Country music stars head back to hometowns
For their first headlining tour, Mae Valley will grace the stage and bring country vibes to a Hamilton city venue.
Abby Christodoulou and Hannah Cosgrove formed popcountry duo Mae Valley on the second series of New Zealand Factor. They have now hit the road for a North Island tour, making sure to stop off in their hometowns along the way.
‘‘We’ve wanted to do it for so long,’’ Abby said. ’’ Now we’re finally here and we’re so excited to get out there and have an official tour and meet our fans and go to our hometowns.’’
Hailing from New Plymouth, Abby recognised Hannah - who is from the Waikato - due to the tight kiwi country music scene.
However, it wasn’t until being paired together on X Factor that the two hit it off. They have now released their self-titled EP, with more work in the pipeline.
Mae Valley will perform songs from the EP, including the two singles Brightside and Glitter, as well as Home, the first song the duo wrote together.
They said as ‘‘story-tellers’’, their album contains an array of different musical styles.
‘‘We like to portray positivity
Xthrough our music. That’s who we are and as country music artists we want to be authentic,’’ Hannah said. ’’Our songs are written from the heart.’’
The Hamilton show will also give fans an opportunity to get face-to-face with the pair. ‘‘Every show will be a nice, intimate kind of setting. We’ll definitely take time before and after to meet everyone,’’ Hannah said.
As for country music itself, Mae Valley thinks New Zealand may be catching up.
‘‘There definitely is a growing market for country music, I think it’s just a matter of pushing it,’’ Abby said. ‘‘One day New Zealand will realise it’s cool like America does.’’