After ‘Ours – Long Road

Over the last thirty years, Auckland has blossomed into a melting pot of musical innovation, nurturing generations of artists who have seamlessly blended genres like jazz, blues, funk, Latin, and more into fresh, boundary-pushing sounds. After ‘Ours, spearheaded by pianist Michal Martyniuk and drummer-guitarist Nick Williams, is a perfect embodiment of this tradition. Their latest album, Long Road, captures this essence, offering a compelling fusion of machine-driven rhythms and vibrant live instrumentation that traverses genres like jazz, neo-soul, electronica, and dance music with effortless charm.

Nick Williams, deeply influenced by his musical upbringing in Auckland, was surrounded by a diverse range of sounds from an early age. His mother, a DJ with an extensive vinyl collection, and his father, a blues-rock musician, played pivotal roles in shaping his musical sensibilities. Nick eventually led the Latin-dub-funk ensemble Tangent, establishing himself as a central figure in Auckland’s dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Michal Martyniuk’s journey began in Szczecin, Poland, before his family relocated to New Zealand. His classical training and later immersion into Auckland’s jazz scene brought him into collaboration with prominent local musicians, such as Nathan Haines, further deepening his musical roots.

Formed in 2011, After ‘Ours was born out of late-night sessions where Martyniuk and Williams honed their craft, blending their distinct musical perspectives into a cohesive sound. Their debut album, Odyssey, released in 2016, was a product of this collaborative spirit, featuring contributions from various international artists like Kevin Mark Trail, Sharlene Hector, and Nathan Haines. Influenced by the soulful grooves of artists like Steely Dan and A Tribe Called Quest, Odyssey was a celebration of community, creativity, and shared musical passion.

With their new album Long Road, After ‘Ours takes their musical exploration to new heights. Reconnecting with previous collaborators and enlisting talents like British soul legend Omar Lyefook and saxophonist Kuba Skowroński, the duo crafts an album that traverses a sonic landscape of UK broken beat, modern jazz, and blues-infused rock. This record not only builds on the foundation laid by Odyssey but also pushes the boundaries of their sound, showcasing a matured and refined artistic vision that solidifies their place within the contemporary music scene.