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ARJUNA OAKES

Arjuna Oakes, a singer/songwriter, pianist, composer, and producer from New Zealand, is making waves in London. Arjuna has released six more projects since his debut EP, The Watcher, in 2019, gaining widespread recognition. His collaboration with Serebii on First Nights and Final Days was released by LA-based label Innovative Leisure, with FirstNights debuting at #5 on KCRW's top 30 Albums chart and receiving extensive airplay on BBC6 and BBC1xtra.

 

 

Arjuna's recent releases, Future Lullaby and Sierra, created with mentor and acclaimed Greek/Kiwi composer John Psathas, further showcase his versatility. He performed his composition Safe Way To Fall alongside Psathas as a composer-in-residence for Orchestra Wellington in 2023. Beyond his recorded projects, Arjuna has scored theater productions, written for string quintets, and toured extensively across New Zealand, opening for acts like Jordan Rakei, Moonchild, and Allen Stone.

 

 

Arjuna's first single, Motel, is followed by The Love That I Feel, which blends jazzy guitar riffs, funky energy, and a smooth bassline, earning praise for his unique sound. His debut album is scheduled for release in 2025 through Albert's Favourites, a UK boutique indie label known for its synth-heavy and soul-inspired music based in southeast London.

 

 

His collaboration with John Psathas on Sierra brings a fresh fusion of Greek folk and modern jazz, creating a unique project that feels timeless. With his debut album on the horizon for 2025, Arjuna's momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

 

"Watch out for a great singer from New Zealand called Arjuna Oakes." – Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio 6 Music)

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"I knew he was an artist worth following after his debut London performance at Servant Jazz Quarters." – Secret Elcectic August 2024 

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“Sierra explores what could happen when Greek folk meets modern jazz, creating a project untethered from time and genre." – Higher Plane Music March 2024

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"In Motel, Arjuna channels that feeling of being stuck in life but uses it as fuel for the future with relentless groove and psychedelic vibes." – Ivo, May 2024 

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"An incredible, uplifting joint from New Zealand soul artist Arjuna Oakes... one to get lost inside." – The Love That I Feel Phonica 2024

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"Arjuna Oakes and John Psathas reunite on Sierra, fusing Greek folk instrumentation with modern jazz." – Rolling Stone 2024

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"Arjuna Oakes’ Motel is a swirling vortex of neo-soul and psychedelic funk... feverishly seeking escape." – Neon Music 2024 (Marcus Adetola)