The band finding purpose through music (and taking the piss out of themselves)

Timmy Porter says the new music he’s releasing with his band Shivers is part of his healing journey from a traumatic brain injury a few years ago.

In the band’s new song Ready, Porter reflects on the growth he's found since and his ability to face the world again.

Porter, who is lead vocalist, says he now prides himself on being deeply involved in his community; the song explores a period in his life when he felt withdrawn, anxious and isolated.

“[The song is] about growth and resilience, and looking after each other and helping each other through recovery. You can't do it by yourself,” he says.

Shivers also consists of Adrian Win (Ngāti Hāua, Ngāruahine, Te Ātiawa), a multi-instrumentalist and Josh Parata (Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Rarawa), a DJ and producer.

Formed in 2020 and based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Shivers are passionate about human storytelling, vulnerability, kotahitanga, and social justice in their music.

The band name Shivers makes fun of Kiwi slang. “Like how we say shivers instead of shit,” Porter says. “We like to take piss out of ourselves.”

The cross-genre soul band covers a wide range of genres: soul, R&B, roots reggae, dub, electronic, pop, and rock.

Ready is the first single from their upcoming EP and was produced by long-time friends and acclaimed Aotearoa artists, Tiki Taane and Lee Prebble.

Porter says this new era of their music is a good way to challenge different things, but also be vulnerable.

Shivers has big plans ahead, with their new EP coming out later in the year. They intend to make music that will tackle more social issues and give a voice for the community.

“I thought I was changed forever after my brain injury. And that's such a big part of me, and it helps me process things. It helps me deal with things that bring joy,” he says.

“We're just enjoying the journey, making good music, working very hard and everything else is a bonus to us.”

You can find Shivers through their Instagram and follow them on YouTube. You can listen to their new music on Apple Music and Spotify.