Photography: Emily Chalk.
Used to action-packed summers lighting up dancefloors around Aotearoa, it was a surprisingly quiet getaway when legendary Kiwi music producer Graham Matthews – one half of internationally renowned drum ’n’ bass duo Lee Mvtthews – popped the question to DJ and George FM host Sin Howard.
As a couple who spend lots of time in the spotlight, Sin, 31, says their private moment on Auckland’s Waiheke Island couldn’t have been more perfect.
“It was just us – super-intimate and so magical,” she says, adding that his offer of a ring wasn’t entirely a surprise.
“I know Graham so well and, like a lot of men, he went a bit weird just before he was going to propose. “We had a great three-hour hike around the island and I thought he might’ve had the ring on him then, but he didn’t. I told myself to stop thinking about it and after a swim in a little private cove, then a beautiful dinner, he proposed on the deck back at our Airbnb, under a gorgeous sunset.”
With Sin rocking a handcrafted oval diamond ring from Aussie designer Jamie Customs of jewellers NineTwoFive, the couple then Facetimed all their family and friends.
Friends first, sparks later
“Everyone was so happy for us,” says Sin.
“Watching their reactions made our hearts full.”
But love didn’t immediately blossom for the couple, who first met six years ago at George FM after Lee Mvtthews fan Sin invited the duo to do a residency on her show. Instead, they were workmates who became close friends after Graham, 33, joined the station as a promotions manager when his residency ended.
Sin recalls, “I was going through a gnarly break-up at the time and we’d spend hours talking. He helped me through some big feelings and emotions.”
Friendship turns flirty
A few months later, romance began to blossom as their friendship turned flirty, with a weekend up north at Sin’s mum’s house sealing the deal.
“It was our first time away on our own without having to hide from anyone at work,” she smiles.
“We spent the whole night listening to music, drinking wine, laughing and having deep conversations. Graham is the first person I’ve ever had this kind of connection with.”
Partners in music and life
With both of them in the music industry, they understand the challenges that come with long stints of touring. Sin – who has been a DJ for a decade, in which time she’s been a support act for her two favourite artists, Fatboy Slim and Groove Armada, credits her career success to her “number-one supporter” Graham.
She enthuses, “He’s helped me to find my confidence and taught me everything I know on the decks.”
Health struggles behind the scenes
Touring, however, is a little different these days, with former party girl Sin open about her challenges with polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothyroidism.
“I was diagnosed with both conditions back in 2015, but it’s only been the past few years that they’ve reared their head,” she shares.
“I struggled to sleep, lost hair, gained heaps of weight and was anxious.”
Finding balance on the road
Strength training, eating more protein, sleeping more and working with nutritionist Joshua Fanks have all helped, while Sin says a Sunday yoga class gives her as much of a kick as a party these days. She jokes that now her tour rider also includes boiled eggs and information about the nearest gyms.
“But there’s still tequila too – you’ve got to have balance and fun!” she laughs.
Now with the jam-packed summer music festival season over, the couple is looking forward to August, when they’ll head to Europe for their annual six-week stint, combining Lee Mvtthews’ shows with Sin’s own gigs. And while their busy life on the road and Sin’s radio commitments mean it might be 2028 before they officially tie the knot, she already knows her beau is taking charge of the wedding playlist.
Graham takes charge of the tunes
“Graham’s only non-negotiable for the wedding is that he wants to DJ the cocktail hour!” she smiles.
“He’s happy for me to make the decisions about what our wedding will look and feel like, but he’s going to take care of the sounds.”
And regardless of when they actually say “I do”, Sin’s already feeling content about their future.
“We’re such a solid unit. Once we’re married, I’m going to be extra-proud to say I’m Graham’s wife. He’s such a beautiful human, who brings so much fun and adventure to everything. I feel so lucky I get to do life with my best friend.”
Listen to Sin from 3pm weekdays on George FM Drive.
