Mokotron: ‘Right from my first gig people were often on the edge of tears’

Tiopira McDowell: The Electronic Music Pioneer Redefining Tāmaki Makaurau’s Sound

Electronic music producer and academic Tiopira McDowell (Ngāti Hine) is the mastermind behind the music venture MOKOTRON. With his debut album WAEREA, McDowell challenges Auckland’s electronic musicians to create a distinctive local sound, free from cultural cringe.

McDowell, who is also a senior lecturer in Māori Studies at the University of Auckland, believes that every great city has its own unique genre of music. “What about Tāmaki Makaurau?” he asks. This question sparked his journey to create music that not only reflects his Māori heritage but also pushes the boundaries of electronic music.

As Mokotron takes the stage, McDowell’s live performances become a spiritual experience for both himself and the audience. He connects with something “beyond human” by closing his eyes and going within himself. This introspection is rooted in his personal experiences with negative energy clearance and his desire to express emotions rather than hold them in.

“I thought ‘how do I clear away my upbringing, the things that were done to me, trauma, and in a positive way so that I’m not passing that on to my kids?’

McDowell says he writes music as a way to process his feelings, inspired by his father’s karakia performed over the vehicle that transported him to be cremated. This experience led him to question why we remove negative energy from objects but neglect our own personal clearance.

McDowell’s passion for music is not only about self-expression but also about breaking free from societal expectations. In a society where stiff upper lips and traditional values are imposed, McDowell challenges the status quo by embracing his emotions and Māori identity.

Mokotron’s Upcoming Shows:

  • The 95bFM Christmas Party: Friday 20 December – Whammy / Double Whammy / Public Bar, Auckland
  • Port Noise 2025: Saturday 1 March – various venues, Ōhinehou / Lyttelton

Tiopira McDowell’s journey as Mokotron is one of self-discovery and creativity. As he pushes the boundaries of electronic music, he inspires a new wave of musicians to explore their own cultural heritage. With his debut album WAEREA, McDowell redefines Tāmaki Makaurau’s sound and leaves an indelible mark on the music scene.

By embracing his emotions and Māori identity, McDowell creates music that is not only a reflection of himself but also a message to his community. As he takes the stage as Mokotron, he reminds us that music has the power to heal, inspire, and challenge our perspectives.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *