Granting dark wishes

THE enigmatic John Grant returns to Dark Mofo from Iceland next week, bringing with him electro-ballads of love and tragedy from his fourth studio album, Love Is Magic.

Originally from Colorado in the US, Grant first found critical success as an artist with The Czars, a Denver-based rock band.

The Czars disbanded in 2004, and Grant turned his attention to his own music, releasing his debut solo album, Queens of Denmark, in 2010.

British music magazine Mojo named

it album of the year, and Grant took out the Mojo Award as Best Live Act, as well as being nominated as Best Breakthrough Act.

In 2011 Grant moved to Iceland, where he recorded his next three albums, including his latest, Love Is Magic, which was released last year.

Grant performed at Dark Mofo in 2013 after the release of his second album, Pale Green Ghosts, and told Pulse he was excited to return this year.

“I’m quite fascinated by Tasmania and Australia,” he said.

“I just wanted to be there and connect to people and see more and just go back to that beautiful part of the world.”

Grant said his set at the Odeon Theatre in Hobart next week would consist of old and new songs.

“I love connecting with the audience,’’ he said.

“I’ll just be ‘spazzing out’ on the stage and singing my heart out.”

Grant said he was currently writing for other artists, but had started work on his next album, which he hopes to release within the next two years.

He also said he would like to record a Christmas album soon, in the style of Japanese synthesiser artist, Tomita.

“I guess I feel nostalgic from my American childhood,’’ Grant said.

“I’ve always bought a lot of those Christmas albums. I like the older stuff, like Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash.”

As part of Dark Mofo, John Grant will play at the Odeon Theatre in Hobart at 10pm next Thursday (June 20). Doors open at 9.30pm. Tickets are $85, available from darkmofo.net.au or at the door (subject to capacity). — PATRICK GEE