What can we expect to see from you over the next year?
I am about to embark on my album release tour, then in October I will be performing in Fly My Pretties around NZ and Melbourne. I will play at the Kaikoura Roots Festival & at the Tuborg Summer Sunday festival as part of Fly My Pretties in January 2012. And hope to tour the South Island with my Dad (John Grenell).
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Pick up your chosen instrument, play, experiment, practise until it sounds like your style, make up chords & songs, get some lessons, and practise your craft, get out there and play gigs, keep reaching higher.
Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?
Paul Ubana Jones - I love his music, his way of playing and performing is amazing. Fat Freddy’s Drop for a good groove and Teacups to walk the hills to.
What will your next release be?
‘Three Feathers’ – album out next week!
How do you come up with your lyrics?
I imagine myself somewhere, in a situation, and paint a picture in my head, or they just come from an experience or emotion.
What can you never leave home without?
I can never leave home without my eco tank. Water is a must.
How do you describe your music?
Folk, bit of pop, music to smile or cry or dance to.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
Music Festivals! Aotearoa have amazing music festivals.
What is the best part of being a musician?
Being on stage with your band, feeling the rhythm and loving performing.
When audience members come up afterwards and tell you how a song you sang really moved them.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Forgetting my words in a song where everyone is quiet and captured by the music...aaahhhh...blush!
What is your favourite place in NZ to be?
Summer holidays at Mums, near Nelson. Sun, nature, outdoor gigs, good food and great swims.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I couldn’t not be. I looked up to my brothers and had to do what they did.
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
At the Christchurch Botanical Gardens as part of a Summer concert this year, beautiful sunny day, was great performing with the band, Dad got up and sang a song and it was my birthday. Seeing my little girl dancing around on the grass with her friends was pretty beautiful too.
How do you keep in contact with your fans?
Various websites, and email outs.
Daughter of legendary country musician John Grenell, Amiria grew up on a farm in Whitecliffs, Canterbury, where her family hosted decades of music festivals in the back paddocks. She has followed her heritage into a colourful and long-standing career as a touring artist and respected songwriter. Winner of a Tui NZ Music Award for her album Three Feathers (2011) and finalist for the same award for album Autumn (2015), her new album The Winter Light is sure to be yet another album to be embraced across Aotearoa.
Photo Credit: Naomi Haussmann & Michael Gilling