Artist info
Genre
Electronic, Pop
band members
Ngaiire - Lead Vox/Drum Pad | Jack Brittan - Synths/Samples
Website
Bio
Sydney future-folk/soul songstress Ngaiire (pron Ny-Ree) is flying high in 2014, having cemented her place as one of Australia’s most dynamic vocalists and unique performers. Her Australian Music Prize nominated, debut LP Lamentations (2013), showcases stunning vocals over a refined mix of down-tempo electronic glitch, soulful grooves and elegant piano work.
Ngaiire’s haunting vocal arrangement and soul-drenched lyrics on lead single Dirty Hercules are firmly juxtaposed against sharp antagonistic heckle from friend and future-soul darling, Nai Palm, of Grammy-Nominated Hiatus Kaiyote.
Written between her Sydney home and a tiny Japanese watering hole called Bar Noah on the outskirts of Tokyo, the album drew the attention of some big fans, leading to her hand selection to support Alicia Keys & John Legend at the “Day On The Green” events in December 2013.
Meanwhile, her reputation for extravagant & colourful performances saw her invited to appear as part of VIVID Live 2014 while her vocals did all the talking on Lancelot’s much-hyped rework of club classic “Ain’t Nothing Goin’ On But The Rent”
Having erected a flag in Australian soil with Lamentations, Ngaiire spread her love for the dark beauty of the melancholic further afield in 2014 with breakout performances at Glastonbury 2014 & a string of UK club shows.
With album #2 currently in the works expect to see & hear a whole lot more from Ngaiire as we head into the summer.
New music from a gifted singer and multi instrumentalist from Sydney.
Tell us about your music – how did you develop your songs?
I think I've been stirring the pot for awhile. I was throwing in all kindsa things thinking I can totally have a duck stuffed inside a chicken stuffed inside a turkey. But finally I'm understanding where my creativity wants to take me. I'm more certain of where the road is heading and less receptive to people who say you really should've been cut out by this cookie cutter. Cookie cutters are so old school anyway. I think that's owing to having grown so much with my band who are some of my closest friends and alot of whom I have known since I was a teenager. Sharing the stage with people who are just as passionate about your music doesn't happen everyday. I could just be dreaming maybe.
What can the audience expect at a live show?
Giant bird's nests, live art interpretations, naked manequins! I've been trying to keep things PG but I can comfortably say that things are guaranteed to get a bit raucous when you have backing vocalists like mine haha. I'm planning to have them caged for the next show so they don't scare the kids. The great thing though is that people go away feeling like they've actually been entertained and not just come to see a band that are just playing music so I'm stoked that we're translating that way,
Who else are you collaborating with?
I was given the liberty to chop out for to A-Love and The Tongue's upcomming albums. I don't usually chop out probably cuz people have always assumed that's what I do and it's within my nature to do the complete opposite of what people assume about you. "Oh you're black, so you can totally chop out" or "Oh you're black and you can totally play bass". I like to chop but I can totally not play bass.
What’s coming up in the future?
Presently preparing for Elana Stone's epic show at The Opera House this Friday with Bluejuice, Laura Jean and Brian Campeau. And then back in the studio to record some music that might stand worthy of an album. If I manage to finish this album this year that would totally be comparable to if I managed to wrestle a wild boar with my own two hands...and then maybe chucked it on the spit. Maybe.
Australian music?
I have great adoration for but I feel is still very apologetic. I think people are still cautious about pushing boundaries. It's like we almost need to be given permission.
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More quality material from this singer. She knows how to carry a song.
More quality material from this singer. She knows how to carry a song.
Review
This is exceptional. Love the minimalism, interspersed with subtle electro edges and that soulful soulful voice. The false end is just the cherry on top. Love.
This is exceptional. Love the minimalism, interspersed with subtle electro edges and that soulful soulful voice. The false end is just the cherry on top. Love.
Review
Ever since seeing her on Aus Idol many moons ago, I've been keeping tabs on this lady. She has a great voice and it's great to hear/see her continue to grow and make some top shelf music. Well done.
Ever since seeing her on Aus Idol many moons ago, I've been keeping tabs on this lady. She has a great voice and it's great to hear/see her continue to grow and make some top shelf music. Well done.