4/4 Pacific Music + Arts Volume 2:1 Oct 2016 | Page 22

How long have you been making music?

a sure way to get things started

I started writing originals early on at college and began

2, My belief in God and the need to share of him

jamming out to my mates in the school courtyard.

motivates me

My early college years also con irmed I had a real

3, The children I teach, knowing the type of music that’s

talent in not only singing and writing music, but in

out there that they’re listening to I want to create music

performance. My friends really enjoyed my stuff and

that speaks life, moves hearts. Let’s be honest, most

there was never shortage of onlookers and listeners.

music out there our kids are listening to is quiet the
opposite

Who supports you to make music?
My family has always been a strong support, they love

Who do you make your music for?

what I do and give me the right push. I also have a small,

Firstly, I make music that is pleasing to me, what brings

close knit unit of friends, who tell me to “hurry up make

me joy, what makes me happy and whole.

some music” lols always eagerly waiting and supporting
me.

I make music for those who want to hear truth, who
want to feel connection, who needs a bit of hope. I
make music for those who appreciate musicianship and
artistry. I make music for those who are wanting that

Who do you work with to create your music?
I write and arrange all my original material – and then

“feel good” feeling, without provoking sexual desires.

work with
Dee Letoa as the music producer. We worked together

What do you do for work?

to record my irst EP Love and Other Things and the

I work in primary and intermediate schools with a

label I work with is Promo Kings.

programme called KIWI CAN. The role allows me to use

Overall, I want to work with people who believe in me.

What is your artist name – and where did that come
from?
La Coco - La for Latoia ( irst name) and Coco has been
my family nick name since birth.
One Saturday I was thinking to myself I needed a stage
name and asked couple friends to help me out. My
family nick name “Coco” came to mind and we started
shuf ling words around and decided to keep the irst
two letters of my irst name “La” and put them together

my gifts in music and drama as a medium to teach our
lessons through.

What was the process to release your ϐirst EP?
I had written every song for my irst EP well before it
was even planned to record it. I knew exactly what I
wanted it to sound like, which musicians to use for it
and who I wanted to have record it.
Promo Kings (label) came along with interest and
helped push things along to get it in studio mastered
then to online distribution

to make La Coco.
How did you feel at the time of the release?
What motivates you to create music?

At the release of my EP I was very excited and extremely

There are a few things that motivate and drive me to
create music
1, The way I’m feeling, or how I feel about something is
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proud with the achievement of having put together my
irst actual collection of original work. I had worked
with everyone I hoped for on this irst one, all the
material was mastered and the journey/process was

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