30 September 2022 - 0 Comments

Man On A Mission is the latest track from Wellington Hip-Hop Artist Will McClean, featuring Casual Healing (Nikau Te Huki) - a blend of deep soulful lyricism from McClean and a compelling mix of instrumental and vocals from Te Huki. McClean reflects on his realisation of the fragility of life at a young age, and the impact that this has on his drive to leave a legacy. It’s a mellow, contemplative track that transports the listener into McClean’s world and will resonate with lovers of moody grooves and introspective lyricism.

Man On A Mission is the first single off Will McClean’s upcoming 6 track EP, set for release early 2023. Coming off his first official Spotify play-listing success, McClean has been busy writing, producing and recording the next chapter in his discography. Man On A Mission marks a shift in his step, as he steps away from his usual rapping over pre-produced beats, and delves into creating a cohesive, conceptual and vulnerable project.

After a beautiful conversation between Will McClean and Nikau Te Huki about vulnerability, the two put their heads down and began to write and record Man On A Mission in Te Huki’s caravan turned recording studio. Creating, writing and recording the full track demo within a single day. This marks the first time in Will McClean’s discography where he mentions the passing of his father, and the impact this has on his understanding of the world around him.

When asked about the collaboration, he says “Ever since first connecting with Nikau, I’d been looking forward to recording a song together; and after almost three years of knowing each other, the stars aligned and it happened. I feel so grateful that he provided the space and the knowledge that allowed me tap into what I really wanted to say”

Nikau Te Huki mixed and continued producing the track the following months, with the finishing touches from Chris Chetland at Kog Studios who mastered the track.

The official music video was conceptualised and directed by Mason Rudd. A stunning visual companion for the track, with a display of his attention to detail and his eye for beautiful shots. The importance of family is naturally a strong theme throughout the video, with one of the establishing shots being McClean surrounded by his family and friends, pieced together with home videos from his childhood. An underlying concept we see evolve as the video continues, is the feeling of a challenge set for McClean, in relation to when his father passed away when he was five, it seems like life demanded that he had to step up. The final chorus sees an explosion of colour with Te Huki and McClean relishing in the feeling of overcoming the challenge set by the course of life.

Man On A Mission featuring Casual Healing will be released on all streaming platforms on September 29th 2022, with its video the following day.

Watch the video here

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