of it as I thought there wouldn’t be a high chance of me making it in to the top 12. But as I realised that I had made it in I wanted to show the world my love and passion for music and that Pacifica and Māori people can achieve in things like this as much as anyone else
Tell us about your song? What was the inspiration?
The song I sang In Take the Mic was a cover song by Aaradhna called Not the Same. This song has been one of my favourite songs for a long while now as I feel it helps me with my vocals and helps me improve on my voice
What has been the best part of the Take the Mic experience so far?
I had the best experience with Take the Mic. My favourite part was working with Sasha who was the vocal coach. She helped me with expressing my emotions in the way I sing and also taught me how to sing with a powerful and strong voice. I am grateful that Sasha was there to help me before I recorded my song as it really helped me and everything went well. I also enjoyed experiencing shooting my own music video for the first time. It was a great experience.
What drew you to music?
I have always had a huge passion for music. I have loved to sing ever since I was very young. I had no vocal lessons, no vocal coach, etc. I grew up in a musical household so everything I learnt was with my family. Music has always been a part of me and I feel that I was drawn to music ever since I was born.
Who’s your biggest musical inspiration?
My biggest musical inspiration would have to be my parents. They may not be famous but they are truly my biggest inspirations music-wise. They have helped me every step of the way throughout my life.
Why should people vote for you?
I feel that people should vote for me because it has always been my passion since I was young to be a famous singer/song writer, and to be on this show has shown me that anything Is possible and I want to show the world my unique voice and talent. I want people to vote for me because I want to prove to myself and the world that I am capable of being successful in the music Industry. I want to make an impact in, not only Aotearoa but also the world through my music. I would love for you to give me the opportunity to move forward in my music career, and with your votes and help it will definitely be a successful journey.
What’s your ultimate music goal?
My ultimate music goal would have to be creating my own music and sharing it to the world. I want to be able to write my own songs and improve more on my vocals. As I said before I want to make an impact in not only Aotearoa but also the world through my music. I want to be just as big and famous as every other artist and I will continue to work hard towards that.
Karla Naude.
Age: 18
From: Hamilton
Name of song: Wondering
Why did you enter Take the Mic?
Take the Mic was a great opportunity for me to get out there and show Aotearoa what I'm passionate about.
Tell us about your song? What was the inspiration?
The song I chose to take the mic is a song from High School Musical The Musical the Series. I wanted to sing this song because it was related to what I was going through at the start of this year! Even though this was not my own song, I got the chance to add my own spin to it with the assistance of the Take the Mic Musical Director. This song asks the question of whether the decision you made was the right one, and what life would have been like if you made a different decision. The song resonated with me because there were so many different choices I had to make after high school, and I thought a lot about how different my life could be depending on how I chose.
What has been the best part of the Take the Mic experience so far?
The best part of Take the Mic for me, was the day when we filmed the music video. I have always dreamed about being in a music video, so being able to film my own music video and being able to help create the vision for it!
What drew you to music?
To be honest, I don’t remember a time where I wasn’t drawn to music. I always grew up around music and it has always been a big part of my life. In South Africa music is a big part of our culture, so everywhere I went I heard music! Growing up music was part of my day-to-day life and that passion for music has continued and only flourished as time went by.
Who’s your biggest musical inspiration?
The most influential musician in my life is undoubtedly Alessia Cara. It is the uniqueness and authenticity of Alessia's music that made me fall in love with her music. The cleverness ofAlessia's lyrics inspires me, and I am inspired by her talent as a songwriter. Music like hers has helped me to heal during some of my toughest times, and that is what I hope to do with my own songs. Creating a safe space for people to confront feelings that aren't often discussed is what I aim to do with my music.
Why should people vote for you?
I would wholeheartedly appreciate it if people would vote for me, so that I can continue pursuing my passion. So that people can join me on this journey and watch as I grow and fully embrace this opportunity!!
What’s your ultimate music goal?
My ultimate music goal is to be able to travel the world sharing and performing my music! I want to create that safe space for people, just like I mentioned above! I want to see how I grow and change as time passes and hopefully have people who will grow and change with me!
Katie-Lee Webster.
From: Papakura
Name of song: Pls Don't Be in Luv
Why did you enter Take the Mic?
I entered Take the Mic in hopes of gaining as much experience and knowledge as possible, and I have learnt so much about behind the scenes of making a music video and TV which has been awesome!
Tell us about your song? What was the inspiration?
My song “pls don’t b in luv” is about my experience growing up queer, and how I thought that if I told people, I would be looked at differently.
What has been the best part of the Take the Mic experience so far?
Working with industry professionals on this project has been such a privilege, and working with them to film the music video has been the highlight of the Take the Mic experience.
What drew you to music?
Honestly... Barney and Hi5. I used to love watching them as a kid, and I think that is where my passion for music started.
Who’s your biggest musical inspiration?
My biggest musical inspiration is probably Taylor Swift as she has girlbossed her way through the industry with hard work, and I find that super inspiring.
Why should people vote for you?
I think people should vote for me to spread the message of the song to people who need to hear it, like how I needed to hear it when I was younger.
What’s your ultimate music goal?
My ultimate music goal is to tour the world making people feel things though my music. I think that would be absolutely incredible.
Watch all the episodes on TVNZ+ and head to takethemic.co.nz to watch all twelve videos and vote for your favourite!
