Stepping into solo artistry, founding an entertainment business, hosting an open mic, managing a music studio, providing services as a session musician and forming a band are just some of the undertakings of Whakatāne’s multi-talented Kauri Jackson.

He has been honing his skills and looking for opportunities to give back to the community, the most recent example providing pop-up live guitar and DJing to West End from 10am until 2pm today.

Providing entertainment and artistry around Whakatāne through his artist persona Kharmi and business, The Sound King, Jackson has been booked up and busy over the summer months.

Jackson first picked up a guitar at eight years old, a natural progression for someone from a strong musical family.

“My family is quite musical, going back to my koro and his cousin playing in a lot of pubs.

“Most of my family sing or play guitar, that’s just how it is. Most of our family parties have live bands, and live music is a big part of our family on my mum’s side,” Jackson said.

He learned guitar from various members of his family, with his nan teaching him the blues.

At Trident High School he was part of several successful bands, going on to win regional and national titles.

“As soon as they found out I played guitar they threw me in the jazz band.”

His high school rock band, Made Alive, went on to win the regionals two years in a row in 2016 and 2017 with original songs and made the top 20 nationally both years. He also played percussion in the brass band, coming third in nationals.

Band manager at the time, Casey McGee, would drive him and his friends to Edgecumbe for practices and Tauranga for competitions.

He started his persona, Kharmi, five years ago as a DJ, producer and artist, and is ready to make some new music.

“It sat idle for a long time, but I’ve always wanted to pursue my own thing, and give myself kind of a go,” he said.

He produces and plays predominantly electronic, house, heavy bass and drum and bass.

“I’m still finding my sound. I’m not sure where I’m headed or if I’ll stick to one genre, I think they call that open format when you jump between sounds and genres,” he said.

He released his first track, Jamal Wonk, in September 2023, influenced by his cousin and fellow artist, both musically and mural-y, Jinan Dodd.

“We’ve been making music together for at least eight years. I’ve helped him write a couple of his songs on his album, and he’s been a big support for me, trying to pressure me into releasing more music.”

He first started pop-up DJ sessions in Wharaurangi (The Gap) after being inspired by his friend, another guitarist and singer, Cooper Harris, busking there.

“I set up between Christmas and New Year’s, a few R&V travellers passing through were really enjoying it.”

He said no one had any complaints, although a few older people passed by with their hands over their ears because it was allegedly “too loud”.

On New Years Eve he and Dodd took his gear to Mount Maunganui.

“The weather was horrible, but people were vibing as they walked past,” he said.

He then called Salt Spray Surf School’s Ollie Dobbin and asked if he could set up next to them at West End.

“West End seemed like it could do with some music. I really like what Ollie does with the surf school, he’s inspirational. I want to support him and what he created down there.”

He said these pop-ups give him a chance to make content, practice creating and marketing an event, and can provide something for the community.

Meanwhile, Jackson is also running an entertainment business – The Sound King, providing entertainment to private events and giving public gigs.

The Sound King provided music and social media advertising for Sunset Cuisine on Thursday nights last winter, bringing an upbeat atmosphere to the gathering of food trucks in Ōhope.

He manages local music studio and venue Whakatāne Sound Project on McAlister Street, including hosting an open mic on the second Friday of every second month.

The first open mic of the year is being held tonight from 6pm, with a focus on songwriters who want to share originals.

His musical skills on the drums, piano, bass, singing as well as DJ and guitar have allowed him to offer his services as a session musician for several artist projects at the studio.

He credits owner and founder of Whakatāne Sound Project NZ, Anthony Clyde, as a big support in his music and business progression.

Fellow sound business WAVs owner Joe Matthews has been a great support, with The Sound King and WAVs being able to trade gear for different events.

“He’s a great support for Kharmi, and produces electronic music himself, and is great at sharing projects,” Jackson said.

Anyone wanting to contact The Sound King or Kharmi can do so via Instagram @cowboykj_ or contacting 027 313 3599.

Kharmi will be holding a pop-up at West End from 10am until 2pm today, and the Whakatāne Sound Project open mic begins at 6pm.