Michele Ducray may not be a household name yet but her star power is growing.
She has already performed at two of the country’s largest music festivals (Bay Dreams and Electric Avenue), been featured on Spotify and Apple Music and gained airplay on nationwide radio stations.
She has also worked with some heavyweight music producers who have worked with artists including Dua Lipa, Pink and Rita Ora.
Growing up in Durban, South Africa, Ducray was surrounded by song and dance that "ignited a flame" within her.
"I’ve always been a creative story writer . . . and loved singing.
"So it just worked out that I’d choose to be a singer-songwriter.
"I’m extremely influenced by music — it has the power to change my entire mood so it was the only path I’ve ever wanted to be on.
She moved to Wānaka at the start of the year to get away from big city life and fell in love with the area.
"I initially wanted to move to Auckland for music. But honestly, I’m doing way better here.
"I feel more musically inspired. I’m amongst nature and my head and mental health have just been so much clearer."
She also wanted to get away from the traffic and overcrowding.
"It was either Wānaka or going back to Christchurch for my family and friends.
"But I love the people and the environment here so much and am always up for a ski in winter, so it’s a no-brainer for now."
Moving to a small South Island town may seem an unusual path to music success but with so many digital platforms available to share work, and social media to connect with people, it was possible.
"Something that lit a fuse in me recently was talking to an awesome industry executive who lives in Wānaka.
"He told me it didn’t matter if you wanted to live in Wānaka, as everything is online these days anyway.
"Live where you want, keep up the fight and never give up."
Described as a "dark-pop" artist, Ducray has a string of singles to her name, and her debut EP Throne of Mine was released yesterday.
