Self-discovery and inspiration of New Zealand

Don't miss the chance to catch singer songwriter Nadia Reid on Sunday evening (May 29) when she plays live at the De La Warr Pavilion.
Nadia Reid at the De La Warr PavilionNadia Reid at the De La Warr Pavilion
Nadia Reid at the De La Warr Pavilion

With richness of voice, depth of emotion, and wisdom beyond her years, the 23-year-old New Zealander has claimed a place as one of her country’s most evocative and profound young songwriters. Her music traces the sharp mountain peaks, azure coastline, and mirrored images of the land and sky that reflect New Zealand’s vast open landscapes.

“For me, inspiration for writing happens everywhere,” said Nadia. “On buses, airplanes, walking, driving...it can be very unpredictable. My songs have a strong connection to the places they were written, from Port Chalmers, to Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland.”

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Whether nerding about with friends, stunning audiences into silence or unwinding in the tranquillity of her favourite hometown spot overlooking Port Chalmers’ harbour, Nadia has achieved a gloriously fresh and eloquent new folk sound. Mapping out tales of change and loss, whilst drawing inspiration from reading, writing, the human condition, falling in and out of love, death, and birth – it all lends to a superbly balanced album that moves surreptitiously between sparse and fragile melancholia to beautifully brutal lyricism with a philosophical maturity that bellies her years.

Boldly infusing folk with full flavour, Listen To Formation, Look For The Signs was produced by Ben Edwards, owner of Lyttelton Records in his Sitting Room studios with Nadia’s band consisting bassist Richie Pickard, guitarist Sam Taylor and percussionist Joe McCallum.

Of her upcoming tour Nadia said: “My ancestry is a mix. I have strong Scottish and Irish connections that I hope to discover when I head over to the UK. I think this will be a special time for me to discover a bit more about my heritage.” Doors open 7.30pm.