Tahini Bikini

Tahini Bikini is a vibrant 6-piece band from Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), Aotearoa. Their unique sound blends old school soul, surf rock, hip-hop, and funk, creating a fresh neo soul salad-funk style. The band's formation began with a chance encounter between Maddy Taylor and Lukas Jury in a bar bathroom, which led to a jam session and eventually the creation of their first single, "Flakey." Over time, they added more members, including Alex Coffey, Cae Te Wheoro Heke, Barney Johnson, Chev Fraser, and sometimes Alex Scott-Billing or James Phizacklea. Their music often explores themes of anxiety and frustration, as seen in songs like "Life's a Beach," which emerged from lockdown writing sessions.

Tahini Bikini has released a debut album titled "Fever Dream," which showcases their energetic and eclectic sound. Their influences include a mix of local and international artists, and they have been praised for their lively performances. The band's music is characterized by big, funky beats and a dark, punkish edge, reflecting their diverse musical backgrounds and interests in blues, jazz, and hip-hop.