Bic Runga's second album Beautiful Collision spent a year at number one in New Zealand. Feted by magazines from The Face to Mojo catch her at Colchester Arts Centre on Sunday 20th June and find out why.

Bic's new single Something Good has a summer shimmer that could see her stealing Dido's crown. We talk to the singer songwriter about her Maori, Chinese roots, meeting Bob Dylan and being a ventriloquist...

Where's your favourite place in the world?

Blackball, West Coast, New Zealand.

What inspires you?

Patterns, nice fabric, a thing well made.

What is your most memorable moment?

Meeting Bob Dylan.

What's your favourite word?

Rank

Who is your hero?

Neil Young because he is consistently himself.

When and where were you happiest?

Having plum fights as a kid with my two sisters.

What are you reading?

The History of New Zealand by Michael King.

What are you listening to?

Loretta Lynn (produced by Jack White)

What is your ultimate ambition?

To buy my mother a house.

How would you describe your music?

Singer songwriter stuff. Bitter sweet. There's a longing..

Have your roots influenced your music?

Yes, I am Maori and Chinese. They are both spiritual cultures. There's a lot to draw from.

Where do you live?

I live in Paris.

What would you be if you weren't a singer?

A ventriloquist.

Do you think the success of people like Dido, Katie Melua, Norah Jones etc. has made it easier for female artists to succeed?

Not directly. It makes it easier to compare female artists with other female artists which is not my idea of success. Gender should be arbitrary. A good songwriter is a good songwriter.