Born in Gore and trained at the University of Otago, Mitchell is become increasingly well-known as an alt-country musician and storyteller, with songs wrapped in wisdom and wit.
Speaking to The Star from her Wellington home, Mitchell said she was looking forward to returning south with a full band to perform at Knox Church on Wednesday, October 19, from 7pm, as part of the Dunedin Arts Festival.
"I’m really excited to be coming back to Dunedin.
"It’s my second home, and I’m a big fan of the Dunedin Arts Festival," she said.
Mitchell has performed during a previous arts festival, as a guest artist with country artist Tami Neilson — one of her personal heroes.
"That was a very special night for me. Tami is an amazing artist," she said.
"And for me, it led to the opportunity to be part of this year’s festival — and I’m very happy about that."
Mitchell will sing and play guitar as part of a six-piece band, which will include her twin sisters Maegan and Nicola as backing vocalists, and with local great John Dodd on bass.
The shows in Dunedin and Gore are the final two performances of an album release tour for Tug of War, released in July.
"It feels right to be finishing the tour in my home town."
Mitchell is delighted to perform alongside a band, allowing the music from the album to be fully replicated live.
"It’s quite different from performing solo with a guitar, and is special to be able to bring out the full sound of my music," she said.
Recorded during the pandemic, Tug of War brings together a range of different influences and "feels like a new chapter for my music".
"Playing live is my favourite part of the whole process — the songs are real, and we can experience people’s responses to it. There’s no substitute for a live audience."
Now that Covid-19 restrictions have eased, Mitchell has recently done a tour of Australian cities and is looking forward to returning to Australia in January to perform at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
"I’m excited to be going to Tamworth again — it’s going to be a big reunion," she said.
She is also heading to the United States for the first time in February to showcase her music at the Folk Alliance conference.
"I’m going to be one of 140 people showcasing at that event, thankfully with a band, which will hopefully be the start of some North American adventures," she said.
Ticket giveaway
The Star has a double pass to give away to Jenny Mitchell’s performance on Wednesday, October 19, at Knox Church.
To enter the draw, answer the following question: What is the name of Mitchell’s new album?
Send your answer, your name and daytime phone number by email to competitions@thestar.co.nz with the words "Jenny Mitchell competition" in the subject line.
Entries close at 5pm on Monday, October 17.
