London-based musician Arjuna Oakes masterfully blends contemporary jazz, soul and electronica influences into a unique sound. Oakes cut his teeth on the Wellington jazz scene, where he wrote and recorded his debut album, While I’m Distracted. Now based in London, the musician has spent the last two years honing his craft and building a community of listeners.
London-based New Zealand musician Arjuna Oakes Photo: Suchita Jain
Oakes has released seven EPs to date, and his music has enjoyed extensive radio play throughout the UK. BBC Sounds’ very own Giles Peterson (BBC Radio 6) told his listeners to ‘watch out for a great singer from New Zealand called Arjuna Oakes’.
Now signed to South London-based label Albert’s Favourites, Oakes’ debut album came out yesterday.
The musician caught up with Maggie Tweedie about his experience of transitioning into life overseas, building artistic connections abroad and the Wellington jazz community who now call London home.
