Amiria Grenell and Band - New Zealand/Aotearoa

Amiria Grenell grew up on a horsebreeding farm in Whitecliffs, Canterbury. Her parents, Deirdre and John Grenell ran the Whitecliffs Family Music Festivals for 14 years. With three older brothers all playing music, Amiria decided she could too, so at age 10 began playing the guitar and making up her own chords. Her first performances were at Folk Festivals in the Blackboard Concerts, where she sang original songs about animals and saving the earth.

Her first professional gig, at age 14, was at The Gathering 1999/2000, where she played on the World stage to a supportive audience, before the rain set in.

Amiria then performed locally around Christchurch at Mainstreet, The Dux, the Arts Centre Market, and local festivals. She also enjoyed gigs at The Gathering 3 years running, Kaikoura Roots Festival 3 years running, Parihaka Peace Festival, Destinations, Canaan Downs, Area 9 Festival, Lyttelton Summer Festival, the Christchurch Art Gallery on Waitangi Day, The Catlins River Festival and Christchurch Libraries for NZ Music Month. The highlight of 2011 was headlining a Lazy Sunday event in the Botanic Gardens, with her band, as part of the Christchurch Summrtimes events.

Amiria toured New Zealand numerous times with singing partner and longtime friend, Jessie Moss, in their folk duo Harriet and the Matches. Their album Wandering Paths received excellent reviews and although currently sold out, the girls plan to make more this year.

Amiria's first EP, Cola Monti, was released in 2005, as well as Harriet and the Matches' first E.P., Ata Takahi. In 2006 Amiria made her first full length album, Kapowhai, which was recorded in ten days.

Amiria's inspiration for songwriting comes from growing up in a musical family, from nature, world issues, being a young parent, friends, whanau and our country, Aotearoa. Her new album, Three Feathers, was recorded at the family farm at Whitecliffs, with brother Redford on drums and Brent Thompson on bass, and also at Ian McAllister's studio. Amiria's brother, Oakley, produced the album, as well as playing guitar and mandolin. There are many other guest musicians on the album including Mara T.K, Mark Vanilau, Tamara Smith, John Grenell, Gerard Masters, Jessie Moss and Tola Newbery, to name a few. The album, dedicated to Amiria's friend, Mira, who passed away from Cancer at the age of 22, ranges from folk to reggae, country to blues. Amiria prefers not to be categorised in a particular music genre, and has a vast love of different styles. The album, which has already spurred excitement through Amiria's audiences, is due to be released Spring 2011, and a tour with her band will follow.

www.amiriagrenell.co.nz