Tag: Ngaiire

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“3” – Ngaiire

It’s been five years since Ngaiire delivered her outstanding sophomore album Blastoma, but she’s finally graced us with another LP, the aptly named 3. That’s a long time between releases in the music world, but perfection takes time. Her latest release is a thoughtful collection of music that’s impressed me every bit as much as the tunes that came before.

Ngaiire introduces us to her vocal chops with the lush title track. The album takes a left turn with “Shiver,” a cool soul-pop number with bounces along with an infectious rhythm. Beats give many of these tracks a fresh poppy feel. I found myself grooving along to tunes like “Takeover” and “Moonshine.” Just when you think you’ve figured the album out, she takes another left turn, stripping away the beats for the piano-driven, spoken word beauty of “Akura.” She follows it up with “Him,” a modern gospel anthem that shows another side of this talented performer.

Ngaiire is an artist who loves surprising us. I swear I heard the distinctive sound alert for train announcements layered under Ngaiire’s vocals in “Shoestring.” And why not? Her sound is complex but never confused. It can be out of the box, but delivered with such confidence that you happily go along for the ride. And it’s all anchored by that incredible voice, dripping with soul, an honest expression of her heart. So many singers these days push their vocals, as if they want to prove to us that they can sing all the notes and do all the runs. Ngaiire is a lot more understated, ensuring that it’s her message that takes centre stage rather than the notes she hits.

Ngaiire set such a high bar for herself with Blastoma, but 3 is every bit as good. If you loved the music that came before, you’re going to adore this. If you’re yet to discover how special Ngaiire is, there’s no time like the present. Unless this nasty virus gets in the way, Ngaiire will tour 3 around Australia and New Zealand later this year. Here are all the dates you need:

5 November 2021 – Altar Bar, Hobart
6 November 2021 – The Croxton, Melbourne
7 November 2021 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
12 November 2021 – City Recital Hall, Sydney
18 November 2021 – The Gov, Adelaide
19 November 2021 – The Rosemount Hotel, Perth
25 November 2021 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
26 November 2021 – Meow, Wellington
4 December 2021 – UC Hub, Canberra
13 January 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Images used with permission from Remote Control Records; main photo credit: Dan Segal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Birdz and Ngaiire Make Beautiful Music Together on “Fly”

Melbourne hip-hop act Birdz has teamed up with Sydney soul chanteuse Ngaiire for a gorgeous new single “Fly.” This is really uplifting stuff, with two of the country’s most exciting BIPOC voices, both with different styles, coming together to create something beautiful.

“As Indigenous people, we carry with us the oldest living cultures in the world,” Birdz said. “That’s something sacred that no one can ever take from us – it’s that energy that holds our heads up high no matter what the world throws at us.”

The song saw Birdz teaming up with his longtime producer and friend trials, but they knew they needed a great soul voice to really elevate the song.

“We had the hook idea in the stash for ages and I eventually came back to it to record the verses months later. Once we had a decent demo, trials and I knew we needed a soulful singer to really bring it home. I’ve always been a huge fan of Ngaiire’s and think that she’s hands down one of the best singer-songwriters in the country.”

“Fly” was one of the first tracks Birdz wrote for his new album project, which is scheduled for release later this year. If it’s all this good, it’s going to be pretty special.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Megan Washington, Matt Corby & More For Brisbane Bushfire Fundraiser

Fire Fight Australia and Down to Earth: A Fire and Climate Relief Concert may have sold out in a red hot minute, but there are still tickets available for a host of fantastic bushfire fundraisers. One of the best that I wanted to put on your radar is Raise ‘Em Up, a Brisbane show aiming to raise $100,000 for the fire relief efforts.

The bill is stacked with local talent including Megan Washington, Matt Corby, The Kite String Tangle, Asha Jefferies, Ngaiire, and The Riot. These artists will donate their time to the event, ensuring 100% of all ticket, bar, and merch takings can be divided between Red Cross and WIRES.

“Both WIRES and the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal are hugely worthy causes and we hope that throwing this Raise ‘Em Up show provides people another way to support their critical work,” explained The Tivoli’s co-owner and creative director, Dave Sleswick.

“In return, we promise a jam-packed evening of live music which will kick off from 5pm with food trucks, a car park party and a great community raffle also taking place.”

Raise ‘Em Up hits The Tivoli on January 25. Tickets are all general admission and ranging from $50 to $200, so you can donate as much or as little as your budget allows and still see the show. Get yours from Ticketmaster while you can!

Image used with permission from Aruga

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby, Peking Duk Headline Maroochy Music and Visual Arts Festival

The highlight of the Sunshine Coast’s cultural calendar, the Maroochy Music and Visual Arts Festival, is fast approaching. Now in its second year, the event has attracted an impressive line-up, with Matt Corby, Peking Duk, Allday, George Maple, Ngaiire, Boo Seeka, Vera Blue, and heaps more all set to entertain crowds.

In addition, an array of local visual artists will create works on the day. The latest work in Amanda Parer’s acclaimed “Fantastic Planet” series will also make its debut before travelling all around the globe.

The Maroochy Music and Visual Arts Festival hits the old Horton Park Golf Course on Saturday September 10. Tickets are on sale now from the festival’s website.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Blastoma” – Ngaiire

With her sophomore album Blastoma, Ngaiire confirms that she’s one of the most exciting female voices in Australian music.

She has a knack of adding gravity to a fairly simple lyric, like in the opening track “Anchor.” In less capable hands the next number “Once” could be a cruisy love song, but I feel the yearning that elevates it. Co-producer Jack Grace’s vocal cameo in “Cruel” works a treat, with their very different voices playing off against one another beautifully. The dynamic rhythms and biblical undertones make “House on a Rock” a real standout. I must confess that the next handful of tracks didn’t grab me quite as much, but I was back on board for “Many Things,” which had me grooving in my seat. And I think anyone who isn’t moved by the gospel grandeur of “Fall Into My Arms” probably needs to check for a pulse.

Blastoma is like nothing I listen to, with an unusual blend of overdubs and effects anchored by more organic sounds. I might not have warmed to every track, but there’s so much soul in what she does. I’m talking real soul. Not the lightweight soul music with a pop bent that dominates the charts. I mean true, raw, sometimes gut-wrenchingly gritty soul music from the very depths of her being. And that is a very compelling thing indeed.

Blastoma is in stores now. Ngaiire is currently touring the album around the country. You can still catch her at the following shows.

24 June 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
25 June 2016 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
2 July 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane
8 July 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 July 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 September 2016 – Catani Gardens, St Kilda
1 October 2016 – Centennial Park, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ngaiire Launches New Single “Once”

I’m a bit torn about “Once,” the latest single from Ngaiire. I really love the song. I think it could be the best thing Ngaiire’s ever released. I feel it, which is honestly the highest compliment I can give a song. The lyrics are so relatable (thanks to cowriters Megan Washington and Paul Mac) and Ngaiire’s voice is like honey.

So why am I feeling torn? I’m just not feeling the instrumentation. I’m no producer, but I honestly feel the song would have more impact without the beats. Something simpler and purer would have worked in so much more harmony with the core of this song. I honestly find all the electronic stuff a bit distracting.

“Once” isn’t perfect, but there’s an awful lot to like about it. If you like it, make sure you get along to the single launches. Ngaiire will play Melbourne’s Show Electric on July 31 and Sydney’s Newtown Social Club on August 6.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

See Ya 2014!

So here it is, my last post for 2014. Time for me to grab a glass of champers and get the party started away from my computer. But I felt it was fitting to leave you with a little something. So in case you missed it when it was on Triple J recently, here is the final Like a Version for the year, Bluejuice and a host of special guests (including Ngaiire, Elana Stone, the guys from The Griswolds, and Andy Bull) covering “End of the Road.” It’s amazing. Farewell 2014 and bring on 2015!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ngaiire Tours Lamentations Album

If you felt short-changed that Ngaiire launched her most recent single “Around” in just two cities, then you’re in luck. The up-and-coming soul goddess has announced a much more extensive tour to celebrate the July release of her debut album Lamentations.

Ngaiire’s fast earning a reputation as a must-see live act, with her stunning costuming and evocative delivery acting as the perfect foil to her soulful tunes.

She won’t be playing such intimate venues for ever, so make sure you see her there while you can.

12 September 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
14 September 2013 – Republic Bar, Hobart
19 September 2013 – Transit Bar, Canberra
20 September 2013 – Baha Tacos, Rye
21 September 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
27 September 2013 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
28 September 2013 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
3 October 2013 – Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre, Brisbane
4 October 2013 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
5 October 2013 – The Northern Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
12 October 2013 – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ngaiire Guests on The Strides’ Single

Sydney urban act The Strides have joined forces with up and coming soul superstar Ngaiire for their brand new single “One for One”.

The track showcases how easily this band blends classic reggae with contemporary hip hop. I love the way the big brassy horns and infectious base line marry with Ngaiire’s honey-rich voice.

“One for One” gives us our first taste of The Strides’ third album, which is scheduled to hit stores early next year. Fans can get a taste of what’s to come when the band launches the single at the following shows.

29 August 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (FREE)
30 August 2013 – SolBar, Maroochydore
31 August 2013 – Mandala Arts Café, Gold Coast
1 September 2013 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
3 September 2013 – The Platinum Lounge @ Lismore Workers Club, Lismore (FREE)
8 September 2013 – Barrenjoey Music Room @ Barrenjoey High School, Avalon
11 September 2013 – The Ellington, Perth
12 September 2013 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
13 September 2013 – Ya Ya’s, Perth
14 September 2013 – Prince Of Wales Hotel, Bunbury (FREE)
15 September 2013 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough
26 September 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
27 September 2013 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
28 September 2013 – Murrah Hall, Bermagui
29 September 2013 – Honky Tonks, Canberra
5 October 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
25 – 27 October 2013 – Island Vibe Festival, Stradbroke Island

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ngaiire Shows a New Side with “Around”


If you thought you knew Ngaiire, think again. She’s followed up her fierce debut single “Dirty Hercules” with something much more subdued. The new single’s called “Around”, and it’s a gentle, almost hypnotic affair. It seduces you and creeps under your skin before you’ve even realised it.

It’s a gorgeous song which explores the idea of the push and pull that occurs in so many relationships. It’s not the most glowing endorsement of love, but like so many tracks that delve into the darker side of human emotion it’s incredibly powerful.

Ngaiire will launch “Around” at Sydney’s Venue 505 on June 27 and Melbourne’s Ding Dong Lounge on June 28 ahead of the release of her highly anticipated debut album Lamentations on July 12.

Image used with permission from Heapsflash