2003 Media Interviews

Tearaway Magazine

Original content copyright 2003 to Tearaway Magazine

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Original article is at:    Tearaway Magazine

Date:                          August, 2003

By:                             Tearaway

Beautiful Collision has just broken Split Enz’ 21-year-old record (for Time and Tide) for the most weeks spent at the number one position in the charts by a New Zealand album.

What’s on the cards?

I’ve got a series of shows in Australia. And my record is coming out in Europe. I’m [also] gonna be singing on Shayne Carter’s new [Dimmer] record. I’m gonna do a session with him. He’s a good friend and I’m happy to be his lowly backing vocalist. He’s gone even more seventies-Marvin-Gaye-kind-of-sexy-MF.

Finding time to write any new stuff?

Yeah, I just took ten days off to write. I came away with the best part of six songs. I’m quite keen on starting my next record soon.

Are the new songs just you and a guitar?

Yeah, at the moment. When I take them to my band they’ll have another incarnation but I think at this stage they’re just mostly acoustic.

Do you have a favourite chord on the guitar?

Yeah, I do [laughs]. It’s F major seven. It’s in almost all my songs. It’s pretty and sad and I think that’s kind of a nice combination of emotions to have in one chord.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Missy Elliot, The Datsuns…what else? I’m always listening to David Bowie. And a record [‘Soul Journey’] by this woman called Gillian Welch.

“I’m quite keen on starting my new record soon.”

Where’s the most enjoyable place to visit when you’re in NZ?

It’s all pretty good really. Probably the West Coast of the South Island or Central Otago. To me those places really are New Zealand to me. Certainly more like New Zealand than Auckland is. Auckland sometimes feels a bit like Sydney to me… When I really want a New Zealand experience I’ll go down the line.

Where’s the best place to get a late night feed?

Probably Ken’s Yukatori on K Rd.

Do you have a favourite film?

I just saw a really old movie last night, with Robert Mitchum in it, and it’s called ‘The Night Of The Hunter’. And it’s made in 1955. It’s very dark, it’s a little bit noirish and it’s quite dreamy. But some of the scenes are so like Bjork it’s not funny. You realise you know exactly what she’s being watching – you know, lots of little rabbits and frogs.

Object you’re most fond of?

I have a modernist designed necklace which is from 1959 and it’s Swedish. It’s really unusual, it’s definitely a work of art. It’s a little bit gaudy as a piece, but someone’s really put some love into it.

Original content copyright 2003 to Tearaway Magazine