South Taranaki-born musician plans big year
Mikey Dam is looking forward to a big year, despite the pandemic.
The South Taranaki-born musician, who now lives in Auckland, is upbeat.
His friend and fellow musician Rory Noble has just released a song which he helped to write, and although Covid-19 ruled out a big celebration, they were planning a good night, he said.
The song, What If I Can’t was released on Friday.
It explores the dynamic of a relationship between two people. One having a hard time with work and life, and the other who is doubting themselves.
The single is the third taste to Noble’s forthcoming debut EP Where Do We Go When The World Ends.
The pair worked on the track while they were home-bound due to Covid last year, using Zoom, emailing back and forth and talking on the phone, so it has a lockdown vibe, Dam said.
‘‘We have always had this between each other. He’s always the producer, I’m a songwriter, and what he’s sent me, it’s always been great. He’s very versatile.’’
The pair worked together on Dam’s hit single Time in 2021.
Dam and Rory’s older brother, Matt, were high school friends, and he grew up playing music with Matt and the other siblings, all of whom have musical talent, he said. ‘‘Matt and Rory and I have made music ever since I can remember. I became part of the family.’’
Dam, who is of Ngaruahine descent, grew up in Hāwera and Palmerston North, where he became friends with the Noble family.
Although he can’t remember exactly when his love of music began, it was all around him as he was growing up, he said.
‘‘My Nan’s brothers and sisters all played an instrument, and my
Dad’s parents lived next to a country blues club in Manaia, so music basically surrounded me.’’
He has plans for a busy year, including writing ‘‘a lot of songs’’ for other people in New Zealand and overseas, heading overseas to work on projects and an EP project.
‘‘Another single is coming out very soon. This year I want to work as much as I can, try to keep a flow going,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve set a whole lot of goals for this year, really high ones . . . I feel like anything is achievable.’’
My Nan’s brothers and sisters all played an instrument, and my Dad’s parents lived next to a country blues club in Manaia, so music basically surrounded me.Mikey Dam