MUSICIAN, composer, performer and teacher, Jhan Lindsay, moved to Wellington from Dairy Flat, her rural home just north of Auckland, at 17. She studied saxophone at The Conservatorium of Music, now The New Zealand School of Music, eventually changing her major performance instrument from saxophone to voice. A collaborator with many New Zealand bands and musicians, friend and keyboard player, James Coyle, describes her as “a killer multi instrumentalist and singer”.
Jhan packed her bags, grabbed Coyle, and jumped on a plane to Rarotonga last Christmas to record her album with bassist Sage Kamaru, a Wellington musician who lives there.
Why head to Rarotonga for Christmas?
I had intended to record this year using my savings. I want to complete a number of projects and recordings from previous years, and I asked James to play some keys for me on these, which I intended to record in October 2010. My bass player and awesome friend, Sage, moved to Raro in August. I wanted Sage to be part of the completion of the recordings as he has played on a number of songs, jams and recordings and while chatting with James he suggested we should go to Raro to record with Sage. I went next door to an Internet cafe, looked up cheap tickets and booked them the next morning.
How did you afford the flight? I thought Kiwi musicians made no money?
Yeah. Money... what money? Cheap fares are lucky and it helps knowing that we can eat 50-cent papaws when we are here.
Why work with James and Sage?
I don’t think I could do any original musical project without Sage. He’s multitalented, honest and has a wealth of musical knowledge, which is surpassed by none in my books!
James is a communicative musician. He is focused and supportive. I really appreciate his energy and dedication to tasks. I respect these brothers beyond the stars.
What do you hope to achieve in Rarotonga?  
50-cent pawpaw and a tan. Plus a relaxed, stress-free recording environment surrounded by great friends. Studios can be so intense and pressurised. I want to record in a laid-back and homely setting. When you have a break it’s not just into a fire escape for a cigarette, but a swim at a beach, smelling of flowers.
What’s your favourite thing about Rarotonga so far?
Unity and aroha.
What does your typical day consist of?
Sleep, heat, swim, pawpaw, sleep, music, sleep, swim, pawpaw, music, a little duty free with pawpaw, sleep, scooter riding, flower sniffing and ant killing also included.
What do you wish to achieve to make the trip a success?
It was a success to commit and get on the plane and arrive. Each moment is a gift.
When will we get to hear the fruits! of your work?
It will be compiled and completed by June at the latest.