Sydney-via-Papua New Guinea artist Ngaiire may be small in size, but packed within that diminutive frame is a creative mind bursting with larger-than-life ideas. On the basis of her fierce songwriting and polished live show, anticipation for Ngaiire’s debut album Lamentations is steadily building.
Following on from the release of lead single, ‘Dirty Hercules’ (which features Hiatus Kaiyote’s Nai Palm), which took Ngaiire to stages across the country in March and April, the face and voice of future soul in Australia is proud to announce her second single, ‘Around’, which will be launched with two exclusive shows in Sydney and Melbourne in June (dates below).
The new tune demonstrates Ngaiire’s formidable and diverse creative skills, as the artist explores the idea of having someone fight for you – the emotional tug of war of relationships and love – all against sharp production, captivating vocal lines, and rich musical backing. Ngaiire having worked with Japan-based collaborator and pianist Aaron Choulai and Sydney producer and bassist Tim Curnick on ‘Alone’.
It further builds Ngaiire’s growing reputation as one of Australia’s most dynamic artists, named alongside Kimbra, Lanie Lane, and The Jezabels in Triple J’s 2010 Next Crop list of emerging artists. Since then, she moved to Sydney, finished her Jazz degree at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and toured overseas and in Australia with Blue King Brown, Paul Mac, and gypsy jazz group Monsieur Camembert.
Her debut, Lamentations, was named for the the potentially tragic circumstances in which it was craft, including a car accident which left Ngaiire with spinal fractures a day before beginning recording, to its completion tinged by the death of a close relative, but displaying the determination and resilience of its creator in a genre-defying mix of folk, soul, jazz, pop, indie, hip hop and everything in-between.
First taste, ‘Dirty Hercules’ was featured in Tone Deaf’s own Mixtape, with our own scribe swooning: “Yes, yes, yes!!! It’s so great to hear neo-soul [being] written and produced here in Australia on an international level… Together these ladies (Ngaiire & Nai Palm) deliver beautifully crafted lyrics and soulful harmonies layered over mellow beats, allowing Ngaiire’s sweet vocals to soar, soothing ones soul and ears.”
Listen to new single ‘Around’ below and scope the single launch dates.
Ngaiire 2013 Tour Dates
‘Around’ Single Launch Tour
Thursday 27 June – Venue 505, Sydney NSW
Doors 6PM for cocktail hour. Show starts 8.30PM [$16 + bf]
280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, Sydney
Tickets here.
Friday 28 June – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne VIC
[$12 + bf]
18 Market Lane, CBD, Melbourne
Tickets here
