Interview: Vayne On Her New EP 'Gutta Girl,' Working With LMC & Montell2099, & More

Māori rap artist, Vayne, has created her own lane with her unique style in New Zealand. Recently releasing her ‘Gutta Girl’ EP that includes her hit ‘Uh Huh,’ we caught up with Vayne and learnt more about herself and the EP.

HUA: Congrats on ‘Gutta Girl.’ Even though there are only 6 songs, it’s a solid body of work. How does it feel knowing that the EP is now out?

Thank you! Yeah, I’m really excited to see what people think. These songs have been with me for so long, I’m just happy they’re out there in the world for someone else to enjoy.

Church features on the track ‘Make It.’ Was it the plan to have only one feature on the EP?

Yeah, shout out to Church Leon, he’s an amazing artist and I’m stoked to have collaborated with him. No, I wasn’t planning on having any features but I like to keep an open mind and I felt that this song belonged on the EP.

Who would you like to collab with in the future?

In Aōtearoa, I want to collab with Benee, Tapz Gallantino, Lord Seez, NXVA & Dera Meelan… Internationally, I want to work with Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Timbaland, Chief Keef, Pierre Bourne and Wondagurl.

How did you link with LMC and Montell for ‘Uh Huh?’

I had planned a week of recording at the Sniffers studio with Montell and I asked LMC to come through, LMC played us the melody then Montell put his twist on it. The song was originally supposed to be an intro made up of only adlibs and buzzy sounds, then Montell & LMC convinced me to write over the beat. I was really just having fun with Uh Huh, hence the flow switch ups and slurred delivery.

What’s your favourite track on the EP & why?

My Next Ex - Because who doesn’t like the feeling of lust? It’s exciting, it has you feeling like your swag is on 100, it’s way better than love... love is draining. I love Montell’s production, the outro of the song literally sounds like butterflies in your stomach.

You’ve pretty much carved your own lane and bring something different to the scene in NZ. Who influences you?

My biggest musical influences overall are people like Ray Charles, Aaliyah, Timbaland, 50 cent, Missy Elliot, Beyonce, Outkast, Pharrell and Drake. Right now with the music I’m making I would say I’m heavily influenced by people like Lil Uzi Vert, Travis Scott, Pierre Bourne, Playboi Carti, Tyler the Creator and Nicki Minaj.

I read that you came up to Auckland to see Future, and he bailed on the show. Did you end up catching him at Auckland City Limits?

Yeah, I went to Impala instead where I was introduced to a lot of people in the music community here in Auckland including the Katayanagi Twins. I didn’t go to Auckland City Limits, I’ve only been to once concert and that was to see Lil Uzi Vert.

How did it feel being on the same lineup as Lizzo, A Boogie & Rico Nasty earlier this year?

Yeah crazy, their tents were a stone’s throw away from mine. I was too shy to say hello... Rico Nasty if you’re reading this, I’m sorry for just staring at you, I’ll say hi next time.

What’s next?
A New Zealand tour, collabs and an album.

‘Gutta Girl’ is unique to NZ and I feel like the public will appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us and all the best with the release.

Nga mihi nui ki a koe Ange, thank you for your support.