On debut album 'While I'm Distracted', London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes draws inspiration from contemporary soul and jazz, touches of global folk, electronica, modern classical, and post-rock, with dynamic arrangements and production. 'While I'm Distracted' is an album about fighting for your innocence and right to be a vulnerable and honest human. Arjuna's songwriting explores themes of identity, depression, existentialism, social media, loss of innocence, and finding hope for the future through artistic expression.

'I'm obsessed with albums,' says Arjuna. 'I've made seven EPs, but needed time to tackle a full length record. I was using the EPs to learn the craft of how to make a great album, much like a director will make short films before they make a feature. I wanted to take the listener on a journey and spark their imagination. Hopefully the album expresses complex emotions, rather than having an intellectual concept. I'd rather ask questions than answer them'.

Across the album, Arjuna performs vocals, piano, keyboards, synths, production, and wrote the string arrangements. He's joined by Harrison Scholes on bass, Jo Jenkins and Andre Smith on guitar, Sam Notman on drums, Louisa Williamson on saxophone, Nathan Haines on flute, Kate King on French horn, Leah Thomas on clarinet, Hilary Hayes and Emma Colligan on violin, Chris Van Der Zee on viola, Charley Davenport on cello, Zane Hawkins on percussion, James Macewan on trumpet, and additional production by Callum Mower.

Tracklisting:

A1. So I Don't Forget (Intro)

A2. Nothing's Gonna Fill You Up

A3. No Joke

A4. Catch Me

B1. Pocketful of Paranoia

B2. Lay Low

B3. Before It's All Over

B4. The Love That I Feel

C1. Motel

C2. Sell My Memories (Interlude)

C3. Get Me Some Grief

C4. I'm Alive

C5. Caught (Catch Me Reprise)

D1. Won't Let This World Break My Heart

D2. No One

D3. Mallet Groove