We’re well into 2022 and while gigs and concerts might be limited, Live Nation and Vodafone are still supporting local music by announcing multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and vocalist Leaping Tiger as their March artist for ONES TO WATCH.
Born and raised in Auckland, Leaping Tiger came about nearly a decade ago when Jacob Park uploaded his first song onto Soundcloud at the age of 14. Exposed to music at an early age, Jacob picked up a handful of instruments including piano and flute before choosing the bass, thanks to an inspiring trip to see Ratatouille at the movies: “The Michael Giacchino score has heaps of live bass- that’s the first time I paid attention and had heard that instrument before, and I just wanted to play bass ever since.”
With an incredible talent for understanding music, Jacob takes influence from fellow musicians like Flying Lotus, Kanye West, Flume and David Bowie, crediting them as inspiration behind his recognisable beats and dream-pop like sound.
His foray into live music started when he joined a band, The Burtones, in high school, making it into the regional finals at Smokefree Rockquest in 2015 with an eclectic sound of ska, reggae and R&B. After school, Jacob moved into studying composition at university, putting Leaping Tiger into full swing, and making moves in the music world. He broke out with ‘Screw Face’ in 2019, featuring Kiwi hip-hop favourites Church & AP, JY Lee and Disciple Pati. Described by Under the Radar as having “irresistible heavy bass-grooves perfect for buzzing out to in the emerging spring sunshine”, the track helped set the tone for Jacob’s musical path.
His latest release came as a second studio album ‘Soulsleep’, released in October 2021, featuring his vocals for the first time. Jacob describes the album as a cathartic release: “This album is the journey of a relationship from start to finish in a crash and burn way. Everything that was swimming in my brain I had to get out. I felt like a corpse walking, so Soulsleep is another way of saying your soul is asleep and you don’t feel alive.”
The future is bright for Leaping Tiger, with more than just music on the cards. With a self-described “need to make things”, Jacob is continuing to explore the world of fashion, styling, and visuals. Fans can also expect his return to the stage (once Covid allows) with a live recreation of his album.
Live Nation’s Renée Hermsen had this to say: “Leaping Tiger is an incredibly exciting and forward-thinking artist. Proving his talent was once again with the release of his second album Soulsleep last year. I have no doubt these sounds are going to fill dancefloors in both New Zealand and far beyond. Make sure to catch him while he’s still here..!”
2022 will see an exciting new slate of Kiwi musicians added to the ONES TO WATCH programmed in Aotearoa. Leaping Tiger will join Mo Etc., ONONO, Rhys Rich, There’s a Tuesday, Muroki, Daily J, Balu Brigada and more as he joins the programme’s alumni.
Launched in 2017 in the United States, ONES TO WATCH has helped boost the careers of artists now reaching global stages, including Halsey and Grammy-award winning superstars Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish, who are both set to visit New Zealand later this year on their world tours.
On Leaping Tiger joining the ONES TO WATCH programme, Joe Goddard, Experience & Commercial Director at Vodafone NZ said: "We're super excited to be able to support our OTW artists at a time where concerts can't go ahead. We hope New Zealanders keep streaming their music and band together to buy tickets and support the arts when shows return."
After launching an exclusive long-term partnership in 2019, Live Nation Australasia and Vodafone New Zealand have provided Vodafone customers access to Live Nation’s entertainment portfolio including music, family and comedy tours and festivals across the country. The strategic multi-year partnership is committed to bringing the best live experiences to New Zealand and the best New Zealand artists to the world. The unique emerging talent platform of ONES TO WATCH builds on this strong partnership and a mutual dedication to support grassroots initiatives.
As well as access to the online platform, Vodafone customers will be given the chance to win tickets to the ONES TO WATCH invitation-only quarterly showcase events. More info and competition details available at: vodafonerewards.co.nz
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LEAPING TIGER FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
ONES TO WATCH FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER