Written by the Yo Vocal team, images on film by Java Katzur

Ever attended a gig so good you wish you could re-live it? Yeah us too. Creative Corban Tupou felt the same and after a few too many days spent pining over nights already passed he decided to create Sounds of the Local– a platform showcasing local DJs. So now, even when the parties over the music doesn’t have to stop.

The 21-year-old has a passion for creation and connection which has been a common thread throughout his adult life. Even in high school Corban was making short videos and documenting his adventures- something that kickstarted his zeal for capturing life from behind the lens. Throughout his first year of university, DJ decks were always set up in his room- with people from across campus taking turns at mixing. A whole bunch of Corban’s mates love mixing, it didn’t take them long to put two and two together and start recording their own music.

Corban has recently launched Sounds of the Local- a project to showcase musical talent and inspire people to come together and enjoy good music.

He uses Facebook to livestream DJ’s performing sets in their flats. He hopes Sounds of the Local will grow into a community of collaborators and artists. The set-up is just like a flat party setting up the desks on the kitchen table. But with a camera live streaming it for the world to see.

Sounds of the local has streamed more than ten live sessions and has gained traction by featuring local artists. “We have had Timmy Kwok, Fergus Eglesfield, Tim Ellis, Alex Mckay, Maxwell Sweeny, Liam Cullen. Hopefully, that list will be a lot bigger in the near future with a blend of more formal solo mixes as well as the always fun spontaneous back to backs,” Corban said.

His interest in music started back in year 10 when Corban took a DJ course for NCEA credit. And it stuck. Despite almost failing the class (because he played his own tracks), Corban’s love of music remained strong. “I guess I love how it can enhance a current moment or allow you to remember the feeling of a moment in the past, whatever that may be.”

Corbans affinity for music has made the hard work worth it and has now turned into an online community.

“There have been so many moments over the last few years where someone has brought out a set up late at night after a gig or some other situation. Looking back on it I always wished that I could see and re-live some of those moments, so I guess it really started from that desire.”

He believed having video alongside music helped create an immersive experience for listeners. “I always really enjoyed the visual aspect and being able to see what was actually going on in the room. I feel like it gives more context and almost puts you in the room along with them.”

Corban emphasized that it’s about embracing new ideas and being inclusive.

“Do whatever the fuck you want to do and embrace any weird ideas that pop into your head. It really sucks but often people don’t try new things and put themselves out there in fear of what other people may think. Don’t be scared to get a little outside of your comfort zone.” Corban and his co-creators are looking forward to getting more hands on the decks and wants to encourage everyone to get involved.

“We would really love if anyone who might be keen to get involved in any shape way or form to hit us up and get amongst, ultimately the goal is just to try out new stuff and have a whole bunch of different people on the page mixing a bunch of different genres”