Introducing an exciting new musical duo – Half Volley with their take on the Kiwi classic – ‘Blue Smoke’
Blue Smoke is quite possibly the most kiwi song ever made. In early 1949 a 78-rpm disc featuring the song, written by Ruru Karaitiana and sung by Pixie Williams, became the first record wholly produced in New Zealand from composition to pressing. Karaitiana wrote the song much earlier in 1940 on a transfer boat while serving in WW2 as part of the 28th Māori Battalion, with the song being performed by the battalion’s concert party throughout the war.
There have been countless cover versions, probably none more famous than Dean Martin’s version, so why do we need another one? Because the newly founded A League football club, Auckland FC, needs a club song that expresses a history of regional belonging, community and spirit. So, a couple of musicians have been working hard behind the scenes to produce a song that would inspire a football team and bring an entire stadium to voice.
Half Volley are musical duo, Nick Pearson and Adrian Drew, a creation of necessity really. The two met virtually in 2024, through the Auckland FC endorsed supporters’ group, The Port. Nick has been playing the Blues and fronting cover bands for years, you will hear him banging the drum at Mt Smart on gameday. Adrian is a songwriter and fronts the alt-rock band Investigator, he was brought in because of his previous work on the Mt Albert/Ponsonby club song. The two bonded instantly over their love of music, when Nick (out of the blue smoke) suggested just that as a potential anthem for the team. It was the obvious choice, and Adrian has a deeper connection with the song, his Nanna recorded a version in the 50’s, which they still have on vinyl.
With the song chosen, the arrangement and recording all happened north of Auckland at the Investigator Music Studio in the heart of the Kaipara, Maungaturoto. Nick takes the lead on guitars and vocals, with Adrian supplying the rhythm section and backing vocals. There are some wonderful moments in the song, like Nick’s choice of vocal melody in the outro, or the gorgeous guitar fingerpicking throughout. The chorus takes on a whole life of its own, with gang vox and harmonies. The result is a real swinging, foot stomper. It’s hearty, heartfelt and nostalgic – yet modernized and joyful.
Blue Smoke is out now on all digital platforms!
