Upstage: Invercargill Festival of Cabaret is almost here – and audiences are set to be treated to the debut of budding Southland singer/songwriter Michael Kuresa’s newest single, Currency.
With musical influences ranging from Six60 and Michael Bublé to Stevie Wonder, and an assist from Parachute Studios and APRA Silver Scroll-winning producer/songwriter Daniel Martin, Kuresa’s star is rising steadily.
His debut single, Across the Ocean, hit number seven on the NZ singles chart; Upstage is delighted to host Kuresa as he gives Murihiku a sneak peek of his next drop.
“Upstage is an awesome opportunity to showcase the arts, which are so important to society,” he said. “The arts to me are about passion and telling stories, and I am so grateful and excited to do this through Upstage.”
Kuresa said he’s fizzing to showcase the song in his hometown of Invercargill.
“I haven’t played a show down home since my last release, Make It Last, in April. Invercargill and Southland has always been so supportive of my musical journey, and I feel proud to represent Southland wherever I go – just ask anybody I’ve worked with in the industry! I love that my family and friends get the opportunity to see me and my team do our thing, live in action,” he said.
Kuresa – who created Currency with producer Daniel Martin taking on bass and guitar duties, Adam Tobeck on drums, Elijah Wilson on the piano/organ, and MK on guitar – was excited to perform the song with well-respected Southland musicians at the launch event.
He will be joined by Simon Thompson on lead guitar, Jacob Hewton on drums, Marcus Crowe on the keys, and Chris Hewton on bass guitar during Upstage.
“I love putting on shows for the people in Southland who have been there since day one, and to have such a talented local band beside me is truly a treat for the audience. It does feel like I am giving back to my community, with the help of some of the best musicians there. I’m always grateful for them – you do not want to miss your favourite local musos link up for what is going to be a stunner of a night.”
So, with such an impressive line-up, what could the audience expect?
Kuresa described his upcoming performance as one that would be “intimate and conversational, but also energetic, with a toe-tapping vibe”.
“Currency is a fresh pop/soul sound, which uses elements of multiple genres to keep listeners engaged to the final chord,” he said.
“The song tells the story of a couple separated at the peak of their relationship, only to realise that no money or possessions are as important to them as the other.”
The music video – set to drop the same month – reinforced that idea, he said.
“I always feel so much love when performing on home grounds, so I hope everyone brings their best singing voices,” he said. “You never know – I may even bring a lucky audience member up to come and sing a song with me.”
Don’t miss your chance to join Kuresa for an intimate, one-night-only showcase on Tuesday August 15. Click here to buy your tickets.
