LAVA’s hot! This exciting acoustic folk/pop band is touching hearts nationwide with their beautiful songs, stunning harmonies and fine musicianship. LAVA’s based in Wellington and comprises Kiwi singing/songwriting family The OConnors (Amanda and Sean with teenage daughters Acacia and Rosie) plus Canadian composer/pianist Vanya Popov.
One of LAVA’s big drawcards is its beautiful harmony singing. Husband and wife Amanda and Sean were already renowned for their voices and harmonic blend, and the combination with their daughters Acacia and Rosie, fine lead singers in their own right, brings a magical resonance to the sound. Vanya’s extensive choral experience and top-notch musical ear adds depth and richness to an already amazing sound.
Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Tom Shinness of Nashville said There are many fine singers in Nashville, but when The O’Connors sing together it has the x-factor, even a spiritual quality
On the instrumental side, Amanda is also a brilliant flautist, Sean a strong rhythm guitarist and Vanya a gifted and versatile keyboard/pianist. Acacia and Rosie are each an exciting up and coming violinist, and keyboardist respectively. All of LAVA’s members lend a capable hand to various percussion instruments to add rhythmic spice and drive to many of their songs.
The O’Connors melodic and soaring songs have been described as moving and powerful (Hawkes Bay Today), and unique and beautiful (Bluebird Cafe, Nashville), with emotional and intellectual depth, able to reach the audience’s heart.
Amanda and Sean are both New Zealanders of part Maori descent and,have also lived in the Americas with their daughters, performing and teaching. They’ve recorded a solo album each and four duo albums in both the USA and NZ. Vanya has also toured the world with several choirs and recorded an original solo piano album.
This past July, a few days after meeting one another, Amanda, Sean and Vanya featured on National Radio, TVNZ’s Good Morning Show, and toured the North Island with Sean’s solo album release. Acacia and Rosie now bring their songwriting, singing and instrumental skills to this exciting mix of talent!
Amanda, Sean and Vanya’s solo albums will all be promoted on the tour, as well as a new CD single promoting their upcoming album.
Earthquakes/Spirit of Our Land CD Single
Travelling Musos in Christchurch Quake Write Song Same Day
Earthquakes is LAVA s first single, composed by Amanda and Vanya while driving from Christchurch on the stunning Kaikoura coast on the same day as the Canterbury disaster! With the shaking and destruction just behind them, they created this poignant, contemporary folk ballad, which reflects New Zealand’s beauty and looks ahead with optimism and resolve that all shake-ups in life can be overcome!
The lyrics for Track 2, Spirit Of Our Land, are by playwright/author Michael Burton, and were originally entitled Anthem for Aotearoa. The song has an anthemic quality and is rich with inspiring images of Aotearoa/NZ.
