With Otherland, Berlin-based Tongan New Zealand singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and beatmaker Noah Slee and his producer Ben Esser crafted an intoxicating and vibrant soundworld underpinned by stories from Noah’s youth and the adventures followed.

Rendered in tones and rhythms borrowed from his beloved Neo soul, the Future R&B sound that’s gained popularity in recent years, and the euphoric house and techno music he was introduced to in Berlin, it’s a record that hits you in the hips and the heart.

Although Otherland features a star-studded cast including Hiatus Kaiyote’s Simon Mavin and Paul Bender, American future-soul icon Georgia Anne Muldrow, Nigerian singer Wayne Snow, and New Zealanders Melodownz, Rachel Fraser, and Jordan Rakei, top billing belongs to Noah and his exquisite vocals.

They’re the vehicle for his introspective lyrical explorations of the stories behind his late sexual awakening, journey of self-discovery, and the freedom and spiritual progression hanging it all on the line has afforded him.

*

Stream “Otherland” on Spotify.