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Is one of your besties an nzgirl who is out there kicking some musical ass? If so, she'd be perfect for our new section, 'My Friend'.
This is where nzgirls interview their very own buddies who are rocking it when it comes to. After all, no one can get the real juice out of an interviewee better than one of their very own girlfriends! This week nzgirl Lucy chats to her friend, up and coming star Gin Wigmore. If you've got a girlfriend who you think would be perfect for this section, and who you'd love to interview drop us a line here at info@nzgirl.co.nz ___________________________________________________________________________
Let me introduce my friend, Gin. She's 22, she's a hot little blondie who cracks some awful jokes, tells great stories, loves to party and has had her share of life's challenges. She is also a talented and unique singer songwriter who is set for great things. If you haven't heard her EP Extended Play yet, (and this is a totally unbiased plug) go buy it.  Gin was 15 when she picked up her dad's electric guitar and began writing and playing music. With his encouragement she started playing weekly at the Temple Bar Open Mic Night where at 15 we were all blown away with her 'old-soul' voice and song writing skills. When Gin's dad passed away she stopped music all-together and left NZ for an exchange to Argentina. It was on her return that she was finally able to write about her dad's passing, and it was this honest and beautifully crafted song 'Hallelujah' that won her the top prize in the coveted International Song Writing Competition. Three years on after studying religion for a bit, living in Taranaki for a bit, studying music in Boston for a bit, travelling Europe for a bit, studying teaching for a bit and then finally moving to Australia, Gin has settled down into life as a professional musician. She has released her EP, begun the promotional juggernaut and finally the world is lucky enough to hear her tunes. She has always made us girls proud, but I don't think we've seen anything yet!
Since we're both now based in Sydney, I was lucky enough to put a few questions to Gin and get the goss...
For me having watched you play as a 15 year old at Temple Open Mic night - self taught on the guitar, playing before some old crazy poet, to buying a ticket to see you open for Pete Murray throughout his Aussie tour – it seems like you’ve come an incredibly long way. How would you describe this experience?
Like a roller coaster. It starts off flat and not knowing what’s in store, then builds and builds up to the really scary bit. Then bang - it’s fast, exciting and hard work to keep breathing all at the same time. And then repeats over and over.
It was an incredibly hard time after your dad died, I can only imagine – why do you think you stopped playing music?
Music for me can only be well written when all things in life line up and balance. The grieving throws all this balance into a dark place and from that, worthwhile song writing is just not there.
When did you know you wanted to be a professional musician?
After winning the competition it became apparent that having a career in music may not be completely far fetched for me. And then the more support I received, the more being a musician fitted perfectly for me to become.
Did you ever expect anyone else to hear ‘Hallelujah’?
Not when it was written. But I’m glad I shared ‘Hallelujah’ outside of my family, as it a special song that I think can help all kinds of people put in perspective how much someone can mean to them.
 Cancer has affected so many people with the loss of loved ones… With all the press and exposure ‘Hallelujah’ received after you won the ISC – how did you find the reaction to the song’s inspiration?
Unbelievable. Hearing from people that have been touched in all kinds of way by Hallelujah is the most special thing about being a musician. It is the ultimate achievement in songwriting for me. Who do you write for? People, places and things that have affected me enough to write about them. Break-ups are top writing material though.
Who do you want your music to appeal to?
Everyone! My rule for music is that there should be no rules when it comes to who listens and enjoys my music. The more the better.
Of the lyrics that you have written, what are your favourite and why?
A new song that I am writing called ‘Golden Ship’ has a wicked line in it. “If I do not ask you, imagine this, wins the war”. I am loving that at the minute.
Since you will take over the world, what would your dream gig be?
Singing ‘In the round’ with a bunch of songwriting mates at the Bluebird Café in Nashville, USA. Singing in the round is when a bunch of musicians sit in a circle and tell stories and play tunes for hours. Bluebird Café is famous for doing this and loads of people pack into this tiny place and watch and listen to all the stories unfold. It’s an unbelievable experience. You have such a beautiful, soulful tortured voice – how did you discover it, have you always loved to sing? At about 13 I discovered my voice during my obsession with David Gray and stage shows. I have always loved to sing, usually to annoy my older bro with the old favourite, “This is a song that never ends, as it goes on and on my friend…”
 What’s been the best part of the fame game so far?I have not experienced much of the fame game yet Luce, still no one stopping me on the way to get milk... I would say though, if I was in the fame game, the best part would hopefully be that there would be loads of folks at my gigs!
What are you most looking forward to?
Writing some more great songs and private jets of course.
Gin's Mate, Lucy McBride
Gin's EP Extended Play is instores now! If you're after more exclusive content and information on Gin, click here...
Check out the hot new video for Gin's song, 'Under My Skin' below!
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