Calder comes calling

Singer visiting Napier armed with new songs, psychedelic influences

WI realised that I was in a relationship, job, and daily routine that I didn’t want to be in, because I never stuck my head up to check. I could have just read the lyrics of these songs I was writing.

ellington singer-songwriter Miles Calder is on a nationwide tour this autumn in celebration of his debut solo album Autopilot Life.

The 10 shows will see Calder and his band perform in intimate venues across Aotearoa, captivating audiences with a dynamic set ranging from floating atmospheric ballads to chomping rock ‘n’ roll, including at the Paisley Stage, Napier, on Friday, May 21.

Four years on since his folk/Americana self-titled release with former backing band The Rumours and time living overseas, Calder has emerged with a renewed sound, fresh songs, and new band.

Autopilot Life takes influence from the late 60s and 70s psychedelic era, evoking early John Lennon and late-era Beatles as much as contemporaries such as Kevin Morby and Father John Misty.

On the surface, its subject matter relates to the ending of a long-term relationship.

But Calder admits, what could’ve been just a ‘breakup album’ turned into something more universal.

“I realised that I was in a relationship, job, and daily routine that I didn’t want to be in, because I never stuck my head up to check.

“I could have just read the lyrics of these songs I was writing.”

Accompanying the release of Autopilot Life is a live music video of the title track, performed at Radio New Zealand’s Auckland studio’s last December.

The single is the anchor point for the album’s contemplative theme.

“Most of the songs on Autopilot Life relate to living an unexamined life.

“The overall float-like feel of this song is like the ignorance-is-bliss waking dream state with the vocals crying out from under it,” Calder said.

● Tickets $15 at Banishedmusic.com

Singer-songwriter Miles Calder will be performing at the Paisley Stage, Napier, on May 21.