We recently had the chance to sit down with the talented Lomez Brown, diving into his journey in music, his rich cultural heritage, and what’s in store for his upcoming album. This Auckland-based musician with roots in Aotearoa, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and even European ancestry, spoke with me about his journey, his inspirations, and his hopes for the legacy he’ll leave behind through his music.
Growing up in Auckland, New Zealand, Lomez comes from a vibrant blend of cultures: his father is Māori from Ngāpuhi, the largest Māori tribe from Hokianga in Northland (known as “the bush people”), and his mother hails from Titikaveka in the Cook Islands, specifically Rarotonga. Reflecting on his upbringing, Lomez shared that he felt lucky to have been raised in a tight-knit community where Polynesian culture thrived. “Like most Polynesians, it all starts with family — just jamming with the cousins,” he laughed. Lomez’s exposure to the cultural diversity in Auckland was a huge influence on his early years, from singing Fijian and Cook Islands songs to performing Samoan and Tongan dances. By his early twenties, what began as a passion turned into a dedicated pursuit of music.
A major inspiration for Lomez was the music he and his friends jammed to, especially the reggae sounds of artists like Fiji. “In the early days of YouTube, everyone was buzzing over Fiji’s music,” he said, sharing how he and his friends would play reggae at church and youth groups, shaping his sound. “GarageBand was our thing,” he added, chuckling about his friend’s older brother who shared his school-issued laptop, allowing their group to experiment with music production. Since then, Lomez has been fueled by a love for music, and a tight community of friends who believed in him.
Looking back at his career so far, Lomez humbly expressed his gratitude that tracks like “Sweet Lover,” “Ain’t What I’m Looking For,” and “Can You Be Mine” still resonate with listeners. “As an artist, you never know how far your music will go, so to hear these songs played by new generations is amazing,” he shared. Parents of his younger fans often introduce their children to his music, allowing his songs to cross generational lines. For Lomez, these connections fuel his passion and keep him grounded.
Navigating the music industry hasn’t been without its challenges, with self-doubt being one of the biggest hurdles. Growing up in a close-knit community meant he was often under the spotlight, which led him to question his path. “Am I the guy? Am I meant to do this?” he would ask himself. But over time, he discovered that adaptability is key. “It’s important to keep moving forward, to adapt, and to be resourceful,” he explained, noting that some peers gave up on their musical pursuits because they couldn’t adjust. For Lomez, adaptability has become his greatest asset in a career full of highs and lows.
With his upcoming album set to release on November 21 (NZ time), Lomez shared his excitement about showing fans a new side of his music. Titled Underrated, this album combines reggae with R&B and acoustic elements, reflecting his own journey and musical evolution. “It’s a collaborative project,” he explained, highlighting the support he’s received from Fejoint Productions. This team includes some of New Zealand’s finest musicians, with members who play for artists like Josh Tatofi, Ardijah, and Sons of Zion. “Behind me is a family of talented people,” Lomez said, visibly moved. “I buzz out every day knowing I have them supporting my music.”
One particularly memorable moment from the album’s creation involved his single “Cover Me,” a deeply spiritual track inspired by his Christian faith. When his friend Switch began singing the track, the room went still; they all felt a powerful presence. “It felt like God was with us, blessing our music,” Lomez recalled, adding that the song is his way of saying a karakia, or prayer, before sharing the rest of the album with the world.
As he shared his advice for aspiring musicians, Lomez emphasized the importance of self-belief and embracing one’s identity. “As Polynesians, our strength comes from knowing who we are. If you feel disconnected, remember that your bloodline, your values, and your heritage carry you,” he said. He encouraged young Polynesians to keep family close, stay grounded in their culture, and believe in their abilities.
“Our ancestors voyaged from island to island; we came from the same waka (canoe). That’s where our strength lies.”
– Lomez Brown
With hopes of leaving a legacy that extends beyond his music, Lomez strives to be remembered as a good person. “If I leave this earth and people know me as a good person, that’s enough for me,” he shared. Music is his way of spreading positive energy and connection, and he hopes it inspires others to do the same.
With a unique mix of humor, humility, and heart, Lomez Brown’s story is as high-spirited as his music. Keep an eye out for Underrated this November, and be prepared for a new chapter of music that promises to uplift, connect, and celebrate our shared roots!
