Emotional edge to singer’s latest album
Life experience, including working through a toxic relationship, has inspired some of the music to be released by a Southland singer-songwriter this month.
Jenny Mitchell wrote her latest album Wildfires in an attempt to explain her experiences. ‘‘When you’re wrapped up in that emotion, it’s hard to grasp any perspective. I really wanted to paint a picture of what that feels like.’’
Mitchell said at the end of the writing process, it had become a ‘‘coming of age’’ kind of album.
An official album launch con- cert will be held in Gore on October 18, with tickets available from TicketDirect.
Both of Mitchell’s albums Wildfires and The Old Oak were financed by crowdfunding, and 60 per cent of her new album’s funding was from her Southland supporters.
The crowdfunding was based around a pre-order for the album or booking Mitchell for shows so people were able to help her pay for the recording but they got something in return, she said.
‘‘Some people booked me for their weddings and house concerts as well.
‘‘It’s been a really cool year. It’s been great to meet all of these people and all they had to do was pay for their wedding singer a bit earlier.’’
She said that when she was looking through the crowdfunding information, she noticed a few people were students at her university. ‘‘It was so cool because as a student, I know how important that $20 is.’’
The 19-year-old has won a New Zealand Gold Guitar award, a Mataura Licensing Trust songwriting award and has been named Southland Entertainer of the Year.
Mitchell’s first album debuted at No 1 on the New Zealand country music iTunes charts and Number 2 in the independent music New Zealand charts.
The album was recorded in Sydney and Mitchell’s experiences overseas, including a trip to Ireland where her family are from, had shaped what she wanted to achieve.
‘‘The dream changes every day, but next year I want to focus on touring New Zealand. I believe there’s a market for me here.’’