Evan Sinton, better known by his stage name Maala (also stylised as MAALA), is a New Zealand singer-songwriter. He is best known for his songs "Touch" and "Kind of Love", and for coming third on the second series of New Zealand's Got Talent in 2012.[1] In 2016, he won Best Male Solo Artist at the New Zealand Music Awards.[2]
In 2013, following his appearance on New Zealand's Got Talent, Sinton was signed to Sony Music New Zealand. He supported The X Factor Australia winner Reece Mastin on his 2013 New Zealand tour.[4] Sinton went on to release the EP Phosphenes, from which came the singles "Tables and Chairs" and "Prisoner's Cinema".[5]
MAALA
In 2015, Sinton adopted the stage name MAALA. He used the name to separate himself from his New Zealand's Got Talent identity and to reflect the new direction of his music. He chose the name MAALA because it "looked cool on paper".[6]
MAALA initially released the singles "Touch" and "In the AIr", followed by a self-titled EP. In July 2015, "Touch" was long-listed for the 2015 Silver Scroll award, credited to Sinton and the song's co-writers Jaden Parkes and Josh Fountain.[7]
In 2016, the single "Kind of Love" was released, followed by MAALA's debut album, Composure. Later in 2016, MAALA was nominated for four New Zealand Music Awards, and won Best Male Solo Artist.[2]
^"Evan Sinton Signs Major Label Deal". McLaughlin Law. McLaughlin Law. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"Evan Sinton". iTunes. Apple. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
^"MAALA Unmasked". Radio New Zealand. Radio New Zealand. 24 August 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2016.