Premiere: Ardon England Reveals His Dynamic Debut EP, ‘That’s Camp’

New Zealand’s musical landscape is about to experience a seismic shift with the debut EP release of genre-defying artist Ardon England. Set to drop this Friday, “That’s Camp” isn’t just an EP; it’s a manifesto of Ardon’s creative ethos. With each track, he fearlessly explores different dimensions of his identity, blending genres like House, Dance, and Rap to create what he terms “CAMPHOUSE.”

As a Māori artist, Ardon champions diversity and inclusion, infusing his music with unapologetic creativity and raw emotion. Singles like “Leather Daddy” and “F.E.M Man” are anthems of self-expression and empowerment, challenging societal norms and advocating for individuality.

But Ardon’s impact transcends his music; he’s a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation, paving the way for queer artists in New Zealand and Australia. With collaborations featuring Krisy Erin and Kez Emm, “That’s Camp” promises to be a ground-breaking EP that pushes boundaries and celebrates authenticity. And as an exclusive treat, readers will get the first listen of this electrifying 5-track journey right here.

To get to know the EP better, Ardon has shared with us a track-by-track walkthrough of the EP.

“Thats Camp” isn’t just an EP; it’s a reflection of my creative spirit, with each track boldly expressing a different facet of myself.

“Leather Daddy” kicks off the journey with a mix of house and dance beats, drawing from my past experiences and a time when I wrote about a former drug dealer. It’s a playful celebration of growth, turning past struggles into something fun and lively. This track invites you to embrace your identity and dance to the beat of your own drum, with a worldly, ethnic twist to the house music vibes.

“Plastic” continues the vibe, a collaboration with Krisy Erin that blends rap and hip-hop with my R&B roots. It’s a fresh sound that I haven’t heard much before, merging two different styles into one cohesive track. Inspired by society’s obsession with materialism and cosmetic surgery, “Plastic” challenges judgments and encourages us to celebrate autonomy over our bodies. Each verse is a space for self-expression, breaking free from societal norms and stereotypes.

“F.E.M Man” goes deeper into identity, pushing back against narrow gender norms. It’s a declaration of authenticity and acceptance, inspired by my experiences growing up in a Catholic school and the impact of religion on the queer community. With every beat, this track stands tall, embracing every aspect of my being and celebrating the beauty of embracing both feminine and masculine traits.

“Make Them Listen” takes a different approach, stripping back the layers to focus on the raw power of bass and rhythm. Inspired by moments when music demands attention, it’s an exploration of the space between sound and silence. With each pulsating beat, I invite you to tune in and let the music ignite your soul.

Closing out the journey is “Neon World,” a mesmerizing blend of ethereal melodies and hypnotic rhythms. It’s a celebration of the infinite possibilities of electronic music, inspired by outer body experiences and a desire to transport listeners to another realm. With a female vocalist keshia adding depth, this track invites you on an electrifying adventure where imagination knows no bounds.

“That’s Camp” is a journey through the sounds I love in electronic music, exploring new territories while still coming together as a cohesive whole. It’s been an incredibly fun project to work on, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.” – Ardon England.

That’s Camp is set for release tomorrow, but you can listen right here exclusively today.