Takee was joined by Ash, Sam & Kath from The Clever References to talk all about their music and upcoming gigs. 

The band consists of five members: Ash, Janset, Kath, Sam and Vidusha, who are queer, chaotic, and dangerously catchy. They make smart, loud, slightly unhinged indie rock with hooks for days and the occasional flute solo. Their lyrics name-drop Jane Austen and Magic: The Gathering in the same breath, and somehow it works...maybe? lol.

If you’re looking for vibes, volume, and a very good time—you just found your new favourite band: The Clever References.

Takee was joined by Ash, Sam &amp; Kath from The Clever References to talk all about their music and upcoming gigs.&nbsp;
The band consists of five members: Ash, Janset, Kath, Sam and Vidusha, who are queer, chaotic, and dangerously catchy. They make smart, loud, slightly unhinged indie rock with hooks for days and the occasional flute solo. Their lyrics name-drop Jane Austen and Magic: The Gathering in the same breath, and somehow it works...maybe? lol.
If you&rsquo;re looking for vibes, volume, and a very good time&mdash;you just found your new favourite band: The Clever References.

‘The Spotlight’ takes listeners on an hour-long deep-dive every episode, shining a light on the individuals who power the creative industries - from musicians, producers, and performers to managers, curators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.

Each episode offers an in-depth conversation that uncovers the real stories, challenges, and triumphs that define a creative journey. 

For creatives, the show offers valuable lessons, inspiration, and a sense of connection. For fans, it provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of the people they admire. And for anyone curious about the inner workings of the creative industries, The Spotlight is an essential guide that balances storytelling with practical insight. 

It’s a platform for discovery, fostering a deeper appreciation for the many layers of the industry. 

Whether you’re a passionate fan, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who loves a good story, The Spotlight invites you to listen, learn, and be inspired.

&lsquo;The Spotlight&rsquo; takes listeners on an hour-long deep-dive every episode, shining a light on the individuals who power the creative industries - from musicians, producers, and performers to managers, curators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.
Each episode offers an in-depth conversation that uncovers the real stories, challenges, and triumphs that define a creative journey.&nbsp;
For creatives, the show offers valuable lessons, inspiration, and a sense of connection. For fans, it provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of the people they admire. And for anyone curious about the inner workings of the creative industries,&nbsp;The Spotlight is an essential guide that balances storytelling with practical insight.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s a platform for discovery, fostering a deeper appreciation for the many layers of the industry.&nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re a passionate fan, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who loves a good story,&nbsp;The Spotlight&nbsp;invites you to listen, learn, and be inspired.

The Spotlight

Each week, ‘The Spotlight’ takes listeners on an hour-long deep-dive, shining a light on the individuals who power the creative industries - from musicians, producers, and performers to managers, curators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. Offering an in-depth conversation that uncovers the real stories, challenges, and triumphs that define a creative journey.

Whether you’re a passionate fan, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who loves a good story, The Spotlight invites you to listen, learn, and be inspired.

Each week, &lsquo;The Spotlight&rsquo; takes listeners on an hour-long deep-dive, shining a light on the individuals who power the creative industries - from musicians, producers, and performers to managers, curators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. Offering an in-depth conversation that uncovers the real stories, challenges, and triumphs that define a creative journey.
Whether you&rsquo;re a passionate fan, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who loves a good story, The Spotlight&nbsp;invites you to listen, learn, and be inspired.

The Clever References | The Spotlight with Takee

Keanu joined Takee live and in the studio on SYN 90.7 FM to talk all about his music and creative journey so far. 

Keanu Askar is an emerging artist whose music blends vulnerability, melody, and modern production into a sound that feels both global and deeply personal. Drawing from hip-hop, rap, and contemporary pop influences, he creates songs that explore emotion with honesty and intent.
Influenced by artists like The Kid Laroi, Juice WRLD, and Iann Dior, Keanu’s work is rooted in storytelling — transforming real experiences into relatable, emotionally charged music. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he brings authenticity and precision to every project.
A graduate of Full Sail University in Florida with a degree in Music Production, Keanu has refined his craft in sound design, recording, and audio engineering, developing a skill set that allows him to take complete creative control of his sound.
His latest single, “Aquafina,” channels the highs and lows of modern relationships — inspired by a series of difficult dating experiences reimagined as one story about an unattainable love. It captures the tension between desire and detachment, pairing heartfelt lyrics with sleek, contemporary production.
Keanu recently collaborated with Sydney artist Suhail on several songs for an upcoming EP, continuing to expand his sound and artistic direction.
Born to a Lebanese family and fluent in English, French, and some Arabic, Keanu’s multicultural background gives him a unique creative perspective and global sensibility. With each new release, he continues to evolve as an authentic voice in modern music — unfiltered, emotionally honest, and driven by connection.

Keanu joined Takee live and in the studio on SYN 90.7 FM to talk all about his music and creative journey so far.&nbsp;
Keanu Askar is an emerging artist whose music blends vulnerability, melody, and modern production into a sound that feels both global and deeply personal. Drawing from hip-hop, rap, and contemporary pop influences, he creates songs that explore emotion with honesty and intent. Influenced by artists like The Kid Laroi, Juice WRLD, and Iann Dior, Keanu&rsquo;s work is rooted in storytelling &mdash; transforming real experiences into relatable, emotionally charged music. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he brings authenticity and precision to every project. A graduate of Full Sail University in Florida with a degree in Music Production, Keanu has refined his craft in sound design, recording, and audio engineering, developing a skill set that allows him to take complete creative control of his sound. His latest single, &ldquo;Aquafina,&rdquo; channels the highs and lows of modern relationships &mdash; inspired by a series of difficult dating experiences reimagined as one story about an unattainable love. It captures the tension between desire and detachment, pairing heartfelt lyrics with sleek, contemporary production. Keanu recently collaborated with Sydney artist Suhail on several songs for an upcoming EP, continuing to expand his sound and artistic direction. Born to a Lebanese family and fluent in English, French, and some Arabic, Keanu&rsquo;s multicultural background gives him a unique creative perspective and global sensibility. With each new release, he continues to evolve as an authentic voice in modern music &mdash; unfiltered, emotionally honest, and driven by connection.

Keanu Askar | The Spotlight with Takee

Takee sat down with Nathaniel, Rocco and Brandon from MONROE live on the airwaves!

Tune in to find out more about them and hear some live renditions of their originals. Stream their new single ‘Bad Bitch (You Can’t Kill Me)’ which is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms!!

It truly is an an anthem of empowerment and self-expression inspired by the iconic Vine. After hitting #1 on the AMRAP charts with ‘Take Me For a Ride’, MONROE are back and louder than ever, a reminder that glitter and grit never go out of style.

MONROE brings glam-pop energy with a wink and a wild streak, riff-heavy, high-energy, and all about having a good time. Think Van Halen meets The Darkness with a dash of The Struts swagger, loud, unapologetic, and built for chaos.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Nathaniel, with Rocco and Jason trading guitar licks, Brandon keeping it tight on drums, and Christian laying down the groove, MONROE delivers big hooks, bigger smiles, and a live show made for pure escapism.

Takee sat down with Nathaniel, Rocco and Brandon from MONROE&nbsp;live on the airwaves!
Tune in to find out more about them and hear some live renditions of their originals. Stream their new single &lsquo;Bad Bitch (You Can&rsquo;t Kill Me)&rsquo; which is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms!!
It truly is an an anthem of empowerment and self-expression inspired by the iconic Vine. After hitting <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/1/">#1</a>&nbsp;on the AMRAP charts with &lsquo;Take Me For a Ride&rsquo;, MONROE are back and louder than ever, a reminder that glitter and grit never go out of style. MONROE brings glam-pop energy with a wink and a wild streak, riff-heavy, high-energy, and all about having a good time. Think Van Halen meets The Darkness with a dash of The Struts swagger, loud, unapologetic, and built for chaos. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Nathaniel, with Rocco and Jason trading guitar licks, Brandon keeping it tight on drums, and Christian laying down the groove, MONROE delivers big hooks, bigger smiles, and a live show made for pure escapism.

MONROE | The Spotlight with Takee

Takee was lucky enough to sit down with Rennie Pearson to talk all about his music and journey so far!

Rennie Pearson’s music is deeply rooted in the Celtic traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Maritime Canada, blending centuries-old melodies with fresh energy and artistry. Whether he’s performing on the wooden flute, guitar, Irish tin whistles, bodhrán, fiddle, or with his voice, his music takes audiences on a journey through history and culture.

His shows feature soaring flute melodies, captivating songs, foot-stomping jigs and reels, and heart-wrenching slow airs. Each performance is a carefully crafted tapestry of tunes, songs, and storytelling, designed to engage and transport listeners to another time and place. Rennie’s ability to transition seamlessly between high-energy tunes and emotive ballads keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, making each performance dynamic and unforgettable.

Rennie is a master performer on a wide array of instruments, showcasing extraordinary talent and versatility in every performance. His seamless command of multiple musical styles captivates audiences, while the heartfelt emotion in his slow airs and songs resonates deeply, creating a powerful and personal connection. Audiences often say they felt transported, with some describing it as a journey back home, while others share how the music awakened a deep connection they hadn’t realized they had before.

Rennie has made a name for himself in the traditional music scene of Australia and New Zealand as a stand-out solo performer, as well as touring his own duos, bands, and performing with large international stage productions. He has played and taught all over the world, including music schools such as Ceol Aneas, ScotsStrings, CelticANZ, Gaeltacht, The National Celtic Festival, Boxwood, and folk festivals in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch, Tasmania, and Port Fairy.

Rennie has worked closely with the New Zealand Irish ambassador, Peter Ryan, on numerous occasions, including performing his show at the Dunedin Fringe Festival with the Irish embassy's support and organizing two tours with his five-piece Irish band, Criú. He has also toured with renowned Irish dance troupes, including Celtica, Rhythm Of The Dance, and Celtic Illusion, across New Zealand, Australia, and China, as their flute and bodhrán player. These tours have taken him to prestigious venues such as the Melbourne Arts Centre, the Wellington Opera House, the Christchurch Isaac Theatre, and the Bruce Mason Centre in Auckland.

​

In addition to his performance career, Rennie’s recording accolades include his first album, released in 2020, with Oscar West as the Kiwi folk duo Polytropos. His solo album, From Across the Seas, followed in 2022, and his most recent release, AIR, came out in 2023. AIR is an acoustic EP of all-original tracks for flutes, whistles, and guitar, recorded with Bob McNeill as their duo, Half Light.

Rennie’s collaborations also extend to international recording projects. Most notably, he appeared alongside world-renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma on the track "The Fireside Jig" from Sandra Boynton’s album Cows and Holly. This project also featured other prominent names such as Stuart Duncan, Michael Ford and Lyle Lovett.

With a career that has taken him across New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Canada, America, and China, Rennie’s performances are as intimate as they are captivating. Whether he’s playing dance music that makes you want to leap from your chair or delivering a hauntingly beautiful piece that brings tears to the eyes, his artistry and passion for this beautiful and ancient music leave a lasting impression on all who hear him. As he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Rennie remains dedicated to sharing the depth and richness of Celtic music, ensuring its traditions endure and inspire future generations.

Takee was lucky enough to sit down with Rennie Pearson&nbsp;to talk all about his music and journey so far! Rennie Pearson&rsquo;s music is deeply rooted in the Celtic traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Maritime Canada, blending centuries-old melodies with fresh energy and artistry. Whether he&rsquo;s performing on the wooden flute, guitar, Irish tin whistles, bodhr&aacute;n, fiddle, or with his voice, his music takes audiences on a journey through history and culture. His shows feature soaring flute melodies, captivating songs, foot-stomping jigs and reels, and heart-wrenching slow airs. Each performance is a carefully crafted tapestry of tunes, songs, and storytelling, designed to engage and transport listeners to another time and place. Rennie&rsquo;s ability to transition seamlessly between high-energy tunes and emotive ballads keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, making each performance dynamic and unforgettable. Rennie is a master performer on a wide array of instruments, showcasing extraordinary talent and versatility in every performance. His seamless command of multiple musical styles captivates audiences, while the heartfelt emotion in his slow airs and songs resonates deeply, creating a powerful and personal connection. Audiences often say they felt transported, with some describing it as a journey back home, while others share how the music awakened a deep connection they hadn&rsquo;t realized they had before.
Rennie has made a name for himself in the traditional music scene of Australia and New Zealand as a stand-out solo performer, as well as touring his own duos, bands, and performing with large international stage productions. He has played and taught all over the world, including music schools such as Ceol Aneas, ScotsStrings, CelticANZ, Gaeltacht, The National Celtic Festival, Boxwood, and folk festivals in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch, Tasmania, and Port Fairy.
Rennie has worked closely with the New Zealand Irish ambassador, Peter Ryan, on numerous occasions, including performing his show at the Dunedin Fringe Festival with the Irish embassy's support and organizing two tours with his five-piece Irish band, Cri&uacute;. He has also toured with renowned Irish dance troupes, including Celtica, Rhythm Of The Dance, and Celtic Illusion, across New Zealand, Australia, and China, as their flute and bodhr&aacute;n player. These tours have taken him to prestigious venues such as the Melbourne Arts Centre, the Wellington Opera House, the Christchurch Isaac Theatre, and the Bruce Mason Centre in Auckland.
​
In addition to his performance career, Rennie&rsquo;s recording accolades include his first album, released in 2020, with Oscar West as the Kiwi folk duo Polytropos. His solo album, From Across the Seas, followed in 2022, and his most recent release, AIR, came out in 2023. AIR is an acoustic EP of all-original tracks for flutes, whistles, and guitar, recorded with Bob McNeill as their duo, Half Light.
Rennie&rsquo;s collaborations also extend to international recording projects. Most notably, he appeared alongside world-renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma on the track "The Fireside Jig" from Sandra Boynton&rsquo;s album Cows and Holly. This project also featured other prominent names such as Stuart Duncan, Michael Ford and Lyle Lovett.
With a career that has taken him across New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Canada, America, and China, Rennie&rsquo;s performances are as intimate as they are captivating. Whether he&rsquo;s playing dance music that makes you want to leap from your chair or delivering a hauntingly beautiful piece that brings tears to the eyes, his artistry and passion for this beautiful and ancient music leave a lasting impression on all who hear him. As he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Rennie remains dedicated to sharing the depth and richness of Celtic music, ensuring its traditions endure and inspire future generations.

The Clever References | The Spotlight with Takee

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