ERNY BELLE
with Ngaio Aida
In the summer of 2019, Erny Belle relocated from Tāmaki Makaurau to the Northland township of Maungatūroto to write and record what would eventually become her debut album, Venus Is Home, released in February 2022.
The album was largely self-recorded over a week – with recording engineer Colleen Brennan – at Aimee’s dad’s studio Shakey Studios, a reclaimed warehouse that once housed the NZR buses opposite the old Maungatūroto train station.
A blend of alt-folk/country influences, Belle’s lyrics shift steadfastly between sweet and earnest to rugged and raw. They can be painterly, satirical and dark, to open-hearted story telling. The visuals she shares welcome us into the landscape of Tāmaki Makaurau and rural northern Aotearoa.
With swagger, quiet confidence and songs to tame the ocean, it’s safe to say that Erny Belle (Ngāpuhi) things her own way.
We cannot wait for this tour de force to hit Whakatū!
Opening act: Ngaio Aida
Ngaio Aida
Ngaio Aida is a singer guitarist whose original songs pay homage to a wide range of musical influences. Her pared back renditions bring new life to old covers, which take on new stories and delicious new modes of delivery.
DEVILLE MUSIC HUB
Thu 20 Oct | Doors 8pm
Pay What You Can (PWYC)
Content warning: Drug references, strong language, reference to violence, alcoholism, child abuse