Auckland-based singer songwriter Tami Neilson is no stranger to the stage after touring Canada as a young girl with the Neilson Family band, opening for the likes of Johnny Cash. She has become a talent in her own right, known for her rollicking country, blues and soul and winning a Tui Award for her past four albums.

After releasing her latest album Don't Be Afraid late last year, she is currently in Toronto before a five week tour in NZ which finishes up at WOMAD NZ in March.

Why do you do what you do? 

I grew up performing in a family band, so, I don’t really know life without music. It’s totally wrapped up in my identity (whether that’s healthy or not, it’s the truth!)

When and how did you discover your music/artistic ability? 

I was 18-months-old when I got up on stage as one of my Dad’s gigs and sang my entire repertoire, which consisted of How Much is That Doggie in the Window, Animal Crackers and the alphabet. Mom had to wave my bottle to get me to give up the mic.
 
What have been the major influences on your most recent musical release? 

Mavis was a huge influence, musically. But, this album is all my Dad. The content, the vocal influence, everything. I lost him in February last year and wrote this album to keep his music alive, as well as create a testament to what an amazing man he was, to keep him alive for my babies and for everyone to know him and remember him with me.

Where do you think any music lover has to visit at least once? 

The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. To stand in a room whose walls have reverberated with the voices of Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams…magic.

What artists at WOMAD are you most looking forward to see? 

Calexico, Ladysmith, Ester Rada…but, I’m mostly really excited to see my fellow Kiwi artists, to be honest! Julia Deans, Hollie (Tiny Ruins) and Bic…because we are all gigging and touring locally a lot, it’s rare to get the chance to see each other perform!

Do you have any upcoming tours before March 2016?

Tami Neilson & Her Hot Rockin’ Band of Rhythm will be on a five week summer tour which finishes up at WOMAD. 
 

About Tami Neilson

With a soulful voice straight from the golden age of country and rockabilly music, Tami Neilson has been described as "A red-hot honky-tonker, somewhere between Patsy Cline and Wanda Jackson with perhaps just a little bit of Peggy Lee sophistication.” (- Nick Bollinger, NZ National Radio)

Tami has performed at numerous international festivals in New Zealand, Australia and North America, headlined six national tours, opened for both Emmylou Harris at the Vector Arena and Pokey LaFarge, was chosen to pay tribute at Dave Dobbyn’s induction into the Hall of Fame in a stunning performance at the prestigious Silver Scrolls.

In May 2015 Dynamite won the Tui for the Best Country Album 2015. As well, with her own Silver Scroll for her song Walk (Back to Your Arms), Tami was also awarded the “Best Female Artist” at the National Country Music Awards and APRA’s “Best Country Song”. The release of her explosive new album Dynamite! has been receiving rave reviews, including 5 Stars in the NZ Herald, claiming “This world-class album is a major statement from an artist at the top of her lyrical and vocal game.”, while National Radio NZ states “I don’t reckon there’ll be a better country album released this year.”

* WOMAD NZ 2016 is on from March 18-20 at Brooklands Park and TSB Bowl of Brooklands in Taranaki.