Gin Wigmore

Album: Holy Smoke
Label: Universal Music

Getting into the Gin club

When Gin Wigmore’s late father was gifted with a deck chair and electric guitar, he could not have known then that his inability to master the instrument would result in one of his daughter’s developing the skill instead.

Underage open mic performances at age 14 were just the beginning for this talented miss, providing a fun outlet and something to talk about school, but thanks to her early accolades for songwriting, it’s been a path she’s followed, perhaps not entirely wholeheartedly at times but for Gin it’s chosen her.

“I wanted to be primary school teacher, so that was kind of interrupting my dream, so no music wasn’t always in the forefront but then it’s always been there.

“I’ll do one thing but then bang I’ll get offers from a major label saying: hey Gin as you’re doing nothing right now why don’t you sign to us, make music and here’s a really good deal, so things like that just keep getting kind of pushed on my plate and so I’ve finally had to run with it,” she says somewhat astonished by herself.

Now 23, Gin Wigmore is an accomplished singer/songwriter/player from New Zealand, living in Sydney and this down-to-earth, blonde beauty is riding the wave of success afforded her for the release of her debut album – Holy Smoke.

A force du-jour in musical circles, her first big break came at just 16 when she won the prestigious International Songwriting competition (US based) for her song Hallelullah, and with industry abuzz with her talent and what to do with it, she was signed to Australian music label Island Records. From here she’s been gigging, writing and developing as a talented performer, who remains self -taught.

She’s grown akin to finding support wherever she dares to walk, least of all with her support band – the Cardinals, of notable musical marriages prior Ryan Adams and the Cardinals fame now on board.

It was what could be described as yet another fortuitous moment for her, her A&R guy Michael Taylor’s former neighbour in Manhattan, Jon Graboff (guitarist for the Cardinals) opened the door to supporting Gin.

“Mike sort of new through the grapevine that Ryan and The Cardinals were splitting up and he said just on the sly – do you want to be Gin’s support band?”

“All of sudden I was walking into Capitol studios (LA) and the Cardinals were playing my songs – that’s f**king mental.

Gin couldn’t be more stoked with herself for the opportunity to work with the guys (who are planned to tour with her November) as this partnership means ahead of clout and credibility, top musicians are playing her tunes.

“I think they are phenomenal musicians and they will bring such life and justice to my songs, with great players playing them, which is my dream.”

The recent announcement of an upcoming tour support slot with Josh Pyke, as well as a swag of solo shows has this dynamo excited, but she remains humbled by the chance for constant learning and affirmation from those within the industry – a rarity in someone so accomplished perhaps?

“I’m very open to the people in this industry giving me a hand, she says.

“All these people I can learn so much from – so the fact their door is open for me to hear what they have to say and spend their time talking to me and teaching me is so valuable.” she continues.

Gin describes her album in her own words as a ‘pretty punchy record’ and it hasn’t been all her doing. Mike Elizondo (credited with the likes of Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple albums prior) has taken the reigns on production and introduced Gin to accept help along her path.

“Part of the record was actually co-written with a few writers from the UK and America and so that was a good experience, pairing up with a few brains kind of was a new learning curve for me on this record,” she reflects.

She remains mindful that her integrity must be maintained in her music making. “I think the thing with partnering up is that my vision has got to be strong so that it doesn’t sort of get compromised, I’m open minded to how this happens, “ she says, matter-of-factly.

For now though the lure of living in LA is propelling Gin forward and recently turned single, she’s like any girl nursing a broken heart, struggling, but she’s looking forward to being on the road and knows there’s always one guiding force egging her on.

“It feels like dad’s kind of got a big hand in making sure this is the path I stay on.”

Gin Wigmore plays the following dates in September:

The Toff in Town – Melbourne – September 2

The Troubadour – Brisbane – September 3

Coaster Festival – Gosford NSW - September 12

Her album Holy Smoke is out through Universal; visit www.getmusic.com.au for details.

Ruth Bailey

To see a clip for 'Under My Skin' from Gin Wigmore, click the play button below

Send us your feedback on this review