‘Mana,’ marks the highly awaited first single in two years for the triumphant DJ trio Coco House Bros; a so-called ‘gift to the fans’ which marks a significant milestone in the group’s career. Drawing on their rich cultural background of the Cook Islands, ‘Mana,’ is a track which represents a culmination of years of experience, friendship and passion. This single is a tribute to the spirit of the Cook Islands with an overt purpose to create a sound that both moves the body and ‘stirs the soul.’ Recorded in the tranquility of an intimate studio in Rarotonga, ‘Mana,’ reflects the power of music and unity that radiates throughout this astonishing group.
GETTING TO KNOW (COCO HOUSE BROS)
Introduce yourself and your project
Hey there! We’re the Coco House Bros, an indigenous DJ trio straight outta the culturally rich Cook Islands. It’s us—Mark Zow and Doctor E, along with our awesome female DJ Anthom. Picture this: coconut trees, endless ocean views, and those never-ending blue skies—we call this place home, and it’s where our journey as Coco House Bros all started. Our latest project, “Mana,” is basically our love letter to our fans, packed with all the good vibes and passion we have for house music.
Explain what musical genre fits you best
Our music is like a fusion of island vibes and all things house—it’s just who we are. We’re talking about those indigenous rhythms mixing in with the energy of our surroundings, creating this unique blend that screams Cook Islands. When you’re surrounded by the beauty of these islands, how can you not let that vibe flow into your tunes? That’s what we’re all about—bringing that island spirit into our house beats.
Were you connected with music from a young age and did anyone inspire you?
Since we were kids, we’ve been soaking up the sounds of the ocean waves, the sway of coconut palms, and the sweet tunes of our Polynesian culture. It’s like, these vibes were in our blood, you know? And on top of that, we’ve been jamming out to our musical heroes like Black Coffee, Da Capo, and Vintage Culture. They’ve been the soundtrack to our journey, shaping our style and keeping our creativity flowing.
What kickstarted your music career?
Our journey into music? Well, it all started with this burning desire to let the world in on the magic of our little slice of paradise. Picture it: the beauty, the peace, the whole vibe of our island home—it’s what got us fired up to start making music that really captures the essence of English Polynesia.
Tell us more about your sound and how it’s evolved over time
Our sound? It’s been a journey, man. We started off dabbling in electronic beats, just seeing what clicked. But as time rolled on, we found our groove—blending all sorts of house sub-genres with those chill Polynesian vibes. We slowed down the BPM, added some island flavour, and boom! Our signature sound was born. Each track tells the story of our evolution, mixing our roots with the beats we love.
Any words you want to share to encourage other artists or producers?
Hey fellow artists and producers, here’s a little tip from us: Take a look around your own backyard and soak up the vibes. Let the beauty of your own little paradise be your muse. Whether it’s the city streets or the countryside, there’s inspiration everywhere. So go ahead, let your creativity flow and make some magic happen!
How do you nurture your industry relationships?
We’re all about those industry connections, you know? It’s like, we’re out here building bridges that celebrate the awesomeness of our little paradise. And when we team up with folks who share our love for music, it’s like magic happens. Together, we’re putting the Cook Islands and Polynesia on the map, one beat at a time.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank that’s been crucial to your journey?
Big shoutout to our island crew! Seriously, you guys are the real MVPs. Your support and love have been our rock throughout this crazy journey. It’s your belief in us that keeps us going strong, repping the Cook Islands loud and proud with every beat. Much love to all of you!
Name 3 songs you love and what they mean to you
“The Rapture Pt.III” by &ME, Black Coffee, and Keinemusik we love how this track delivers a harmonious fusion of deep house and African rhythms. This track always ignites a transcendent energy on the dancefloor.
We’ve always adored the original “Hey Hey” by Dennis Ferrer, but this latest extended remix by Da Capo and Kitty Amor is an absolute gem, infusing the track with fresh energy and an irresistible groove that’s simply unbeatable.
“Innerbloom” by Rufus du Sol is a stunning masterpiece, blending beautiful melodies with touching lyrics to create a deeply moving musical journey that speaks to the soul. Its timeless beauty and emotional depth make it a standout for us.
What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software?
We’re all about Ableton Live—it’s our go-to studio software. We dig its user-friendly setup, packed with awesome features, and how smoothly it meshes with our creative flow. Whether we’re jamming out new ideas or experimenting with sounds, Ableton’s got our back for sure.
Name your favourite club or festival and how it makes you feel
Our go-to spot? Gotta be Rehab Raro, our local nightclub right here in Rarotonga. Think Space Terrace vibes straight outta ’90s Ibiza—that’s the energy you’ll catch when Coco House Bros take over the decks. It’s where the island really comes alive, and every night feels like a legendary party waiting to happen. Oh, and bonus: our best mate DJ Hab, who’s basically the ‘unofficial’ fourth member of Coco House Bros, just so happens to be the club owner. Talk about keeping it in the family!
Name an outlandish rider request?
Now, if we’re talking about an outlandish rider request, here’s a wild one for you: how about a fresh coconut water bar backstage, straight from the coconut trees of our beloved Cook Islands? And hey, while we’re at it, maybe throw in some crispy Cook Islands pork crackling too, if that’s not too much to ask!
Favourite clubbing memory and who or what did it involve?
Let me tell you about one of our most epic clubbing memories—it wasn’t even in a club! We’re talking about this unreal sunset session on a secluded sandbar called Honeymoon Island in the iconic Aitutaki lagoon. So get this: it went down during the pandemic when our borders were shut tight, and we were the only COVID-free spot on the map. Couldn’t tour, couldn’t travel—so we came up with this crazy idea of throwing a party smack dab in the middle of the lagoon. Brought together our crew, our fam, and our fans from the Cook Islands for a once-in-a-lifetime experience they’ll be talking about for ages.
What famous quote represents you best?
You know, there’s this quote we really vibe with: “Music is the universal language of mankind” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It hits the nail on the head for us because it sums up our belief in how music has this crazy power to bring people together, no matter where they’re from or what they’re about. It’s like, when the beat drops, all those barriers just fade away.
If you could play at any venue, where would it be and why?
You know, if there’s one spot we dream of rocking, it’s gotta be Ministry of Sound in London. That place is dripping with legend, packed with history, and the vibe? Unreal. Every set there? Pure magic. It’s the kind of energy that stays with you long after the party’s over.
Music is….. (explain more)
Music is like a conduit for all the feels.. It goes way beyond words, tapping into something deep inside us. No matter the language or where you’re from, it’s like music just gets you. It stirs up memories, feelings, and experiences that words alone can’t touch. It’s pure soul speak.
One song you really couldn’t live without and why?
There’s one track we just can’t do without: “The End” by Dirty South (Dirty South Mix). It’s been our ultimate go-to for closing out most of our gigs ever since we first heard it. Brings back so many memories, especially from back in the early 2000s when we caught Deep Dish dropping it to close out their set at Privilige Buzio. Man, those sunrise vibes after a crazy 12-hour party… unforgettable.
Namedrop your favourite 5 artists or DJs (past or present)
Little Louie Vega, Dave Lee (Joey Negro), Deep Dish, Rufus Du Sol and Claptone.
What was your first music memory and how did it fuel your fire?
[Mark Zow] My earliest music memory? Bob Marley in ’79, just a 5-year-old me chilling on my stepdad’s shoulders, mom by my side. We were at this concert, mainly ’cause there was no sitter around. But man, feeling the tunes, soaking up the vibes—that’s when I knew music was my jam. It sparked something in me, y’know? Been hooked ever since.
Tell us more about your plans for the future
Looking ahead, our goal is to keep spreading those lively Cook Islands vibes and infectious energy to people all over the globe. We’re stoked to release one track every month in 2024, starting right now. And hey, we’re all about teaming up with like-minded artists, exploring new sounds, and just inspiring folks to feel the power of music to bring us together and lift us up.
Any worldly advice you’d like to share?
Here’s some down-to-earth advice for all you aspiring artists and music lovers out there: Stay true to what lights you up, embrace what makes you different, and never forget the crazy impact music can have on people. Let your creative side call the shots, and let your love for music be your guiding light as you navigate this wild journey.
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