From singing in their bedrooms to performing for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, A.R.T is a female trio hailing from a small town but with big dreams that match the magnitude of their voices. With roots in R&B and Gospel, Anastasia, Rosetta, and Tiresa (T-R3X) have been turning heads for years, captivating audiences with their smooth blend of harmonies and soulful sound. And people are starting to take notice.
After sharpening their craft over the past decade with countless live performances and YouTube covers, the girls are ready to stamp their mark on the New Zealand Urban Pop scene with fresh, original music that features an international sound. With producers EDY and IKON Music at the helm, it’s easy to mistake their tracks for something by Ariana Grande or Tori Kelly. But A.R.T is unique in their own right.
Proud of their humble beginnings in Porirua, New Zealand, the trio’s vocals have gone viral, shared by thousands, and this momentum led to them being featured on the 2019 “Offering” compilation alongside prominent artists like Teeks and Stan Walker. They’ve amassed a diverse audience of both young and old, and they show no signs of slowing down.
Their philosophy is simple: truth, power, soul.
They stay true to themselves, aim to empower others, and create music that’s good for the soul.
“There were times when we were separated, in different countries even, but God has really kept us together.”
– A.R.T
I had the pleasure of sitting down with these three talented women to get to know them better, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have had the opportunity. They are not just talented musicians but passionate artists dedicated to their craft, and I’m excited to see where their music journey takes them!
The trio—Anastasia, Rosetta, and Tiresa (T-R3X)— each bring a unique cultural background and energy to the group. T-R3X is Samoan, Anastasia is half-Samoan, half-Tokelauan, and Rosetta is Tokelauan. At just 22 years old, T-R3X is the youngest of the group, while Anastasia and Rosetta are both 23. They may be young, but they are absolutely killing it in the industry!
How did you all meet?
Rosetta shared that the three of them first met in intermediate school when she was forming a girl group. “There were auditions, and these two came along,” she said, smiling at Anastasia and T-R3X. “They didn’t leave me alone after that day… and haven’t left me alone since!” she joked. And from that moment on, A.R.T was born, and the rest is history.
Who are your musical inspirations?
The girls named Fiji as one of their main influences for his ability to bring the community together, as well as Aaradhna, a fellow artist from their hometown of Porirua, Wellington. “Aaradhna was the first girl from our town to make it big,” the girls shared, reflecting on her impact on their aspirations.
What’s been your favorite part of your music journey so far?
The girls shared that their recent tour with Josh Tatofi, the South Pacific Tour, has been one of the most memorable experiences. “We felt like stars!” they laughed, recalling the whirlwind of catching 11 flights and performing together. For Anastasia and T-R3X, performing in their motherland of Samoa was especially significant. “It felt surreal,” Anastasia said. “I was born there, but raised in Aotearoa. To perform where I was born… it just felt like I was home.”
Have there been any triumphs & challenges along the way?
“Being three female artists from a small town in Wellington, a lot of people didn’t believe we could make it far,” Rosetta shared. T-R3X added, “It’s hard to separate friendship and work sometimes, but we’ve managed to stay united for 11 years.” Anastasia chimed in, reflecting on their journey: “There were times when we were separated, in different countries even, but God has really kept us together.”
How was the South Pacific Tour experience with Josh Tatofi?
“At first, we were scared,” the girls admitted. “Who are we to be on tour with Josh Tatofi and his crew?” But the team made them feel like family. “They welcomed us as little sisters, looked out for us, and made sure we were taken care of. It felt like a family trip.”
One of the biggest takeaways for A.R.T was learning firsthand about the strong work ethic and hustle it takes to succeed on tour in the music industry. They were in awe of Josh and his team’s commitment to their craft. “They barely slept,” Rosetta shared. “It was crazy how they would perform a show, get just a few hours of rest, then be back up for another rehearsal or soundcheck. There were days we’d all be running on fumes, but they were still going— making sure everything was ready for the next show.”
“It showed us that if you want to make it, you can’t do things halfway. There’s no shortcut. You have to put in the work, no matter how tired you are. Even when we felt drained, Josh and his team were still pushing through, still being professional, and it made us want to do the same. It’s something we’ll carry with us forever.”
The tour wasn’t just about the glitz and glamour of being on stage. It was a lesson in resilience and dedication, revealing the behind-the-scenes grind that most people don’t see. Their experience on the tour has reinforced their determination and desire to push themselves even harder as they continue their journey with A.R.T.
BTDUBS! The girls hinted that some of the songs they performed on tour, including La Vie Dansante, Baby Nofo Mai, and Fia Va’ai, will be making an official release soon. “The support we’ve gotten for those covers has been overwhelming,” they shared. Throughout the tour, fans eagerly shared videos of the girls covering these songs on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms, showering them with likes, reposts, comments, and overwhelming support. With the anticipation building for the release of these covers, it promises to be Tour 2.0— an opportunity for listeners to enjoy the music in their cars, in the shower, or at the gym, while reminiscing about the unforgettable tour experience. The girls fondly recalled how, during their performances, the crowd would sing along with enthusiasm, creating an electric atmosphere. One of them shared that La Vie Dasante was a cherished old-school classic that always played in her nana’s garage, making it even more special to bring those good times to the audience.
What are your goals moving forward?
“We have so many goals, but our big goal is to continue to create a village and community around our music,” the girls shared. “We want to make space for ourselves and our sound, without comparisons to others.” They are grateful for the guidance they’ve received from mentors like Tana, Avina, and Hennie, who have helped them reconnect with their Polynesian roots.
Any advice for young girls dreaming of pursuing music?
“Dream as big as you can! You’re going to go through a lot, but it’s up to you to keep going. You have to put in the work,” they advised. “We were once just little girls with big dreams too, and now our journey is in motion. If we can do it, so can you.”
What an inspiring journey for A.R.T! If you haven’t already, check out their music and follow them on social media @a.r.tmusic! Alu iai, girls!
