07 September 2011 - 0 Comments

Amiria Grenell is the 4th and youngest of the innately musically talented Grenell tribe. At the head of the table of musical chairs sits father, New Zealand country legend John Hore Grenell & with 3 older brothers Denver (formerly of Christchurch band ‘Mountains Of Murray’), Jazz & Hip Hop/Electronic guitarist and producer Oakley a.k.a. ‘O.G’ and former Shapeshifter drummer Redford, it is fair to say that music runs in the family! With her captivating, honest & innocent charm, the beautiful young lady of the family, Amiria, more than holds her own however.

A young mother herself, Amiria decided after full time parenting for two years, she wanted to record a new album of original songs and asked brother Oakley to produce it. “Oakley had the idea to record the album at the family farm in Whitecliffs (Canterbury) where we grew up, which was a great experience” says Amiria. The family links run thick throughout the album, with brother Redford featuring on drums and guest vocals from Amiria’s partner, Tola and even 2 year old daughter Sienna.

Most of the album was recorded on the farm, which was once home to the Whitecliffs Family Music Festivals for 14 years. Family friend, Brent Thompson, contributed the bass parts and many other guest musicians feature including Mara TK, Mark Vanilau, Tamara Smith, John Grenell, Gerard Masters and Jessie Moss to name a few.

Amiria's inspiration for songwriting comes from growing up in a musical family, nature, world issues, being a young parent, friends, whanau and Aotearoa. The album title track, 'Three Feathers' and ‘Wind Blows South’ are dedicated to Amiria's friend, Mira, who passed away from cancer at the age of 22.  The album ranges stylistically from folk to reggae, country to blues.

After learning violin from a young age, Amiria was inspired by her older brothers and began playing the guitar at the age of 10, finding her own chords and performing her original songs at Folk Festival Blackboard Concerts. Her first EP, ‘Cola Monti’, was released in 2005 and the following year she made her first full length album, ‘Kapowhai’.

Amiria graduated from NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art) with a Performing Arts Degree and currently lives in Lyttelton.

Amiria’s new album 'Three Feathers' will be released in New Zealand through Central Records/Border in September.  She will be celebrating its release throughout New Zealand with her live band. Make sure to see Amiria Grenell live at:

Sep 15, The Wine Cellar, St Kevins Arcade, Karangahape, Road Auckland

Sep 16, Newtown Community Centre, Wellington

Sep 18, The Dharma Shed, Wairau Valley, Blenheim

Sep 24, The Playhouse, Mapua, near Nelson

Sep 29, Telstra Clear Club, Christchurch Arts Festival, Christchurch

Tickets available from cosmicticketing.co.nz 

Christchurch Arts Festival tickets available from dashtickets.co.nz 

After Touring her album, Amiria will be joining the cast of Fly My Pretties to play venues throughout New Zealand & Melbourne.

http://www.amiriagrenell.co.nz/

www.myspace.com/meagrenell

www.facebook.com/amiriagrenellmusic

Comments

Return to News Archive