Known for her high-energy beats, distinctive vocals, and incredible taste in tracksuits, MC Tali is one of the most prolific musicians to come out of New Zealand’s drum and bass scene.
She has won awards, released seven albums and worked with D&B legends like Goldie, Fabio and Grooverider. She is also generous with her knowledge, and a huge source of inspiration for female DJs looking to break out in the male-dominated industry.
Born in Taranaki, Tali lived in the UK for a decade building her career and is now based in Auckland’s Northcote Point, where she has been living with her husband for over 10 years.
“Our house looks out over Le Roys Bush at the bottom of a lane - so it's really private, quiet, calm and tranquil. We love being so close to nature, while at the same time being so close to the motorway and access to the city.”
While international tours are most definitely back on the cards (she’s just returned from a trip to Melbourne), she feels lucky to be able to come home to a beautiful, vibrant area that is diverse in people and cultures.
An energiser bunny in a Kangol hat, MC Tali is not running out of steam anytime soon. Reeling from the release of her new song, My Remedy, she will be heading south in August to play in the snow at Methven’s White Out festival, alongside fellow DJs Aroha and Hurricane Emily.
Favourite place for a drink?
Pocket Bar, Ponsonby Social Club (PSC), or The Fitzroy. I can be sure there will always be good music as well as drinks at the last two. My choice of drink is usually a Pinot Gris - on a rare occasion it might be a cocktail.
Best place for breakfast?
Dear Jervois on Jervois Road, just over the bridge in Herne Bay. Never had a bad breakfast there ever, and super convenient to home.
The restaurant you’ve been going to for years?
The Curry Master in Birkenhead. We prefer it as our takeaway joint, but the restaurant itself is also lovely. Delicious, freshly made food, with quick and excellent service - and local. You can't call yourself The Curry Master and not deliver on that - thankfully, they do!
Favourite restaurant to visit with friends?
Cotto on K Road is my favourite go-to, especially when we've friends from out of town. I've been going there since it opened and I'm still not bored of the buzzing atmosphere, delicious food and friendly service.
Best ‘cheap eat’?
I love Moon Sushi in Northcote, and get lunch from there at least once or twice a week. It's always fresh and well made, and they have a whole section just for vegetarians like me.
Brunch on a Sunday: where would we find you?
The Sugar Factory in Birkenhead does a lovely brunch and has beautiful views across the harbour. I love the aforementioned Dear Jervois in Herne Bay. And Postal Service Cafe in Grey Lynn also does an awesome selection of vegan and vege brunch.
Your local bar or pub?
I'm not a big drinker, but if I have friends to stay and we want to go for a drink somewhere local, it would generally be Stafford Road Wine Bar, or Clarence Road Eatery (which also does excellent food).
Favourite place for date night?
Gemmayze Street in St Kevins Arcade. The food is insanely good and their dessert menu is off the chain! My husband and I have also just made plans for a date at The Engine Room which is a beautiful local restaurant here in Northcote Point. I'm looking forward to trying this out as I have heard great things.
Favourite place for live music?
Ponsonby Social Club (PSC) always has a really eclectic and varied range of live music. It's a small space so it always feels vibey and intimate.
Where do you go for some relaxation or a beauty treatment?
I always go to Haven in Takapuna. The service is second to none, and I always come out feeling so relaxed and recharged. I go there for facials, and massages.
I get my eyebrows laminated and eyelashes lifted at Candy Eyes in Northcote Point. Svetlana is my go to for that, she is super local to me, and does a brilliant job from her home studio.
Best kept shopping secret?
Savemart in Northcote, and Recycle Boutique in Takapuna. I have scored some absolute gems time and again from both spots.
Best gallery or museum?
Next Door Gallery in Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead always has some lovely art and crafts exhibited. There are also smaller gifts available for purchase too if art is not on your agenda.
Where do you go for a workout?
Shane Cameron on Onewa Road is my local gym that I have been attending a few years now for Boxfit classes. I love the sense of community and the friendly staff. Owners Shane and Casey are wonderful people who genuinely care about the health and wellbeing of their community.
I have to be honest, I haven't been in a few months though as I was trying to avoid getting Covid before I went to Aussie - then I went and got it anyway and now, due to post Covid fatigue, I still can't go. I miss it so much.
If someone was visiting your neighbourhood/city for the first time, what’s the one place you would recommend they visit?
We always take friends for a walk down to Little Shoal Bay to see the view from the shore, and then on through Le Roys Bush - it's just behind our house and the walkway is so lovely. We then drive them under the Harbour Bridge right on the point. It's so epic to be able to drive right underneath the structure and the view is stunning.
We usually finish with a sunset picnic at Larkings Landing Reserve (Hilders Park) in Beach Haven. Although technically it's the next neighbourhood over, it's still so close to us, and I have family ties to the area and that particular spot - with Frank Larking being my great uncle.
