Rita Mae - Gig Review: Rita Mae @ Whammy, Auckland - 5/05/2023
Fresh off her two shows with the legendary Broods, Rita Mae caused a stir at the iconic Whammy Bar in Auckland on Friday night, as she threw her release party for her debut EP Superfeeling. The atmosphere was electric, with excitement in the air as family, friends, and fans eagerly awaited her performance.
Crystal Chen warmed up the evening with some smooth and soulful tracks, including a playful duet with Paige of Michael Jackson's The Girl Is Mine. As the clock ticked past 10pm, Rita hit the stage with the heavy-hitting Real Love. You could feel the support from everyone in the room as Rita announced that the crowd was in for a treat of brand-new tracks, as well as some favourites and numbers from the Superfeeling EP. As promised Rita rolled into unheard track, Cinema, showcasing moody harmonies and rock-and-roll breakdowns. As the embodiment of a grungy pop goddess, Rita stunned the crowd with her iconic vocals, signature look and playful stage presence. The 5th track, fan favourite, Sunny Afternoon, saw the crowd fully immersed, singing back the lyrics and in a synchronized sway. Rita continued with her set, playing Someday, All By Myself, and another new track, self-proclaimed ‘incredibly needy love song’ Gunpowder. She then slowed things down with The Secret's Out from the EP.
Taking the crowd on a full journey, Rita opted for some acoustic versions of tracks, Hey Blue, Death Song, and Distance Friends, accompanied by her talented sisters Brodie and Gloria, showcasing dreamy three-way harmonies.
Inviting the full band back on stage, for the ‘last song’, the energy soared once again as the crowd bounced to Candy's House. As they left the stage, the crowd chanted, "One More Song" and "F*cking Ey, Rita Mae". The chant worked, and Rita returned to the stage, proclaiming that it might be her favourite one yet. The encore started with the big sound and big vocals of Night Drive, and finally wrapping up with the lead single from the EP., Superfeeling.
Rita's live show is a must-see. With her excited fan base, powerful sound, and great stage presence, especially with the sneak peak of some of the unheard tracks, she's definitely one to watch as she breaks through in the New Zealand music scene, we can’t wait to see what's next.
About Rita Mae
Twenty three year-old Rita grew up in Muriwai on Auckland’s wild West Coast. Her parents, especially her late father, Jim Laing (a member of Flying Nun stalwarts JPS Experience) encouraged Rita and her two sisters to write and perform songs from a young age and music surrounded the Laing girls in the tight knit community.
Rita developed her own writing style, allying a unique feel for melody to her emotional
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