New Zealand singer/songwriter Emma Paki has established a songwriting workshop in one of Auckland's multicultural suburbs. Emma has performed music professionally since 1985. Concerts and tours include Sheryl Crow, Crowded House, and Big Day Out.
Tucked away in the back streets of Onehunga is a team of kids who are keen on learning how to write songs.
Who better than one of New Zealand's greatest singer/songwriters Emma Paki to help facilitate their musical aspirations.
Angell Rawinia says, “I was shocked. I was surprised because this is my first time meeting her in real life and at a real studio.”
Emma Paki says, “My job is to facilitate in their learning. You know how people talk, speak or korero or converse with each other that's all it is with Music. It's the same thing really. But people need to know that they can do it, so that is my job.”
“I was up until, me and Max the base were up until 4:30 this morning preparing everything so i thought "OMG it is a lot of work,” says Paki.
This is her first songwriting workshop which she established under her newly formed company ‘Auckland Music Services’ to give others an opportunity to follow their dreams.
Paki says, “I was invited to rob a bank when i was in my 20's by a friend I could've done that with him and he was sentenced to six years in prison. A month or so later I was at the Music awards winning awards. Which one do I want to rob a bank and get caught or do something good and make a living?”
During our interviews, this team of enthusiasts came up with a waiata for Maori TV.
Paki says, “Personally I'd like people who need to make it, people who like to make a choice of crime or no crime and use creativity instead to help express their feelings.