ARJUNA OAKES

Arjuna Oakes is a New Zealand-born singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, and producer whose richly emotive sound blends soul, jazz, neo-psychedelia, and cinematic composition. Now based in London, he is quickly becoming one of Aotearoa’s most exciting musical exports.

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Arjuna first gained attention with his 2019 debut EP The Watcher, earning early praise from Gilles Peterson (“Watch out for a great singer from New Zealand”) and Juno Records, who called the release “an absolute stunner.” He has since released seven EPs, including two standout collaborations with beatmaker Serebii (First Nights and Final Days on LA-based label Innovative Leisure), creating a body of work that defies easy classification. Songs like Even When You’re Gone (“Such a beautiful track” — Mary Anne Hobbs, BBC 6 Music) and Motel (“A swirling vortex of neo-soul and psychedelic funk” — Neon Music) showcase his ability to pair technical mastery with emotional depth.

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A skilled composer as well as performer, Arjuna has worked closely with Greek-Kiwi composer John Psathas on the projects Future Lullaby and Sierra, the latter recorded in Athens with a world-class ensemble. Sierra was hailed by Rolling Stone as “a fusion of Greek folk instrumentation and modern jazz,” and featured in Higher Plain Music for its genre-defying style. Arjuna also served as composer-in-residence for Orchestra Wellington, premiered Safe Way to Fall, scored theatrical productions, and has written for string quartets.

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Since relocating to London, Arjuna has become an active force in the UK music scene—headlining shows, supporting Nathan Haines at the Jazz Café, launching a fortnightly North London jam with drummer Sam Notman, and hosting a monthly Soho Radio residency with guests like Maria Chiara Argirò. In 2024, Spotify named him a Featured Artist on its Fresh Finds program, placing him on billboards across the UK and Ireland. He was also featured on British Airways’ Next Big Thing radio show (Series 7 – London & the South East episode).

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His 2025 debut album While I’m Distracted (Albert’s Favourites) is his most expansive and ambitious work yet. Spanning 16 tracks and featuring 18 musicians, the album was written over several years and completed just before Arjuna moved to the UK. Described by Arjuna as “a body of work that means so much to me,” the album weaves themes of reflection, displacement, and emotional memory into an immersive sonic journey.

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Critical acclaim for the album has been widespread.

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“Nothing short of a masterpiece.” – Somewhere Soul

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“Essential listening… a joyful, category-eluding debut long-player.” – Electronic Sound Magazine

 

“A compelling global sound that transcends borders.” – Radio France FIP

 

“One of the best debut albums of the year so far.” – Echoes & Dust

 

“An incredible, uplifting joint... one to get lost inside.” – Phonica (on The Love That I Feel)

 

“Oakes’ high notes are definitely a high note on this record.” – 13th Floor

 

“I knew he was an artist worth following after his debut London performance at Servant Jazz Quarters.” – Secret Eclectic
 

Arjuna’s music has been featured across BBC Radio 6, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM, Bandcamp Weekly, KALW (San Francisco), Radio France, and Radio Corax (Germany). His songs have been included on editorial playlists such as Spotify’s New Music Friday UK. Notable airplay includes Before It’s All Over on BBC 6’s New Music Fix, No Joke on BBC Radio 2’s Jazz Show with Jamie Cullum and BBC Radio 3’s Round Midnight, and Motel on Jazz FM and BBC Radio 2.

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He has supported artists including Jordan Rakei, Moonchild, Allen Stone, and Nathan Haines, and performed at Manchester Jazz Festival, a sold-out Berlin show with Alba Rose, and a showcase for the New Zealand Olympic Team in Paris. Other recent appearances include The Lower Third (London) and Big Fan (Auckland).

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Whether crafting filmic compositions, improvising late-night sessions, or arranging lush studio tracks, Arjuna’s music reflects deep intentionality, emotional resonance, and artistic precision. With While I’m Distracted, he delivers a defining debut—expansive, intimate, and unmistakably his own.