Deva Mahal Unveils Powerful Ballad 'Stand In' + Video

Hawaii / Aotearoa-raised powerhouse Deva Mahal has released a monster of a ballad, along with a masterpiece video directed by Petra Cibilich and created with support from NZ On Air. 'Stand In' came to be on the back of a life-altering year for Mahal, and as she stands on a sweeping shore, she belts out lyrics graced by "the wisdom of Mahal's mother", and formed by a year of personal hardship and then growth. Following the success of her debut album Run Deep in 2018 and a long list of impressive live appearances, Mahal returned to New Zealand not long before pandemic struck, allowing her space to find her roots and pour her emotions into songwriting. Mahal delves into how 'Stand In' relates to the current global response to systemic racism:

“They say that art should reflect the times. “Stand In” comes at a time of increased awareness of the problem of systemic racism and inequality. I am often moved to tears unable to remember a time in my life where race and inequality have been more at the forefront of every news station, social media outlet, blog, television shows etc. In my life, I’ve never known what it feels like to not be aware of my skin colour.”

Deva Mahal has two North Island shows lined up for October, so watch this and find yourself a ticket...

Deva Mahal
Thursday 29th October - Tuning Fork, Auckland w/ Zoe Moon
Friday 30th October - Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Leigh w/ Zoe Moon* 
Tickets available HERE via UTR