Jeremy Mayall, music, and Matariki

Hamilton-based composer, performer and musician Jeremy Mayall lectures and researches at Wintec, in the School of Media Arts.

First hearing about Matariki at university from Dr Richard Nunns, who is considered an expert in traditional Māori instruments known as Nga taonga pūoro.  Jeremy now collaboratively  creates musical performances and projects, some of which explore the ideas of Matariki.

Jeremy does not celebrate Matariki in the traditional way – his work honours Matariki through public events such as performances. This  Matatiki Mayall decided to collaborate with several other musicians across three events. These performances will include mixed media.

For their last concert performance, they plan what is known as a “slumber concert,” as a part of Wintec’s Ramp Festival. Those who book tickets will be able to lie back on mattresses and view projection mappings on the roof while enjoying the concert. Jeremy says it will be a time to “reflect back on what Matariki is, how that time has been, and how we experience that together”.

Mayall’s collaborations include those with: taonga pūoro musician Horomona Horo, spoken word poet Michael Moore, visual artist Regan Balzer, and his band doctor Dr. Mesmer’s Private Army. These events bring together elements of Matariki.

Music credit to Dr.Mesmer’s Private Army, more of their music can be found here and here.

Some footage used includes Paul Nelson’s promo for Dr. Mesmer’s Private Army.