Three Houses Down ‘Turn Around’ love and life with new release

Ōtara’s 10-piece reggae band, Three Houses Down, is back with a soulful new single, Turn Around, which has already secured a spot on the Aotearoa Hot 20 Singles Chart | Tukutahi Arotini 20 o Aotearoa.

The song is a smooth reggae tune that explores themes of love, owning one’s mistakes, and finding the courage to make amends. It also signals the arrival of the band’s next EP, due to drop this month.

Speaking on 531pi Pacific Days, frontman Charlie Pome’e shared that a chance reunion with a friend returning from Australia after a breakup inspired the song. The encounter sparked the songwriting process.

“I haven’t seen this friend of mine for about 12 years,” Pome’e says. “I thought to myself, he's probably not the only one that's going through these troubles and relationship problems.

“So I said to him, ‘Would it be okay if I wrote a song about this?’”

Pome’e describes Turn Around as a song meant to comfort people going through similar struggles.

Watch Charlie Pome'e's full interview below.

For the Tongan singer, music is more than entertainment, it is a way to heal and connect. Pome’e reflects on the words of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen: “Where words fail, music speaks.”

“So I'll write the song in a way where it can reach out to other people because music is a healing power,” he says. “If the lyrics hit you…it's a song that will create memories in hopes that it comforts you”

Drawing from both his own life experiences and those of his friend, Pome’e shaped the lyrics of Turn Around into an anthem that acknowledges hardship while offering hope.

“I think we've all had our fair shares of ups and downs in relationships…and my thing is when you do listen to the song, obviously, time heals,” he says.

“And when you're healed, this song could be a memory that, hey, when I was going through these dark times, this is a song that was there for me.”

Collaboration and kinship

With a legacy spanning over 20 years and about 250,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, the band has established itself as a cornerstone of Pacific reggae in Aotearoa New Zealand.

They are known for their blend of heartfelt lyrics and infectious rhythms that resonate across generations.

Pome’e emphasises the importance of collaboration within the band. He handles much of the songwriting but encourages contributions from other band members.

“I structure about 60 per cent of the song and leave 40 per cent open for the band to [add their touches],” Pome’e says. “When it comes to the visual stuff, I stay right away for it. My brother Sione and the director got the eye, they got the feel for the visual.”

The music video for Turn Around , released on 17 October, has already garnered nearly 17,000 views on YouTube.

Pome’e adds that the band stays true to its foundational values, “My dad's vision was that creating a band was to keep us, the brothers, together and build that bond. My dad's big on fealofani (love for one another).”

Universal message of unity

Turn Around carries a message of solidarity and Pome’e hopes listeners find peace in it. “I’m hoping that the listeners can relate to it, share it with others because it’s got a really good message behind it.

“But at the same time, it's a joyful track where you can play at your summer barbecues, you can play at festivals.

“The key message to it is that like, ‘hey, I know what you're going through. Listen to this song, you’re not alone, we’re in it together.”

Navigating a changing music scene

While Pacific reggae music continues to thrive, Pome’e recognises the challenges of staying relevant in the digital age.

“The biggest challenge that we're facing at the moment, which is a good challenge, is that the genre that we're playing is quite flooded at the moment,” he says. “And it’s good to see a lot of young kids coming up through the pipelines.

“Back when we were coming up, there was no social media. We would travel to Wellington for free just to play to a couple of hundred people, but that’s how you got your music out there.”

Pome’e says the current landscape of music production presents challenges for seasoned artists.

“Because you've got young kids that are just making music from their bedrooms now and then release it on all the social media platforms. Then it becomes a hit, then they’re touring the whole world just from one song that they created in their rooms,” Pome’e jokes.

“That’s a challenge, but at the same time it’s healthy and a good thing for our music industry.”

Three Houses Down remains committed to nurturing the next generation by bringing younger family members into the band and ensuring their music and values continue to resonate.

Turn Around is available now on all music streaming platforms, and the official video can be found on YouTube.