Ladyhawke
It may seem like a bold prediction, but I am going to make it anyway. The next New Zealand singer to make it big internationally, in the footsteps of you-know-who, will be Ladyhawke.
She has talent to burn, her feet are firmly planted on the ground, her new album Wild Things is beautifully crafted and, importantly, Ladyhawke has the total support of her record company.
Ladyhawke is headed to London for the launch of the album world wide. When I spoke to her a few days ago she was feeling really upbeat about the album that was completed mid last year, in the follow up to her self-titled 2008 debut and 2012's Anxiety, both of which built on her dues-paying bands, and then her relaunch as Ladyhawke.
While musically Ladyhawke is a child of the '80s her influences go much deeper than that. Growing up in Masterton family music tastes were amazingly diverse.
Her mum a staunch Beatles fan, her Dad a '70s Floyd rock devotee, her step-dad a Glenn Miller big band guy, and her grandma was into Sinatra.
As she says her family influences, followed by growing up in the 80s, have given her a unique perspective, and combined with an open-minded attitude, have prepared her well towards creating her own sound.
Since her early days in Masterton and a desire to make her way in the world of music Ladyhawke not only paid her dues in a succession of bands, she also made a number of moves that have contributed towards the arrival of album No3.
From Masterton it was Wellington, from Wellington it was Melbourne, Melbourne then Sydney, Sydney to London, London to Los Angeles. And I forgot to mention that she's also a multi-instrumentalist, playing electric and acoustic guitars, bass, keyboards, synth and drums.
First listen to Wild Things certainly speaks of the 80s influence, but in an updated context and with a strong upbeat flow across the songs.
Ladyhawke says she didn't want any sad songs this time, reflecting on the fact that Anxiety had a dark edge. The melodies swirl and resonate, the production is clean and hot, with Ladyhawke's voice soaring, swooping and very appealing.
The first single A Love Song is instantly catchy, The River different but also memorable, and the title track is a winner.
But Wild Things is an album that's deep into great songs, which is why my prediction about Ladyhawke's upcoming success is based on solid ground.
Wild Things is released on June 3
Tour dates:
Thursday July 21 - CPSA, Christchurch
Friday July 22 - Bodega, Wellington
Saturday July 23 - Powerstation, Auckland
Tickets from Ticketek.