Six60 - Lost ft. Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

Let's be honest. Six60 gets a hard time from the music intelligentsia in New Zealand. And they are right to criticize. Six60's lyrics are sometimes banal, the "light brown" genre blends often predictable (from a NZ perspective), and of course, as they sell records, they suck out a substantial chunk of that very small financial pie (of music spend) in New Zealand. There are some incredibly talented people who miss out on revenue, and by implication, financing, as a result of this diversion. But there is a reason. Six60 appeal to a wide range of local "demographics". New Zealand has a small population which is enormously difficult to make money out of. And Six60 provide a financial return for investors, themselves included, a return that creates careers. Ask yourself, would a Maori/Pakeha/Polynesian band get the same access to creative resources in Australia? Would they get access to an orchestra of the quality of the Auckland Philharmonia? No. The local creative support infrastructure is still substantial, much of which exists only in the rarified air of enthusiasm for 'the New Zealand artistic project' . With the incremental infection of the New Zealand cultural fabric by global capital, imagine if this led to Guy Sebastian satisfying the "light brown", "racial diversity" requirement within a record companies product mix? As a regular, episodic emigrant from New Zealand's gorgeous shores, I know that when I hear a bit of "light brown" music it stirs many conflicting emotions. I love New Zealand's independent acts -  from all racial/cultural backgrounds, but Six60 are a "Nyu Zilland" (sic) band, and sometimes they do it very well. This single "Lost" actually seems lost up front, but listen to it a few times, spend six months away from home, watch some pale-skinned Australian TV commercials, then imagine this soundtrack to movies of Taranaki, the Southern Alps and "Whale Rider" a couple of times (cliche, cliche) ...and one realizes what it is. It is part of our vernacular. It is maybe a little banal, but New Zealanders are often a little banal (I include myself)...a result of the ease of our lifestyle I suspect...although there are many in South Auckland and Porirua who would dispute that assertation. But thank goodness we still produce the "light brown" and maintain a locally-driven A&R infrastructure, as sadly, I think this may not be long for this world. So Six60, well-done with "Lost". I actually love the song. I think it is well-written and well-arranged overall. I also appreciate the fact you are popular band in New Zealand. My opinion has changed in recent months by the way, and from what I hear, there is an emerging taste for Six60 in the USA. The band have also just signed to a Europe-wide deal to release their debut album - with Sony out of Germany (Columbia Four Music). You can get involved with Six60 at the link below.

https://www.six60.co.nz/default.aspx