New single Celebrate Life is from the up-coming eponymously named debut EP for Tavita and Bay Road. Coming from Porirua, Tavita de Seymour brings us a touch of the South Pacific’s gorgeous summer as we languish in the depths of winter here. For my northern hemisphere kith and kin, no, it’s not like Australia – more like bl**dy Scotland when the winter hits right of the Antarctic!

A beautiful rootsie reggae number, laid back beat and tempo lay the foundations for a sweet melody delivered in Tavita‘s crystal tenor. Backed with a signature reggae staccato strum and some polished rhythms, we’re transported back to the sun and warmth of our beautiful summer here in Godzone. Toby Lloyd of Tiny Triumph, who did the deeds in the studio, certainly delivered the goods. Kudos Toby.

For the meaning, the EPK tells us: “The song hints at the transient nature of life and our struggle to find happiness,” explains Tavita. “It suggests that the one thing that can give us hope, meaning and grounding in this vast, mysterious universe – is love.”

There’s a really wholesome, fun promo vid on the You Tube for you. It’s shot at Piha and directed by none other than Chris Graham (he of Sione’s Wedding, Scribe and Trinity Roots filming fame). The stars of the video are a group of Kiwi teens just being themselves at the beach for the day. It’s cool seeing the youngsters still being able to be youthful and revel in the present, in the company, and in the surroundings. Nicely done video. It made me feel the right kind of fuzzies.

I can see the video easily walking into airtime on Juice. The audio is going to be aired on radio across the land – and I would expect across the South Pacific. This is the sound most synonymous with our geographic region, and it brings with it smiles, sunshine, hugs and a whole lot of dancing.

Get with Tavita and Bay Road. They know what counts.