Kiwi star now burns brighter

Lisa Crawley kicks off an eight-week New Zealand tour with a show in "beautiful" Napier.

Kiwi musician Lisa Crawley will never forget the first time she played at Napier's Cabana.

The 29-year-old multi-instrumentalist has come a long way from her first gig in front of a very modest audience.

"I remember there was almost no crowd at all," she said.

From her humble beginnings as a nervous 19-year-old, Crawley has grown to become one of the most sought-after artists in the country.

The singer-songwriter said she was really looking forward to her return gig at the Cabana next month - the biggest to date, she hopes.

She will kick off an eight-week tour with the Napier performance, one she is especially looking forward to.

"It's just such a pleasant place to perform. The food and the scenery are beautiful."

Napier's unique architecture was also a big draw for Crawley.

"It really is a beautiful city and I just love walking around the streets looking at the buildings."

She said she was also looking forward to devouring some "delicious" Pipi Pizza.

Born in West Auckland, Crawley has spent the past three years in Melbourne, collaborating with some of the world's best up-and-coming musicians.

She has travelled the world performing in all manner of venues from Japanese bars, Chinese nightclubs, London joints, South by Southwest in Texas, Danish hotels, and recently a series of performances in Los Angeles and Canada.

Crawley has well and truly earned her reputation as one of New Zealand's most well-respected musicians.

She considers opening for John Mayer as the biggest highlight of her career so far.

"Opening for John Mayer was huge for me but really I'm just proud I have been able to sustain a career in such a cut-throat industry."

Her latest album - a five-track EP (extended play) - was produced by sought-after Australian producer Ryan Ritchie, whose work with Kiwi singer Kimbra on Cameo Lover earned him an ARIA.

Up In the Air contains four new songs penned by Crawley in the past year, documenting recent adventures in Canada, the United States and her new home, Melbourne.

It builds on the retro vibe of her 2013 album All In My Head, showcasing a singer-songwriter who has found her place in a dreamy, melodic pop world, with an edgy darkness.

The proud Kiwi girl is excited about her homecoming.

"I'm thrilled to be touring New Zealand. I'll be playing my new EP alongside favourites from my previous two albums."

She said she had received some great feedback from her new album including an overwhelmingly positive review from the notoriously negative Simon Sweetman.

While in New Zealand, Crawley will perform up to 10 gigs, go to the Fleetwood Mac concert, celebrate her mum's birthday, go to a friend's wedding, appear on Good Morning, and will try to squeeze in some relaxation.

She is, of course, no stranger to touring as a solo artist and in support of big names in music like Paul Weller, Jools Holland, Greg Johnson and of course John Mayer.

She said audiences can expect an intimate, piano-based solo show featuring her unique brand of indie, pop, soul and folk music.

"We will share some surprises, stories and maybe even some laughs.

"I'm hoping it will be an entertaining show."

The Up In the Air EP was released on October 16, while the tour kicks off on November 5.

Her music is available for purchase through iTunes or bandcamp.com.