IVA LAMKUM

“For those who miss Amy Winehouse's alto blues pipes, try the New Zealand-based, Samoan/Chinese singer Iva Lamkum on for size.” (MTV Iggy)

Recently named one of the thirteen top global divas by MTV Iggy (US), Iva Lamkum has enjoyed critical support here and abroad, including a placement on influential music blog RCRD LBL. Along the way she’s received nominations for not only the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll, but also the Vodafone NZ Music Awards People's Choice award, and chalked up considerable rotate time on radio playlists across the country.

This year, Iva released her debut album Black Eagle, to critical acclaim. Grounded in her rich syrupy voice and sometimes metaphorical, sometimes direct lyrics, Black Eagle consists of a series of deeply personal, yet universally relatable meditations on family, hard-work, internal conflict, the loved and the loveless. Drawing stylistically on elements of roots reggae, folk, rock, funk, indie and beyond, the album repositions Iva, an artist oft viewed under a neo soul light, within a borderless musical world.

Co-written and produced by her longstanding musical director Caleb Robinson, the album was recorded between York Street, Trident Studios, The Surgery and Caleb's home studio Base, then mixed by Dr Lee Prebble (The Surgery) and mastered by Mike Gibson. Working with her razor sharp five-piece musical ensemble The Pandas and countless special guests, Black Eagle presents a snappy, picture perfect rendition of her smouldering, emotive live show, whether performing solo with acoustic guitar or in the full flight of band mode.