Ōtautahi's 1 Drop Nation celebrates brotherhood and legacy in new music

Ōtautahi Christchurch’s roots-rock-reggae band, 1 Drop Nation, is setting the soundtrack for summer with a long-awaited third album, The Way We Love - a feelgood record shaped by brotherhood, identity, and legacy.

Fresh off a sell-out release show, four members of the six-piece band joined 531pi’s Pacific Days to talk about the new album, their journey so far, and the kaupapa guiding their sound.

Lead singer Kanei Johnson (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu) says music has always been about leaving something meaningful for the next generation.

“I've always wanted to make music so that my kids and my grandkids can have something to look back to and reflect on what Koro done, or what Dad done, in his time. Just leaving a piece of me on this earth.” Johnson says.

That sense of purpose runs deep through The Way We Love, which features collaborations with Chad Chambers, Laughton Kora, and Lion Rezz, and the producing touch of Wellington legend Dr Lee Prebble (L.A.B, The Black Seeds, Kora, Trinity Roots).

1 Drop Nation has been gaining popularity since first appearing on the scene over 10 years ago as a support act, and having played at major festivals such as Rhythm & Alps, Rhythm & Vines, Electric Avenue, the NZ Spring Festival, and Labofest.

Watch 1 Drop Nation's full interview below.

“We really feel that this one is the strongest reflection of us as a band,” Johnson says in the band’s official description of the project.

“This album is special to us. It’s our third record, but we really feel that this one is the strongest reflection of us as a band. From the stories to the feel of the music, it sums us up as six individuals coming together as one whānau.”

Keyboardist and vocalist Derin Thompson (Ngāi Tai ki Tōrere) says fans will appreciate the band’s journey of growth.

“Basically an eclectic assortment of varieties,” Thompson says. “Three albums, we can line them up and the feedback is that people can just go from album one all the way down and they feel like they've been through a journey.”

1 Drop Nation released their 5-star-reviewed, self-titled debut album in December 2022, which led to their second album Moment In Time in 2023.

Bassist Dru Sione (Sāmoa) says The Way We Love marks a sonic evolution for the band.

“Every album has been special…but this third one here, we're kind of getting more into our groove of what we really are as a band. We’re getting more and more tighter of where we want to be.”

1 Drop Nation has been teasing fans with singles from the 10-track record over the past 12 months, including the radio hit, Proud, the funk-infused, Supernova, the feel-good Nothing’s wrong, and the title track, The Way We Love, which has amassed more than 216,000 streams on Spotify.

Johnson and rhythm guitarist Paerau Hemopo (Ngāi Tahu, Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi) have been friends since primary school and founded 1 Drop Nation to channel their musical talents.

The band’s commitment to legacy is clear in the song, Family, which features the band members’ children on backing vocals.

Chambers, an East Coast roots artist, joins the band on their latest single, Irie Loving, a dreamy, escapist track.

“Letting go, and slipping into a different headspace, one where your thoughts wander freely, and you’re just present in the moment. It’s a mood, a vibe, a sort of mental vacation,” says Johnson.

Even as the band’s profile grows nationally, the kaupapa remains grounded in unity and community. They describe 1 Drop Nation as “a bit of a brotherhood”.

“As six males that are pretty experienced in life, we meet up every week, to rehearse, to write, to catch up. It’s more like a men’s group,” Thompson says.

“At the same time as us getting to catch up and have a laugh, we get to have a good kōrero and anything that pops up, we go through together. It’s more than a band.”

Hemopo adds, “It is about bringing our individualism together and trying to create a piece together. Trying to catch a good vibe and send it out there. Having the opportunity to be able to share our music and hopefully resonate with those out there, that's a huge plus for us.”

1 Drop Nation has secured an amount of NZ On Air funding for an upcoming music video. With The Way We Love already gaining momentum, the band is set to soundtrack yet another Kiwi summer.

The Way We Love is out now on all major music streaming platforms.

1 Drop Nation members:

Kanei Johnson - lead vocals

Paerau Hemopo - guitar

Derin Thompson - keyboard/backing vocals

Dru Sione - bass/backing vocals

Burke Goffe (Ngāpuhi, Te Ātiawa) - guitar

Marc Hansen (Pākehā) - drums