Tag: Kerryn Fields

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I Remember You” – Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields

Kiwi-raised and Naarm/Melbourne-based, Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields have both impressed me with their solo efforts, so it was inevitable that I’d fall hard for their new album of duets, I Remember You. With a natural chemistry and knack for songwriting, the pair have created some of the best music you’ll hear this year.

There’s a natural connection between the artists which is so appealing to listen to. I love the way their voices complement one another, but there’s more to love than simply their sound. There’s an electricity when they make music together, a bond that’s evident as they join their talents. Listening to poetic lyrics referencing their homeland, there’s a shared understanding that helps these songs resonate. Together they take us on a musical journey, from playful romantic numbers like the opening track “Your Heart of Gold” and “Prairie Song” to haunting songs like “No Trace” and “Dead Flowers and Stale Wine.”

As you might expect from these artists, the music is richly organic. I can imagine it sounded exactly this way when the pair laid these songs down. When so much music gets overproduced, hearing music like this that’s allowed to shine just as it was created is special.

I Remember You is out now. Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields are currently playing shows together in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Here are the remaining dates.

24 May 2024 – St Peter’s Village Hall, Paekakariki
25 May 2024 – Moons, Dunedin
26 May 2024 – Little Theatre, Gore
1 June 2024 – Ohakune Carrot Carnival 2024, Ohakune
7 June 2024 – ONEONESIX, Whangarei
8 June 2024 – Te Pahu Sound Lounge, Hamilton
14 June 2024 – Mt Eden Village Centre, Auckland

Images used with permission from Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Folk Singer” – Kerryn Fields

Kiwi-born, Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Kerryn Fields has thoroughly captivated me with her new live EP The Folk Singer. This collection of songs is a powerful reminder of the value of simplicity.

In a world where music is often over-produced and over-manufactured, this EP really stands out. Kerryn presents these songs as purely as possible, typically just with her voice and an acoustic guitar. We hear a little harmonica now and again, but that’s it. No backing vocals, no ensemble of musicians, and definitely no studio wizardry. It’s so interesting that this approach is radical today, but I was so struck by the sound of the stillness in these recordings. When you strip away everything but what’s important, those crucial elements are left to shine. And shine they do. These songs are some of the most well-crafted I’ve heard in some time.

As the EP’s title suggests, this collection of songs focuses on the artist. I felt like I really got to know Kerryn through these songs. The EP starts with the title track, which establishes not just the EP’s genre but who Kerryn is as a performer. The tracks to come peel back the layers. The current single “Fork in the Road” is a heartbreaking response to a stranger questioning why she doesn’t have children. “Human Touch,” which explores the longing for human connection, also hits hard. After such deep material, Kerryn brings us back up with a more playful ditty, “I Know Nothing.” “Canadian Folk Song” has a similar upbeat feel, but its lyrics which capture a relationship lost resonate deeply. “Trains & Whistles” provides another perfect snapshot of a moment of connection. “Should I See You Again” brings the EP to a poignant close. It’s a song of love and longing, but also one of strength, of refusing to bend or break to fit into someone else’s mould.

I’ve listened to The Folk Singer several times over the last few days and every time I fall a little more in love with it. It’s an exceptional collection of songs that are honest, personal, and poetic. It’s available exclusively for fans on Kerryn’s Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Kerryn Fields

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields Team Up For “Your Heart of Gold”

After wowing me with his stellar catalogue of solo songs, Matt Joe Gow is taking on a new challenge and teaming up with Kerryn Fields. “Your Heart of Gold” is their first single as a duo, and it’s just as fabulous as fans of these artists, who’ve both won Music Victoria Awards for their solo material, might expect. I’ve always loved the interplay between starkly different male and female voices on a good duet, and that’s exactly what we get here.

Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields have already been named finalists in the New Zealand MLT songwriting awards for three more songs of their upcoming album, so it sounds like we’ve got plenty of quality material on its way. Tomorrow they’ll play the Tussock Stage: Moonlight Session in Gore before heading to Hawke’s Bay for the Small Halls Sessions from June 9 to 11, so if you’re in that part of Aotearoa/New Zealand make sure you don’t miss these gigs.

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow