San Francisco-based Mirah is due to play a tour of the country, and the show's local promoter, Ian Henderson is pleased to be part of the team behind the tour.
"Mirah was touring Australia, and myself and Matt Crawley (Strange News promotions in Auckland) both wondered independently if we could get her to New Zealand.
"Matt contacted me and asked if I was interested in South Island shows, and so we came up with a plan to share the tour."
Henderson listened to some of Mirah's material and became an immediate fan.
He says she is a true multi-instrumentalists, and her latest album reflects that.
"As I am finding out since the tour was announced, she is one of those artists that, while not well-known, has a VERY enthusiastic set of obsessive fans (I can see why).
"Musically she is somewhere between Feist and Cat Power - beautiful vocalist, stunning lyricist and the musical arrangements on her new album are extraordinary (heavy guitar riffs, mariachi trumpets and a marching band on one track just as an example, African kalimba and hammer dulcimer on another."
Henderson is no stranger to bringing high-calibre acts to town, having had a hand in shows by Tiny Vipers, The Bats and Grant Hart. He says it was an easy decision to make the effort to get bands to come to the southern parts of New Zealand.
"I decided to get into some low-level tour promotion because I was sick of seeing people come to NZ and only play Auckland and Wellington. I only pick artists I really like and can afford the risk for.
"Because I really like their music, I'm figuring that will make any losses I suffer slightly more bearable because at least I've enjoyed the experience.
"Also, I figure the more of these artists who come here and enjoy it, the more they will tell others to make sure they visit the South Island of NZ."
A little closer in terms of time, The Julian Temple band releases its third studio album on Friday.
The band releases Balance Escapes at 12 Below with guests including Alizarin Lizard, Something Quartet and the Left or Right Soundsystem.
Julian Temple says the new album has a grungier, psychedelic sound.
SEE THEM
• The Julian Temple Band, 12 Below, Friday, October 8.
• Mirah and special guest Robert Scott play Chicks Hotel, Dunedin, on Saturday, October 30.
