AQUARIES
“Fuck Compromise and let the work speak for itself” says PollyHill, one half of the Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) based duo AQUARIES alongside Samara Alofa. Described as a joint venture Magnum Opus AQUARIES self titled 2023 album moves through the intergalactic and turns the view back inwards. It features a sonically fluxing landscape and sharp commentary overlayed by innovative production and a clear love of and association with the self. But it’s a real love that involves deep unpacking, criticism of structure, and radical acceptance of self and community. A retelling of a common Queer narrative maybe, but with deeper ancestral roots, and a sound that only comes with immersion in an eclectic and experimental community. It’s also very fun to lose yourself into, whether in your room in your head or in a club letting them fly you to the outer reaches of whatever universe you live in. Here’s the duo on how they live intentionally to make their art.
Outside of your art form, where do you find inspiration?
SA: Often I look to nature for inspiration to inform my art practice. I feel connected to my ancestors when feeling present with the land and as if my cup is being filled. The ocean and bodies of water inspire me so much to connect to my emotions. Sea shores as well the way the sky line and the ocean sometimes blend into this silvery, shimmering moment. I often visit places like this since we live on an island and just connect myself to these moments. When I was younger it would inspire me so much to write right then and there.
PH: Honestly its corny but people, I’m so intrigued by people, the human condition, just like eaves dropping and observing people in a cafe or engaging in like post show conversation, or a couple walking their dog. People are such mirrors for our own psyches and I learn most about myself when observing someone else. Dreams too, the power of the subconscious is potent.
Where do you think you get your personal power from?
SA: I was raised by very strong women and I think they all individually and collectively taught me to have a back bone yet also be unconditional with love and understanding when it comes down to it. Naturally this drew me to strong women as friends and a strong community and I think if I didn’t have the desire to be around others who inspired me to be truthfully and unconditionally myself I’d not be who and what I am today.
PH: My community (besties) for sure, I find them so inspiring and empowering, their tenacity for life meshed with just kindness and capacity to love. The Spirit of creativity and storytelling, it’s divine and sacred to me and like the closest thing I have to a worshiped God. Ego I guess, like the absolute underdog mentality and need to grow and evolve.
What is your favourite space?
SA: there’s a spot I visit often by the water in Tamaki, I go there about several times a week and it’s a place where some of my ancestors used to park up their Waka. I find it surreal that it’s still a place I can go to now and I often go when I need to feel comfort and safety. Also to feel my feelings and relax into what’s going on aye! There’s so much going on.
PH. My car driving in the spooky hours, with a friend or alone, rolling through the city streets, often listening to my own beats or an album start to finish, just meditating / stewing on something, trying to receive a message from the divine creative.
Is there something you learnt early in your career that you have now disproven?
SA: You don’t have to be a trained musician to write and make music, it is completely possible to make a masterpiece and have not ever been trained.
PH: That you have to be technically trained or have a knowledge of music theory to make music. So exactly what Mara said.
Within your immediate circle of friends and family or chosen family who is your hero and why?
SA: It would have to be AJ HONEYSUCKLE, they’re one of my besties and they have such an incredible relationship with music, poetry and te reo. I am constantly inspired by them and their art form. I feel safe and comfortable when I get to share space with them and they’re just a beautiful person too with that Aunty grit and grime.
PH: No surprises here but it would have to be Half Queen aka Shaquille. That’s my bestie and although we annoy each other so much like siblings do, I’m just super inspired by her vision, her taste, her integrity, her unwavering self belief, her grit and ambition. If she didn’t start DJing and like accomplishing the amazing feats she did I probably wouldn’t have been inspired to start making and sharing music.
How much of a role do other musicians play in inspiring your work?
SA: I honestly would not be the artist I am if I didn’t have the musicians around me that I’ve had the absolute privilege of collaborating and jamming with over the past 8 or so years. Along with the global impact of those who have come before me and those who I listened to growing up. The way the art form has bought me into community with people just by sharing the same love for specific music styles and sounds. It’s like THE source for me and most of my connections for reals.
PH: A huge role. I’m a true fan girl when I like obsess over an artist I want to know what gear they are using, what their creative process is, what inspires them, what their fucking diet is. I hear them in the work I make, not like copying, but a homage cos I just love them so much.
Is there a specific sonic theme, genre or instrument that you draw pure joy from?
SA: I am a noise music fella, aye! My roots run with the underground noise musicians of the world and I hope I never ever lose that part of me. So yeah noise is where I personally find pure unconditional joy. Sorry but not sorry.
PH. I love cartoon theme songs, I sample those a lot. But also like, as a filmmaker, movie soundtracks are so important to me and often when I’m making a beat I have a vision of the film scene it would be playing under. The Kill Bill soundtrack, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Under The Skin have all totally informed my musical sensibilities.
How does visual aesthetic come to play in your work?
SA: I have always been drawn to anonymity, and so visually I am more inclined to express/ pair my music or songwriting with or through landscapes or textures, inversion illusions and such things like that, Metamorphopsia.
PH: Again, as a filmmaker, I always see images in my head tied to what I’m making sonically. Film and sound are one in the same to me, producing a song is the same as writing a script to me so I always have core images I return to and a journey of beginning middle and end.
What are the core values behind your art?
SA: Radicalised expression from the heart, metaphorical poetry or songwriting to express harder feelings and realities and reclaiming lost or stolen experiences through that. Evolve and heal and don’t compromise for bullshit.
PH: Fuck compromise and let the work speak for itself. Be open to discovery. I’m always trying to get closer to myself through an investigation in my art. Platform and speak to the underrepresented or other, because specificity always leads to universality.
Are there any creative’s you'd like to platform right now?
PH: I think Deadforest and Dera Meelan are making some of the most exciting music in this country at the moment, as well as Geneva AM. Outside of music, the creative direction of frandsonbahati, the art of keciano, moanafresh collective. Nganeko and Romi Wrights too!
SA: Nia Vavao a.k.a spdrtwnbby, Nia is honestly one of the most flawless musicians I have had the honour and grace of writing with, seeing them grow as an artist and supporting live over the past few years has been beautiful. She’s an inspiration to me for real and also just a beautiful human. She’s putting something really special soon too. Keep them eyes peeled!
Also my girl ROMI WRIGHTS she is not only a dear friend of mine but also another flawless musician who recently put out Singles ‘Bring it back’ and ‘Without You’ via our homies’ Dylan Cook and Matt Hunters Record Label ‘Manuka Records’. I remember seeing her sing live when I was a teenager and being like THIS IS THE BEST SINGER I HAVE EVER WITNESSED. She’s literally the one.
If you could learn one new skill instantly, what would it be?
PH: Carpentry. Or to play the Harp.
SA: My grandfather was a carpenter and I have to agree with Paloma that would be an amazing skill to pick up instantly. That or lawyer skills, yes I said free the People.
More from AQUARIES here / Words by Alex Officer
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