TORU features 'Te Po', which was a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition (beating over 11,000 other entries). Co-written by Moana with Simon Holloway and Hirini Melbourne, 'Te Po' is a brooding love song that was the theme song for a film of the same name.
Holloway, as the leading Producer, worked closely with Moana to give rhythm and groove to this selection of songs based on very traditional melodies and structures.
New recordings include 'Te Ha' (explores the significance of breath), 'Ko Koe ra' (a love song), 'Te Aho' (explores the concept of adoption and whakapapa), 'Te Kapua Whakapipi' (a quote from an ancestor of Moana) and an acoustic version of 'Calling you.' 'Te Kohu' is given a fresh new approach by Producer Tony Battle. The cover features a stunning painting by respected artist Shane Cotton.
"Music of great depth and beauty.melds traditional and contemporary styles without compromising either.a quite remarkably and intelligently textured album."
- N.Z Herald
"Never before has any artist created such a universally appealing album that is equally at home on our shores as it is in Europe. Moana has taken Maori music, blended it, electrified it and still remained true to the Mana that it stands for..."
- Marbeck Records