60-second interview Bic Runga tells Billy Sloan why she can't wait to play King Tut's in Glasgow on June 10 and Edinburgh Venue the following day to launch new single Something Good, from the hit album Beautiful Collision

What were the musical origins of the songs on Beautiful Collision?

I wrote them over a three-year period while living in New York. I was pretty young and it was my first time away from home, so that helped shape the songs. Most tracks are love songs in terms of subject matter I don't stray too far from that.

What was it like to have chart success in your home country, New Zealand?

Beautiful Collision became the biggest-selling album by a local artist in our history. It was in the Top 20 for around a year and reached No.1.

Is the music scene there vibrant?

It's very diverse. We've got bands like The Datsuns, Neil Finn formerly of Crowded House and lots of great Polynesian hip-hop bands.

Neil Finn guested on the album. Is he a big influence?

Neil is a friend to most musicians at home and he's been mentor to me. He helped shape my vocals. In 1996, did a tour opening for Neil and his brother Tim, which was a great experience.

Musically do you feel cut off being thousands of miles away Down Under?

Thanks to technology you don't feel so isolated. You want to be as good as the best bands to come out of America or Britain.

Who were the first overseas act to musically turn you on?

The Smiths. loved the combination of Morrissey's lyrics and Johnny Marr's guitar. I'd never experienced that kind of sarcasm. We'd also pass tapes of Led Zeppelin around at school. Before that, I'd only listened to my mum's record collection which was The Carpenters, Gene Pitney or Shirley Bassey.

Who helped form you as a vocalist?

Karen Carpenter's bittersweet style was a big influence. I'm also a big fan of Gillian Welch and I've just caught on to Franz Ferdinand.

What was the first big gig you attended?

New Zealand is a bit off the beaten track for touring bands. There was a good live scene with local groups such as The John Paul Sartre Experience. My first big gig was Radiohead playing to 100 people in a tiny bar in Christchurch. They inspired me to become a musician.

Are you looking forward to your dates in Glasgow and Edinburgh?

Totally. It's a dream come true to be able to do my own shows in two such important UK venues. I'll play some songs on my own and others with my band, a Berlin group called The Devastations.