Closer scrutiny of Lithium reveals a purposeful, song-oriented, melodic bassline that employs an unexpected reharmonization ...

The 2025 contenders are Pōneke R&B act A.R.T; the chart-topping lads from the same town – DARTZ; and Ōpōtiki artist and 2024 Tā Te Iwi | People’s Choice Tūī winner Hori Shaw.

Within two years he would be the toast of Music City, taking song after song, many of which included verses sung in Spanish, to the top of the country charts ... and his guitar in hand ...