MOKOTRON: A Spiritually Charged Musical Journey

Electronic music producer and academic Tiopira McDowell, known as MOKOTRON, is taking the Auckland music scene on a spiritual journey with his live taonga puoro performances. Using heavy breakbeats and sub-bass, Mokotron creates an immersive experience that challenges audiences to connect with their own cultural heritage.

The Quest for Authenticity

MCDowell’s debut album WAEREA marks a significant shift in his approach to music. By releasing the album, he is urging other electronic musicians in Auckland to rethink their role in shaping the city’s unique sound.

“Are we really as a nation so uncreative that we have to basically appropriate everything from overseas? Do we believe in ourselves so little?”

— Tiopira McDowell

MCDowell believes that every great city has its own distinct genre of music, and Auckland is no exception. He is pushing for musicians to create music that reflects their urban environment, rather than simply copying trends from elsewhere.

The Role of Music in Decolonization

For MCDowell, music serves as a way to express his feelings and connect with his cultural heritage. As a senior lecturer in Māori Studies at the University of Auckland, he has always been drawn to the transformative power of music.

“Our country was created during the Victorian era where the stiff upper lip and Man Alone and all those kind of values were imposed and they’re very dangerous.”

— Tiopira McDowell

MCDowell believes that music can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation, particularly when it comes to addressing the traumas of his past. By writing music, he aims to process his emotions and break free from the negative energy that has been passed down through generations.

Ancient Principles Meet Modern Music

McDowell’s musical style is deeply rooted in traditional Māori practices. He often incorporates karakia – ancient prayers – into his performances, which he believes can help connect him with a higher power.

“That’s why I often close my eyes when I perform because you have to go to a space where you can get that spiritual power.”

— Tiopira McDowell

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

MCDowell’s upcoming shows promise to be an unforgettable experience. By blending traditional Māori practices with modern electronic music, he is creating a unique sound that is both spiritually charged and deeply moving.

Conclusion

Tiopira McDowell, aka MOKOTRON, is on a mission to reclaim his cultural heritage through music. With his debut album WAEREA and upcoming shows, he is challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an artist in Auckland.