EAST COAST ROOTS AND REGGAE VIBES
Photo Isabella Rose Young
Six-piece surf reggae band, SOJØURN, born and based in Mangawhai, proudly releases their debut album – Love in the Way.
Formed in 2018 by Isaac Hunter (lead vocals, guitar), James Finlay (lead guitar), and Tony Baker (bass), the group quickly expanded to include Noah Page (keys), Jacob O’Brien (saxophone), and Visko Bryers (drums). What began as a few casual local gigs has grown into a soulful musical project with roots firmly planted in the coastal rhythms of Aotearoa.
SOJØURN’s sound is distinct and blends reggae, ska, soul, and surf rock, inspired by New Zealand’s rich reggae and dub scene. Though proudly original, the band enjoys paying tribute to key influences such as Fat Freddy’s Drop, Mako Road, Katchafire, and Sublime.
The band’s debut album, Love in the Way, is a two-year labour of love recorded at Wade River Studios (Whangaparaoa) and Depot Sound (Devonport). The songs evolved from raw live sessions into fully crafted tracks, mixed by Paul Jonassen and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studio. Visual artist Isabella Rose Young added a visual layer to the album with artwork that captures the essence of SOJØURN’s sound and coastal roots.
The band has made their mark at major festivals including Bay Dreams, SoundSplash, and Le Currents. A recent highlight was their magical sunset set at Shipwrecked Festival in Te Arai. Known for their relentless work ethic, SOJØURN has consistently recorded and released music, with tracks gaining nationwide radio play. Their 2023 release Where We Go reached number 1 on 95bFM’s Top Ten, holding the spot for a month in January 2024.
Waipu holds a special place in the bands hearts, and their shows at the Waipu Hotel have become legendary sell-outs. Leigh, Mangawhai, and the surrounding coastal towns are deeply woven into SOJØURN’s story – and their music proudly reflects the people and places that raised them.
The Love in the Way tour is now underway, with performances in Auckland, Raglan, Mount Maunganui, Napier, and Gisborne.