676
She is young, beautiful, energetic, talented and very proud of her Tongan heritage. In the music realm she is known as 676 (representin’ the country code for her native Island of Tonga). Her debut album “Movin’ On” sets her apart from all other Pacific Islander music artists because of its unique sound, a sound that cannot be boxed into any specific music genre. She thrives on taking risks with her music and hopes that it will ignite a desire in all Pacific Islander music artists to create music that fully represents who they are! She is a music artist in every sense of the word—as a singer and a songwriter. She is known by her close friends and family as Neti Taumoepeau. Her debut album “Movin’ On” is a coming-of-age story about her musical journey, past relationships, amazing friendships, endurance, survival and so much more. Be on the look out for her upcoming solo album which will be released in the summer of 2008!
676 will be performing live for the Island Christmas Bash at the E-Center on Friday, December 07, 2007. Do not miss out on the chance to hear 676 live—Buy your tickets now!!!
*676’s debut album “Movin’ On” was recorded with Finau Afeaki, who is now working on her own solo album*
PT: Where did the name 676 come from?
676: I wanted something that would distinguish where I was from but that wouldn’t limit me to one genre of music. 676 is the country code for my native Island of Tonga and it represents who I am and where I come from. It’s totally for the love of my heritage, my culture and it’s also a name that other people who are Tongan can relate to.
PT: How would you describe the kind of music that 676 create?
676: I don’t think I really fit into one specific genre. The album has R&B and reggae, but also some dance hall and hip-hop tracks and so it’s basically all over the board. Tongans are so musically talented and I think that sometimes we limit ourselves to one genre of music when we really have the talent to make music that can encompass all genres.
PT: Who in the music realm would you say inspires the music you create?
676: I love Toni Braxton, I have always loved her deep voice. I love Mariah Carey, her song writing is awesome and so is her singing and Destiny’s Child, SWV, and many others.
PT: If there was a message that you wanted to get across in your debut album, what would that message be?
676: It’s a lot of things. This album is called “Moving On” and it’s named after a track on the album. “Moving On” is about a relationship break up but it could also mean many things such as moving on in a relationship and for me, it’s about moving on in life and moving on in my career.
PT: What inspired you to write the song “whenever you need me”?
676: When I had written that song, the very first line of that song is “when you are on your own and your needing love child” my muse was my two nieces and nephew. I took a mother’s stance, wherever you go, wherever you are, whatever you are going through, whenever you need me, I will always be there. However, in the lyrics, I never really mention who this song was for because I wanted to keep it open so that those listening to it can come up with their own interpretations of the song.
PT: Who would you say has been the most influential in your life?
676: I would have to say my family. My dad is my #1 fan, he can sit in front of the computer all day and read all the myspace comments, my sister Nia, who is always pushing me to do better, my brother Duke who produces my music and he is a huge motivator but if at the end of the day there is one person that I have in my mind to think about to keep me going throughout the day, it would have to be my mom! She pushes me every single day. She is the most selfless person I have ever known. I remember my first show in October 2006, she stayed up all night sewing my outfit and before I would go on stage she would make sure everything was perfect and would tell me “don’t dance too much on stage,” “you need more eyeliner,” “you need more make up,” “make sure you drink your tea,”. I would never be able to do what I do if it weren’t for her!
PT: What is something about you that would surprise your fans?
676: I will be teaching a Tongan language class for one of the local school districts here in Utah. .
PT: What does it mean for you to live a “life filled with purpose”?
676: For me a life filled with purpose is being able to live a life that is meaningful, a life where you are able to serve those around you and that when your on life on earth ends you can honestly say that you had strived to be a good influence in the lives of others.
PT: What would you say is the biggest misperception about Pacific Islanders?
676: I think that many people think that we lack talent and drive when in reality we have a lot of talent and drive and once we make up our mind about something there is no stopping us.
PT: What do you feel is our contribution as Pacific peoples to the rest of the world?
676: Pacific Islanders put that little spice into life. We bring the uniqueness of our culture, the confidence from our ancestors, the love for our families, and our overall passion for life!
676’s Myspace Page
