No stranger to jumping on stage and belting out his band's latest and greatest hits, Shapeshifter frontman P Digsss has revealed the one show where his nerves almost got the better of him.
The singer-songwriter told Newshub that the first time he performed with an orchestra, his anxiety plummeted out of control - almost making him sick.
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"I had the pleasure of singing with an orchestra about eight or nine years ago, and the nerves were crazy," Digsss said.
"I'll be honest, I was scared the first time, I just didn't want to mess it up - I was almost unsure if I could do it.
"I don't know what it was, there was about 20,000 people - that was an amazing thing and it got my nerves up a bit - but the fact that I was standing in front of a full orchestra, and I wasn't classically trained, I was almost sick... like dry-retching in my room backstage."
The 'Electric Dream' recording artist said it was quite intimidating to be in the presence of revered instrumentalists, who had studied the foundations of music at length.
"I trained through my friends and that stuff but I've only done one music lesson in my life and that stuff, so it's quite intimidating but now that I've done a lot of music, it's more inspirational and exciting," he said.
Digsss has since managed to get his nerves under control, explaining: "I've done it a few times now - no change in excitement and no change how special it is, but I am not as scared now.
"Now we're at a point where it's good to do it - in fact, I relish the challenge.
"It's kind of a beautiful tick of the boxes as an artist, as a musician, to have the opportunity to be on stage with classically trained artists."
On Friday and Saturday night the drum and bass performer took to the stage inside the Auckland Town Hall alongside the 90-piece Auckland Symphony Orchestra for Synthony.
Revellers relished in the ambience of the ensemble, which featured vocal support from Ria Hall, Omega Levine, Helen Corry, Cherie Mathieson and Iri Aumatangi, as well as saxophonist Lewis McCallum.
Digsss praised his fellow performers of the night, acknowledging the stand-out women who showcased their gifts in their own fierce manner.
"Ria Hall is one of my favourite female vocalists in our country. When she is at her finest, like she has been over the past couple of days, it's truly a magical thing.
"It's nice to experience Helen Corry's music - that girl can belt it out proper - and Cherie Mathieson, I've been an absolute fan of hers for a long time.
"She's one of those women who does her own stuff but she's also in the music world in our country the woman you go to if you need an amazing backup vocalist, that can also be your lead.
"It's an honor to share the stage with them. I always love seeing them kick it, 'cause it fires me up."
Shapeshifter was formed in 1999, finding notable success with a multitude of tracks over the years including Monarch, Endless, One and Stars.
Digsss said hearing a number of other musicians playing music that's been composed to match their own tracks is a special thing that will "never lose its charm".
"We know our music really well; the first couple times we had orchestras with us, there were moments when we were welling up with tears on stage.
"I hear strings; I hear orchestral stuff in my head when I play my music. To fully have it there, though, is a mind-blowing experience because it takes you to other places."
Digsss said music is what keeps him alive, and he feels extremely grateful that it's how he earns a living.
"I understand how tricky it is to live off your art - [you've] got to keep your fingers in a few pies. I try not to take it for granted."
At times he reflects on his earlier days starting out as a young, passionate musician, sleeping on many couches throughout the years to earn where he is at the moment.
"It's all stepping stones, they're all character builders, and they make me who I am.
"I am all about adding to it now and getting awesome experiences like playing with an orchestra in Auckland Town Hall.
"Music is like a cup of tea for me - it's necessary. I need a cup of tea every day, and music is like that - a driving force which keeps me sane, keeps me enthusiastic... and who doesn't need a soundtrack to life?"
Newshub.
