Devin Abrams, the genius behind Pacific Heights and a founding member of Shapeshifter, is a major player in New Zealand's music scene. With a career full of unexpected twists and bold creativity, Abrams’ musical journey is a wild ride. Let’s get into the heart of Pacific Heights and explore the evolution of its game-changing albums.
Pacific Heights stormed onto the scene in 2003 with Frozen Fears, an album that defined its signature style. This debut was a bold mix of chill vibes and punchy rhythms, setting a new standard in electronic music and revealing a flair for creating immersive soundscapes.
Fast forward to 2008, and In a Quiet Storm exploded onto the scene, shaking things up. This album was a wild mix of hip-hop, soul, and funk, weaving together a sound that was both fresh and addictive. With standout collaborations from Sacha Vee, Mara TK, and Joe Dukie, it was clear that pushing limits and keeping things exciting was the name of the game.
Catch the Joe Dukie collab video below:
Pacific Heights roared back in 2016 with The Stillness, shaking things up with its raw, introspective vibe. The album wasn’t just a return; it was a reinvention, snagging 'Best Electronic Album' at the New Zealand Music Awards and scoring multiple nominations, including the Taite Prize and APRA Silver Scroll.
Then came A Lost Light in 2018, inspired by a wild dream about the ocean, according to Abrams. This record took listeners on a mind-bending trip, blending sounds in a way that was both deeply personal and vast. It pushed electronic music into new realms with its immersive, dreamlike quality.
Enter The Waters Between, released in 2022, an absolute standout in the Pacific Heights saga. Forget the old concepts; this album plunges straight into raw emotion and vulnerability, sparked by Abrams’ pandemic-era experiences, as he revealed in this Cityscape interview.
This record pushes into what Abrams calls "emotional power ballads", offering powerful insights into distance and connection. With collabs from artists like Stan Walker and Larissa Lambert, the album bursts with fresh, dynamic energy, proving Abrams is all about setting trends, not just following them.
Devin Abrams’ impact stretches far beyond Pacific Heights. Even after leaving Shapeshifter in 2015, he kept shaking things up as a top-notch producer and songwriter.
His work with Drax Project, a New Zealand pop band known for their catchy tunes and high-energy performances, on hits like "Woke Up Late" and "Catching Feelings" has been making big waves. Plus, he co-wrote and produced the NOON EP, adding his signature flair.
<Spotify link="https://open.spotify.com/album/6wHH35NKu2WuLWfmm1MHm7?si=vKqs27AISXur-UsXdJWkTQ" />
He’s also been collaborating with Stan Walker, Dallas Tamaira, and The Adults, and whether he's working in New Zealand or internationally, Abrams is all about pushing limits and keeping things exciting.
The future’s shaping up to be a wild ride for Devin Abrams. With a new Pacific Heights EP coming soon and some exciting collabs with Japanese artists, Abrams isn’t slowing down. His drive to innovate keeps Pacific Heights at the cutting edge of the music scene.
And let’s not forget the broader picture: Devin Abrams is living proof of New Zealand’s insane talent. His evolution from chill vibes to deep emotional exploration shows just how dynamic and fresh the Kiwi music scene really is.
If you’re not already following his journey, now’s the time to jump on board >>>
Abrams is setting the pace, and you won’t want to miss what’s next!
<Spotify link="https://open.spotify.com/album/56boiJqToh40npva8dKHEF?si=k4-ZSPwATc-xEp_51Aziew" />
Explore More
View All
