It looks like I need to move to New Zealand. I love Peter Jackson, Flight of the Conchords, and apparently their high export of female singers.
Primarily, I'm a rock and rap guy, liking mainly mid to extremes of both, and a little of the pop side from time to time. I'm basically an old curmudgeon who scoffs at the possibility that any music made after 1999 could be better than what came before it. So I turned into an old guy. At least I'm aware that it's probably just me. About 3 years ago, all of that changed.
This all started with Kimbra. She is an amazing talent from New Zealand, who gained popularity by singing with Gotye on Somebody That I Used to Know. I had been hearing about her for a few months on the Internet, with people posting videos and music online, and I was hooked. I went to Amazon to purchase a CD, and it was not available in the US.
Apparently, her record was out in New Zealand and Australia, but wasn't published in the states. So I could import a CD, which is crazy to me in the age of MP3s, or I could wait until the album would be eventually released, which would be months later. Total crap. I waited though, and it was worth it! I even tricked a few of my friends to go see her in concert with me. I think they liked it! My wife pretty much laughed in my face when I told her how excited I was.
Kimbra was the real deal. I love her Vows record, and I can't wait until the next one. Also, a Kimbra Mike Patton team up might make my head explode.
About a year later, I was watching my stories on a Monday afternoon, and the show Revenge had this weird set of Macy's commercials that were running during the program, with all of the characters getting invitations to a party, and then attending during the last break. I didn't really pay attention, but during the last break while I was in my kitchen, I heard some music that kind of took me by surprise, so I went back and started paying attention. I was into it, but at this "party" they had a band with a tiny blonde lady as the lead singer, and I was like, "Yeah, no way this is the actual band that sings this song."
After about 10 minutes of research, it turns out that Gin Wigmore was the artist performing that song, and she was the little lady from the commercial as well. Also, she's from New Zealand. WTF. I started checking out her stuff, and she had a few records under her belt, but the latest one was, drum roll please, not available in the US. Come on guys! You can't promote a singer on ABC, and have no way to buy the song she's singing! That's just bad marketing. Her songs actually ended up in a few more commercials before her record dropped. She did the Heineken campaign for Skyfall, and a Lowes commercial as well. At least she's getting paid.
As much as I was into Gin Wigmore, something happened that kind of bummed me out. She had been opening for Phillip Phillips, and while they were in Wisconsin he had to cancel the tour due to illness. The Gin Wigmore camp decided that this would be a great time to do a surprise show in Chicago, and I was elated. I rearranged my schedule, convinced my sister to come, and bought the tickets. It was at a place called Subterranean, which is a pretty cool venue. We got there early, had some drinks at the bar, and even heard Gin warming up in the concert area upstairs. This was going to rule. They let us in at around 7:30, and the show was set to start at 8. So my sister and I just hung out for a bit. There didn't seem to be too many people there, maybe 19-20. We got right up next to the stage. I was just excited to see someone in a place like that, who will probably be playing a much bigger venue the next time through. At around 8:25, a dude with a New Zealand accent comes out and tells us, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Gin Wigmore will not be performing tonight." I couldn't believe it. We had just heard them playing an hour earlier, and now it was over? So strange. We were offered some free signed CDs as an apology, and free admittance to their show in Indianapolis. It was pretty weak. Also, I was not allowed to get a refund, because her name technically never appeared on the bill.
Overall, probably the most disappointing concert experience of my life, but I'm over it. I can't wait to hear what comes from Gin Wigmore on her next endeavor, and this time I'll make sure her name is on the ticket when I purchase it. Just in case.
Last year I started to hear about this singer from New Zealand named Lorde. At this point people know what I like, and they start sending me all types of stuff about her. I resisted. I did not want to be "that guy," who's thing was Kiwi singers. In hindsight, I should have just given in, because I've been listening to Pure Heroine like crazy, just feeling like a jerk for turning my nose to it so quickly.
I hope Lorde's Grammy win doesn't hinder her as an artist, but instead opens a lot of doors that other artists might not have access to that early in their careers. Lorde to me is the wild card of these three artists. Kimbra has that crazy vocal range, and can probably do anything. Gin Wigmore has that gravely rock vibe. But Lorde? Her low tones and fairly simple style can go anywhere at this point.
No comments:
Post a Comment