On debut album ‘While I’m Distracted’, London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes draws inspiration from contemporary soul and jazz, touches of global folk, electronica, modern classical, and post-rock, with dynamic arrangements and production. ‘While I’m Distracted’ is an album about fighting for your innocence and right to be a vulnerable and honest human. Arjuna’s songwriting explores themes of identity, depression, existentialism, social media, loss of innocence, and finding hope for the future through artistic expression.
“An album that has absolutely no skips” China Moses, Jazz FM
“A fantastic album” Tony Minvielle, Jazz FM
“Essential listening” Electronic Sound
“Excellent album” Clash
“Soul-jazz seeking excellence” Backseat Mafia
“One of the best debut albums of the year so far” Echoes & Dust
“Supremely skilled in execution” The Arts Desk
Airplay from Bandcamp Weekly, BBC Radio , BBC Radio 3, BBC 6 Music, Byte FM, FIP, Jazz FM, NTS, KALW, The Selector, Soho Radio, Worldwide FM