Darren Mathiassen is a New Zealand drummer of the highest calibre and is here in Rarotonga to perform with singing sensation Bella Kalolo for “Divas in Paradise”, next Friday 28 October. He is visiting with his partner, Robyn Walker.
Mathiassen has been playing the drums since he was at high school, but can trace his love for percussion back to a pivotal moment during primary school. “There was a Marist brother who was teaching our class from Samoa and he brought along some island drums. I remember I was the only one in class that could play them and stay in time... And I was really digging it! That’s my first memory of, ‘hey, I can do this!’ - one of those little moments along the way that sparkle.”
He described his first band during high school as an important time in his development as a musician. “We all learnt to play our instruments together.” He then went on to study drums at Wellington Jazz School (now known as the New Zealand School of Music Jazz Programme) under tutors Roger Sellers and Lance Phillip. “From there I just went onto doing all sorts of bands like jazz combos, cover bands, doing some stage production work, pit work and sessions for people that came through town.” During this time he was also a member of acclaimed New Zealand band, Trinity Roots. After a stint in the states, Mathiassen returned to New Zealand and began working with the cream of New Zealand vocalists, such as Hollie Smith and Deva Mahal, whom he describes as “a couple of golden vocalists on the global scene”. Since then he has worked with a myriad of New Zealand artists like Rhombus, Iva Lamkum and Bella Kalolo.
Some of his career highlights include playing for Bella Kalolo at Glastonbury music festival in the UK alongside the likes of Beyonce, Coldplay and U2, as well as travelling to New York and touring with blues legend Taj Mahal. Music influencing his recent work includes gospel music, Prince, Erykah Badu and the Mars Volta. “Also the Philadelphia sound that’s happening with The Roots, and quirky J Dilla beats.” He is also a member of New Zealand group The Nok, with Christopher Yeabsley and Tyna Keelan. The group produced an album with 50% of the songs written in New Zealand Maori and 50% in English and the album went on to win Best Pop Album at the 2011 Waiata Music Awards. “We just freestyle – I’ll drop a dirty beat or something and Chris will pick up some filthy bass line on his Moog and Tyna will drop a sweet little hook on top –that’s what works with this band. It’s always great fun. “
While in the Cook Islands, Mathiassen hopes to learn more about Cook Islands drumming. “I’m intrigued... I want to learn the tradition and the history behind it.” He is not new to indigenous music, having played with Bella Kalolo at Origins Festival in London, a music festival based on music of indigenous peoples around the world. Furthermore, his travels with band Soul Paua took him to Canada on a cultural exchange, where he learnt about the strong links between Maori culture and Native American Indian culture.
Of his stay in the Cook Islands, he commented, “I didn’t try to have any preconceptions about what this trip was going to be. Primarily I came to support the show that Motone is putting on and share what we can share – whatever we can bring. Last night we had a jam and an exchange and met a couple more local musicians so already I’ve got that little musical experience to take back with me. If we get a chance to get stuck into some cook island style drumming, I’d love to take that back – that’d be a highlight! Also to take back the word about what Motone Productions is trying to do here - get people excited to come out here for shows.” For more information on Darren or The Nok visit www.boomclack.com or www.nokvillage.com. -Ngariki Ngatae

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