Tag: Gin Wigmore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gin Wigmore Tours New Album

When I heard Gin Wigmore’s “Black Sheep” used on the promos for My Kitchen Rules earlier this year, I was reminded just how much I loved this Aussie-based Kiwi singer-songwriter.

Other than the ad it’s been a bit quiet on the Gin front, but it seems there’s been good reason for that. She’s been stateside working with acclaimed producer Butch Walker on album number two. And now she’s just about ready to unleash Gravel & Wine on the Aussie public.

Gin will treat the east coast capitals to the following intimate theatre shows next month to promote the album’s launch.

3 April 2012 – The Vanguard, Sydney
4 April 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
5 April 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne

Image source: -Fuze- @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Cardinals Join Gin Wigmore for Holy Smoke Tour

The Cardinals had so much fun recording Holy Smoke with Gin Wigmore, they’re travelling to Australia to tour with her. Neal Casal, Jon Graboff and Brad Pemberton will join Gin for shows in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane this December.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing and playing with Gin again. We had such a good time when we worked on the record… and it’s high time for round two,” Jon Groboff said.

“Gin Wigmore’s new album Holy Smoke completely rips balls, and us Cardinal types are beyond stoked that we got to play on it,” said Neal Casal. We’re also out of our minds with joy that we get come to Australia and New Zealand to be in her band and play some rock n’ roll for the fine folks there.”

You can catch Gin Wigmore and the Cardinals at the following venues.

1 December 2009 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
2 December 2009 – The Zoo, Brisbane
4 December 2009 – Gaelic, Sydney

Image used with permission from The White Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Holy Smoke" – Gin Wigmore

Kiwi expat Gin Wigmore teased us with the release of her EP Extended Play. Now with her debut album Holy Smoke, Gin shows us why she’s one of the most intriguing musicians on the local scene.

The album toes that fine and difficult musical line, remaining accessible while never sacrificing its emotional heart. Recorded in America’s famed Capitol Studios with The Cardinals, it’s no surprise that it sounds incredibly slick. But Gin’s distinctively rasping vocals ensure it never feels superficially polished.

Holy Smoke was written after an intense relationship break-down. While those emotions colour the tracks, they never become too bogged down in the drama. The first single “Oh My” shows the way Gin can defiantly deliver lyrics about being beaten in the game of love against energetic hand-clapping melodies. Gin allows herself to be vulnerable in the fragile closing tracks “Golden Ship” and “Dying Day,” but for the most part this recording is all about strength and bluesy grit.

The brassy soul sounds remind me a little of Duffy, Amy Winehouse, and other British singers of that ilk, but that’s just the start of it. There are more colours in there: blues, jazz, pop, rock, and even a little reggae in the laidback “I Do.” Holy Smoke is an excellent album from one of our brightest new stars.

Holy Smoke hits stores on September 25.

Image source: JB Hi-Fi; The White Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Gin Wigmore

Australia has a habit of adopting talented Kiwis. Think Evermore, Neil and Tim Finn, and Russell Crowe. Now there’s another name to add to the list: Gin Wigmore. I caught up with this exciting singer-songwriter ahead of the release of her debut album, Holy Smoke.

You’re from New Zealand, but you’re spending a lot of time in Australia these days. Are you starting to feel like a local?
Yeah definitely, I have a really awesome bunch of Aussie mates here which I reckon makes life feel like home pretty quickly. I’m still yet to be on first name basis with my convenience store-man, so when that happens I reckon I will be as local as it comes!

What do you miss about New Zealand when you’re here in Australia?
My family, friends and the New Zealand Crunchie bars. They are just not the same here; they go all crumbly, nowhere near as good as Kiwi-made.

You’re about to release your debut album Holy Smoke. What can you tell me about it?
It’s got a lot of spirit. Holy Smoke is a real adventure so get listening ASAP!

You worked on the album with Mike Elizondo, who’s produced so many amazing records. What did he bring to your sound?
Excitement and a real punchiness. He has got a great ear for knowing what sounds commercial yet still keeping intact the heart and soul of what makes a song intriguing and fresh.

Continue reading “Q & A with Gin Wigmore” →
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Gin Wigmore Tickets!

Gin Wigmore burst onto the scene last year with her amazing EP Extended Play. Now she’s back with the release of her debut album Holy Smoke.

The CD won’t hit stores until September 25, but you can get an early taste of the new songs on her upcoming tour. And if you’re in Sydney, you can do it for free. I’ve got five double passes to the August 27 show at Notes in Newtown to give away to Oz Music Scene readers. To win just tell me why you love Gin! Make sure you leave your e-mail address with your comment so I can be in touch if you’re a lucky winner. The first five valid entries will each win a double pass. Good luck!

If you’re not in Sydney you can catch Gin at The Toff in Melbourne on September 3, or The Troubadour in Brisbane on September 3. Tickets are on sale now through OzTix.

Image source: -Fuze- @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Holy Smoke! Gin Wigmore Readies Debut Album

Honorary Aussie Gin Wigmore is preparing to release her debut album Holy Smoke, hot on the heels of her breakout EP Extended Play.

While the EP was a local production, Gin’s spread her wings for her first long player. It was recorded in Los Angeles with a dream team including Ryan Adam’s backing band The Cardinals, producer Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem, Maroon 5), and Joe Chiccarelli (White Stripes, The Shins, Beck).

And it seems she’s impressed those heavy hitters.

“Gin Wigmore is unquestionably one of the most exciting new artists to emerge in many years,” said The Cardinals’ Neal Casal. “Her songwriting is at once diverse, intelligent, melodic, and soulful. Her voice is raw and emotional, with phrasing far beyond her years. Her debut record is a fully realized statement of intent, promising a great career ahead.”

Holy Smoke will hit record stores in Australia and the States on September 25. Local audiences will get a sneak peek of the new songs are the following shows around the country.

27 August 2009 – Notes, Sydney
2 September 2009 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
3 September 2009 – Troubadour, Brisbane
12 Sep 2009 – Coaster Festival, Gosford Showgrounds

Image used with permission from The White Agency