TOI

TOI, hailing from Wellington, New Zealand, represents a pivotal branch of the Aotearoa 'South Pacific Soul' movement. Originally forming as Tunes Of I in 2011, the six-piece ensemble transitioned to the moniker TOI to reflect a more streamlined, modern identity.

Their sound identity is built on a foundation of dub-heavy basslines and syncopated reggae rhythms, heavily influenced by local legends like Fat Freddy's Drop and The Black Seeds, yet they distinguish themselves through a much stronger emphasis on funk and contemporary R&B vocal delivery. The band's career arc shows a transition from long-form, improvisational dub explorations to tighter, pop-conscious soul songwriting. Critically, they are lauded for their technical proficiency, particularly the interplay between their horn section and the lead vocals. Within the NZ scene, they occupy a space between the experimental indie-psych of The Nudge and the polished pop-soul of Georgia Lines. Their influence web extends from classic Motown and Stax records to the modern UK jazz and soul revival. They remain a staple of the Australasian festival circuit, known for high-intensity live sets that emphasize collective musicianship over individual virtuosity.