Term 3 has officially come to an inspiring close for Kydis Watts, marking a major milestone in his creative and technical development. Kydis has successfully graduated from Crescendo’s 8-week Te Ara Intermediate Course in Auckland, continuing to refine his studio…
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latest track
BLACK & GOLD. Written, composed and produced by Kydis Watts.
As Kydis concludes his final year as a tauira at Tipene, he marks the end of an era with BLACK & GOLD, a deeply personal track written for and dedicated to his boarding school brothers and staff in tribute to their shared journey.
First mix tracked in Kydis's bedroom using free version of Reaper. Kydis loves challenging himself and pushing the boundaries with his music.
makaurau
Makaurau, recorded at Parachute Music, Studio A. Producer, Noah Page. Mastered by Kog Studios
Kydis Watts: songwriter, producer of original track, vocals, keyboard, guitar
Tāwai Kingi: songwriter, composer, vocals, guitar, percussion
Katz Maihi: bass
Tisyn Watts: drums, guitar
Latest News
17 Sep 2026
Rangatahi Leadership & Arts Development: Empowering the Next Generation Through Sound, Taonga Puoro, and Music Production
At the core of Kydis Watts’ artistic practice is a commitment to community transformation and youth-led innovation. Beyond his studio output and national songwriting accolades, Kydis actively applies his skills as a practitioner, educator, and peer leader. His work bridges…
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4 Sep 2026
BLACK & GOLD. A Poignant Hōmage to Tipene Brothers
A new sound from a new generation is here. Kydis Watts is dropping his poignant new single, BLACK & GOLD, a powerful, heartfelt homage to his brothers at Tipene -St Stephen's School.
As part of the historic first cohort when…
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4 Aug 2026
Leigh Sawmill Cafe Gig
Community Spirit & Rangatahi Talent Shine at The Leigh Sawmill Cafe
Overcoming unexpected obstacles on the night, the recent fundraiser gig at The Leigh Sawmill Cafe turned out to be a resounding success, raising significant funds to kickstart recording for…
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30 Jun 2026
THE RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK: A JUDGES FAVORITE
While Kydis already had a fully finished track ready to submit for the Play It Strange Junior Songwriting Competition, his creative intuition told him otherwise. He was so deeply in love with the vision for Makaurau that he knew it…
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28 Jun 2026
THE BIRTH OF 'MAKAURAU'
The spark for Makaurau arrived unexpectedly during an ordinary day at school. Kydis heard his close friend and fellow boarder, Sam, reciting his whānau’s tauparapara. Where others heard tradition, Kydis heard something deeper—he heard the profound love and connection in…
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26 Jun 2026
Tipene-St Stephens Matariki Celebrations
Kydis and Tāwai will perform their new single ‘Makaurau’ this weekend for the whānau and friends of Tipene. They will also perform some covers with their school band ‘River’
Kydis will showcase his multi-instrumentalist talents switching instruments throughout the performances…
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26 Jun 2026
Playing at Leigh Sawmill Cafe
Kydis has an upcoming gig at the iconic and historical Leigh Sawmill Cafe! Performing on the stage that launched many succesful and loved NZ musicians over the last 35 years. The Guiness brothers are still creating a hip and safe…
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