Iharaira Starr (FKA Israel Starr) Featured in Rolling Stone AU/NZ Following Release of New Album

Following the release of his third studio album, The Producers Chair Vol. 3. Way Finder. The Quiet Achiever, Aotearoa reggae heavyweight Iharaira Starr (FKA Israel Starr) has been featured in an in-depth profile by Rolling Stone AU/NZ.

The feature explores a pivotal era for the East Coast-born, Wellington-based artist, spanning his decision to formally adopt his te reo Māori name, Iharaira, to the creative discipline required to craft his most mature project yet while serving as a full-time, stay-at-home father.

In the interview with Rolling Stone, Starr reflects on how his dual Māori and Rasta identities naturally shape his songwriting, and how constraining his studio time to just a few dedicated hours each week unlocked a new level of creative focus and output.

“I feel like this next album is my best work to date. This really does express who I am and where I am at mentally more than any other album,” Starr shared with Rolling Stone. “I feel like I’ve matured creatively and found a nice sweet spot of being able to express my meditations on a song while still being relatable.”

Distributed via DRM NZ, The Producers Chair Vol. 3. Way Finder. The Quiet Achiever showcases Starr’s signature fusion of conscious roots reggae, heavy dub production, and sharp lyricism, featuring standout tracks including “Aotearoa Rastafari,” “Love Is All We Need,” and recent collaborative singles with Lomez Brown and Irie Love.

The feature highlights a banner year for Starr, whose continuous evolution as a producer, vocalist, and advocate for te reo Māori in Aotearoa music reinforces his standing as one of the country’s most dedicated independent creators.

Read the full article here.