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Le Matin
17 September, 2003

A Big Sentimentalist

Original content copyright 2003 to Le Matin Online

Original article is at:    Le Matin Online

17 September, 2003

By KARINE VOUILLAMOZ

A Big Sentimentalalist

BIC RUNGA After having conquered her country, the beautiful one is on the point of invading Europe with "Beautiful Collision". The brilliant album of a woman full with grace. She has the elegance of an Asian princess, the features of the face as fine as a rare porcelain. At 26 years, Bic Runga already conquered her country, New Zealand, with a multi platinum album , "Drive". Today, the singer of Chinese and Maori ascendancy delivers finally the following, "Beautiful Collision". A collection of songs folk or pop  which clarify all the facets of an attractive voice, combining the purity of Joan Baez to the fragile power of Björk. A young woman who acknowledges being "sentimental, in love with a music romantic, nostalgic, influenced by the years 1940 and 1960".

You took five years to deliver this new album. Why to have waited so a long time?

I did not find what I sought. I took false starts, in particular while imagining to create an album of dance music. Until I realised  I am folk artist at heart. I tried to be what I was not.

You are an writer, composer, producing and arranger. A manner of keeping the total control of your music?

It is difficult to find a person who includes/understands you completely, with which to collaborate. That does not mean that I would not arrive there, but for the moment I prefer to keep all these caps, sometimes even if that prevents me from taking retreat on my compositions.

How were these songs written?

I wrote them during my daily daydreams, inspired to me by people, the places, the light or time.

In the title "She Left on a Monday", one finds Boh, Pearl and Sophia Runga. Is the music a business of family?

Yes, certainly. My two sisters and my mother sing with me. It is besides the best moment of the recording of the album. All three are singers who perform regularly in New Zealand.

To be a musician, it was a childhood dream?

No, I wanted to become detective. I adored the music, but I did not want to become famous.

What do you keep of your Chinese origins and Maori?

They are two cultures very deeply anchored in me. Perhaps I have this side very reserved of China and that more warlike of Maoris.

Bic Runga, "Beautiful Collision", distr. Sony

Original content copyright 2002 to Le Matin Onlie