Oddisee Returns to NZ to work with Wellington Singer Estere

Media Release
16 September, 2013

#PRODIGY

-For Immediate Release-

New York Hip-Hop Rapper And Producer Oddisee Returns to New Zealand to Mentor And Make New Music with Wellington Singer Estere

The collaboration of New York City rapper and producer Oddisee and Wellington singer and beatmaker Estere Glen Bahebeck Dalton marks the return of Red Bull Prodigy, a project which pairs legends of the music scene with up-and-coming local talent in a 10-day takeover of the Red Bull Studio Auckland. The prodigy is guided by the mentor who helps develop their musical talent and production skills to create new music, an initiative that previously saw Watercolours’ Chelsea Jade Metcalf work under the tutelage of She’s So Rad producer Jeremy Toy.

The brand new Red Bull Studio will be buzzing on October 21, when Estere and Oddisee embark on the latest instalment of the prodigy; writing, producing and mixing new song, ready to be released. Updates will be posted on www.redbullstudios.com.

“I had to learn a lot of things the hard way, and I wish I had somebody to help me out. So I definitely want to give back and help an artist who’s on the way up,” says Oddisee, reflecting on his early hip hop education in Washington DC.

“Because I’ll be working with an artist who’s participating in the Prodigy project, that means they’re doing something right in the first place. And that thing needs to be nurtured, not controlled,” he says.

Oddisee’s achievements include his work used by ESPN during the NBA finals and in commercials, as well as his album "People Hear What They See” winning Best Hip-Hop/Rap album of 2012 by iTunes UK.

Like the multi-tasking multi-instrumentalist she’ll be mentored by, Estere likes to keeps her hands full; juggling studies in Philosophy and Anthropology while singing with funk collective Brockerflowersaurus Rex and The Blueberry Biscuits and working on her beat-driven solo material. Since being selected as the prodigy, Estere has been delving into Oddisee’s deep back catalogue.

“When I started digging into his music, I thought, ‘Wow, this guy’s amazing and there’s so much variation in his material’. It seems like he’s constantly trying new things out.

“Previously I recorded my solo material at home, so working with him at the Red Bull Studio will give me access to a lot more ways with which you can produce and make music. I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into this and not holding back,” says Estere.

When Oddisee returns to New Zealand, it will be to a country he has already forged links in; previously performing with @Peace and working with Ladi6. This time, Oddisee will be performing with Raiza Biza and friends in Auckland on October 25 and in Wellington on October 26. Tickets can be purchased from www.undertheradar.co.nz.

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