Life in Aotearoa has been summed up beautifully - if a bit brutally - by 'New Zealand's next Lily Allen' singing in her car.
Daniella Pule's Kiwi version of Aimee Carty’s mega-viral tune ‘2 Days into College’ has racked up nearly two million views and over 200k likes. Not just because of her relatable lyrics about being "shaped just like a jandal", but for her incredible voice, too.
“I didn’t go to college, in NZ we call it uni. Now I’m working at a sh*t job and I’m addicted to blue V," she sings, wearing a hi-vis.
“I pay my bills and then I’m broke. Cost of living ain’t a joke. The bene’s sounding real appealing or maybe I could start drug dealing.”
Her cover also goes over some classic coming-of-age moments: Seeing school friends get married and have kids, giving up vaping every week and spending whatever’s left of your paycheck on a Saturday night.
Commenters are seriously impressed with Dani and reckon she’s got the talent to be a star.
“This is going to be a hit!” wrote one person. “Finish this song.”
“You need a manager girl!” said another. “See you touring OZ soon!”
“Not sure how I feel about this song - feeling called out in a few ways, then I spit my blue V out at ‘shaped just like a jandal’,” a third added. “Great lyrics, even better voice.”
“OMG,” one more wrote. “These are the realist lyrics I’ve ever heard.”
Dani posted part two of her song, and it’s just as good as the first, ending with the classic Kiwi saying: “Do the mahi, get the treats.”
Shout out to Dani for making a fun song that’s genuinely resonated with a bunch of fellow Kiwis. Over here at Mai, we agree with the comments section - this girl's gonna go far!
