Amiria Grenell has a new album out and a tour to match. She tells us about being back in Christchurch, her new songs, and what her legendary dad, John Hore Grenell, would think of them.
What would you like to tell us about your new album? It’s been a long time between releasing albums so I’m super excited to finally be sharing these new songs with the world! I was fortunate to work with Ryan Fisherman, who co-produced, engineered and performed on the album, and we called in many more wonderful Christchurch musicians to add keys, different guitar tracks, drums and vocals to the mix. We started recording ‘The Winter Light’ 3½ years ago and took our time. It feels good to release it as we head into the cooler months of winter, as my wish is that these songs carry the listener into their own winter tale.
Is it an evolution of the sound we heard on Autumn or a departure? I think it's a bit of a departure. I feel like my songwriting has shifted since moving back to Christchurch from Wellington, and that I’ve discovered more of my authentic sound. It’s been fun to work with different tempos, soundscapes and other musicians on the album too.
You dip in and out of genres here – is that a sign of your growing confidence as an artist? I’ve always liked many different styles of music, and each album I’ve made has reflected this. Growing up with three older musician brothers, I was exposed to a large catalogue of different artists and albums. I definitely think they had an impact on my love of music and inspired my songwriting.
Would you agree that your songs are about the little things that are really the big things? For sure! Sometimes I write about my own story, sometimes I write about my friends' stories, and sometimes I completely make up a tale, storyline and characters and see what lands on the page.
Produced by Ryan Fisherman at The Hut here in Ōtautahi – how was that experience? Working with Ryan has been brilliant. He understood the direction I was wanting to go down with each song and patiently gave me time to mull on each track once we had finished recording. He’s also answered about 5 million questions of mine over the last few years when I’ve found myself overwhelmed with the technical side of things!
Place and landscape are other elements in your songs – do you have a favourite place? Banks Peninsula is one of my most favourite places to go to, perform, stay and write. I’m lucky to know quite a few different people living in the different bays over there, so I head over there often.
What would your dad have to say about the new album? I think Dad would have loved the album. He was always very supportive of us kids with our music and proud that we became songwriters. There are definitely some country elements to some of the songs, which I think he would have loved to hear too.
Are you looking forward to the tour? I am now! It was a tricky tour to book – there are many behind-the-scenes hours of work that go into booking a tour and it took a while to come together. So now that it’s sorted, I can’t wait to get out on the road and share these new songs with our audiences. I’m also stoked that the last show of the tour is in our hometown Christchurch, with the full band. It’s going to be a pretty special way to finish this release.
Does the whole family come along? I’ll just be touring with Ryan Fisherman and Amy Grace for the tour, finishing with the full band in Christchurch. My daughter, Sienna Kahurangi, will be getting up on stage at our Christchurch release show, which will be awesome. She sings harmonies on one of the tracks on the album, so it will be special to have her perform at the hometown concert.
Any emerging Kiwi artists you think we should know more about? Hannah Everingham (who has also just released her new album), Amber Carly Williams, CAITLIN and Agnes Aleesy – all Christchurch musicians!
What’s your go-to place in Christchurch? Taylors Mistake. We often take our dogs there to walk up the different hill tracks and finish with a swim in the sea. It helps shift my perspective every time. Looking out over the hills and to the ocean, being able to see and experience every type of weather that gets thrown our way. It is a great way to start the day!