I don't really know what to say.. this is a bit more intimate than I expected - filmed and directed by Amber Beaton (amazing human, incredible maker of moving pictures) and with the help of some good friends (thank you Emma, Moses, Chelsea) in a little studio somewhere in Christchurch, New Zealand.. we made a video.. I wore a dress (mostly) and sang the song and played my guitar.. and here it is..
I've just turned forty, still not feeling like a grown up.. this is the first video in a couple of years and I know it has been a quiet wee while; but I have been working on new music and I have more to share.. soon..
thank you for being here, thank you for reading and for listening.. if you like it please share it and save it ♡
Here below is a little more about the song, and the lyrics..
xHera
This song has been one of the hardest to perform live, one of my favourites and is deeply personal. I wrote this just as the album was coming out in 2020, and it has been a work in progress for a long time.. ready, but not ready to release..
I recorded the vocals and guitar with Barði, in Iceland just before I left there in 2021, it features parts played on instruments by some of my nearest and dearest both in Iceland and New Zealand. In 2022 I went America and amazing Allan Amato took the artwork photograph in his studio in LA.
Now it's New Zealand music month - and time to finally release. click here to listen + here it is on Bandcamp - and apple music ; and the lyrics ♡
- Radio Silence -
Upping and leaving, as hard as the falling
You never expected me to.
Had to let go, 'cos it hurt me like hell
To be hanging onto you.
Could have had me any way you wanted, don’t you know.
Why is it you only want me, now that I’m ready to go?
Don’t be.. cold
You feel.. now
Won’t we… know
Can’t be love.
Radio silence, a mouthful of sky when
I want to say what I don't
Fills me with fire, can only go higher
Don’t know how we fell so low
Couldn’t ever tell me what you wanted, let me go.
Why is it you want to tell me, now that I don’t need to know?
Don’t be.. cold
You feel.. now
Won’t we… no.
Can’t be love.
Upping and leaving, as hard as the falling
You never expected me to.
Had to let go, 'cos it hurt me like hell
To be hanging onto you.
Live performance at Alex's - filmed in Christchurch; on the eve of lockdown - featuring Jed Parsons, Moses Robbins, Tom Harris, Thomas Isbister. Special thanks to Alex Harmer, Emma Cameron & Renn Cameron - as part of the youtube series.. Live At Alex's - check it out here ♡
xHera
Hera - SXSW 2022 Shows
Tuesday 3/15 - 5pm - Second play stage @ Embassy Suites - Sth Congress Ave
Wednesday 3/16 - 5pm - Second play stage @ Colton House Hotel
Friday 3/18 - 5pm - Second play stage @ Hyatt Regency Austin
Saturday 3/19 - 6pm - Second play stage @ Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown
Saturday 3/19 - 9pm - Official SXSW Showcase @ Stephen F’s Bar
Update - a few pics below from the trip.. from instagram
I'm very excited to share that we're about to hit the road and tour this February - And - I'll be joined by some of my favourite humans! - click on the poster above for details and tickets - and here below is the info.. oh and yes - SXSW!
Before heading to Austin Texas to play the prestigious SXSW music festival in 2022, Hera is touring the top half of the South Island bringing an acoustic experience to a local venue near you.
Joining the Life Lessons Tour in support of Hera is rising Kiwi star Emma Dilemma and Ōtautahi based musical artist The Moses sharing songs of love, life, learning and growing,
ABOUT EMMA DILEMMA:
Emma Dilemma is an artist from Christchurch, New Zealand.
The self-described ‘patron saint of self sabotage’ combines her penchant for viewing life through an absurdist lens with her love for melody and storytelling to create serious music that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
She spent 2021 launching her first collection of songs (6 total) as a ‘SIDE A’ of her upcoming debut album, ‘SPIT’, which will be released this May 2022.
Following this solo tour with Hera, Emma will be making her festival debut on the main stage of Christchurch’s prestigious urban festival, Electric Avenue, with her complete band.
ABOUT THE MOSES:
“The Moses” is an improvisational live looping guitarist, session musician, songwriter, and recording artist.
He has toured Australasia and abroad performing with and alongside a multitude of local, national, international, and award-winning acts.
2022 marks 20 years of involvement and dedication to music and debut commercial release.
and there's even more.. here below..
xHera
LIFE LESSONS TOUR - SOUTH ISLAND, AOTEAROA
WITH SUPPORT FROM EMMA DILEMMA & THE MOSES
Saturday 5 February Ōtoromiro Hotel GOVERNORS BAY
Wednesday 9 February Le Café PICTON
Thursday 10 February Playhouse Theatre MĀPUA
Friday 11 February Riwaka Hotel MOTUEKA
Saturday 12 February Fairfield House NELSON
Monday 14 February The Mussel Inn ONEKAKA
Wednesday 16 February Reefton Club REEFTON
Thursday 17 February Barrytown Hall BARRYTOWN
Friday 18 February Old Lodge Theatre HOKITIKA
Saturday 19 February Donovan’s Store ŌKĀRITO
Sunday 27 February *Secret Show* LINCOLN
A few pics below from the Soundsplash Festival this January
I’m just blown away by the magic that is Tami Neilson, and Jamie McPhail - the Small Hall Sessions are really quite something incredible.. Read more below x
Photos by Morgan Dysart Photography - review below - at Ambient light
Tami Neilson
12th January 2021
Meeanee Memorial Hall, Meeanee, New Zealand.
Review by Rob Harbers, photography by Andrew Caldwell.
The new year, and the (almost) concurrent move to traffic lights, have brought with them the welcome return of the Small Hall Sessions, and what better way to kick off than with the adopted Queen of New Zealand country music? For some two hours the redoubtable Tami Neilson had 150 people in the palm of her hand, with her tales, her songs, and that incredible voice!
Before Tami’s appearance, though, the entrancing Hera, all the way from Iceland via Otautahi, wove a musical spell that left many wanting more, with plaintive Scandi-tinged tales encompassing themes such as open hearts, secondhand vision, and the joy of purgative expression – all delivered in a voice of angelic purity. The perfect aural appetiser for the treats to follow. She’s scheduled to return to these parts in March for a full set, and based on tonight’s performance should attract a substantial audience.
With the crowd’s appetite having been whetted, in short order followed the star of the show. Tami gave advance warning of the possibility of excessive verbosity, this being her first time back on the boards for five months, thanks to the joys of lockdown. The warning proved to not be necessary, with attendees hanging on every word be it sung or spoken.
Not only was this her first rodeo for some time, but it also marked a first solo (i.e. without a backing ensemble) show for some ten years! As if this wasn’t enough pressure to be under, this run of sessions are providing a space in which to air a number of brand new songs, the first one of which invited audience participation. In spite of a conspicuous dearth of melanin in the room, and the effect of this on rhythmic abilities, Sgt Nielson managed to bring it home, corralling her co-opted crew through to a conclusion that left no-one unsatisfied! Surely a reflection of her many nights’ experience in such situations.
As hinted previously, there was a strong element of anecdote and reminiscence on show, and this only served to further enhance the experience, with tales ranging across a number of years and topics, a not-insignificant one involving pyjamas and a man in black – but we best leave that one there!
One of the new songs to emerge, blinking into the light, explored, in its emphasis on rhythm and meter, the common origins of country and hip-hop (not a connection often considered, it must be said) with lyrics that called to mind Talking Heads’ “The Great Curve”. A very interesting piece indeed.
Having taken on the mantle of citizenship in her adoptive country, Tami considered it a proud marker to be asked to contribute to the Waiata/Anthems project in recent times, and her contribution to that endeavour, “Roimata”, closed out the first set on a high note.
The second set opened strongly with “No Good For My Soul”, with powerful vocals giving the lie to the lyrics – may not be good for the soul, but sure as fuck inspiration for some magic from the vocal chords!
The string of new songs continued through this set, particular highlights being the duo inspired by paternal reminiscence, “I Can Forget” and “Beyond The Stars”, both equally poignant in their conveying of the sense of loss of a powerful presence. Beautifully heart-rending indeed, and increasing the anticipation for the new album due to drop later this year.
As the night started to draw to a close, Tami spoke, with a sense of weariness, of the ability to find “pockets of joy” amidst the prevailing air of foreboding, and for what seemed like an all-too-brief moment provided much joy to those gathered together.
Her pleasure at having “survived” the experience was palpable, and led in to the impromptu choice of “Queenie, Queenie” as an encore, in response to an audience request, the performance added to by the revelation that the percussive element in early versions was provided by the slapping of cheeks (facial ones, that is!) – thankfully, for the state of her complexion, a raid on her boys’ toybox provided a more enduring instrumental ensemble!
And then it was over – the Small Hall Sessions back with a bang, promising much both in the short and long terms. There are still tickets available for the later shows in this current quintet – go to smallhallsessions.co.nz to get yours!
I'm beyond honoured to be opening for Tami Neilson at 5 shows this week in Hawke's bay as part of the Small Hall Sessions - started last night and it was absolutely amazing! I'll be back up here this March with a solo tour/series..
Tami is incredible..just look and listen *I think there are a handful of tickets left..
Wednesday 12 Jan - Meeanee Community Hall
Thursday 13 Jan - Haumoana Community Hall
Friday 14 Jan - Matapiro Community Hall
Saturday 15 Jan - Takapau Community Hall
Sunday 16 Jan - Christ's Church, Pukehou
And - also - coming up! - Friday 21st Jan I'll be performing as part of the Sound Splash Festival in Hamilton..
I had the honour of playing a few songs on RNZ Live - Radio New Zealand with Jesse Mulligan a few days ago.. and premiered a new song there, joined (for the very first time..) by Tom Harris on keys (he’s amazing..)
You can listen to the interview and songs here
Also - the first official NZ show is coming up Saturday July 24th at GO LIVE festival at the Christchurch Town Hall.. I’ll be playing on the Penny Lane stage from 8:15 - 8:50pm - tickets are only $10 (crazy) and there are so many great artists performing - one to catch xx
And the shortest days..
Here in Iceland we get just over four hours of daylight per day at the moment; it just started getting lighter again yesterday but sunrise is at 11:23 and the sun sets at 3:30pm (it’s crazy.)
What a year this has been.. I just don’t have the words but I hope that, wherever you are you are, you are feeling loved ♡
Here is a little something.. a live video from the album-release-concert (which somehow just managed to go ahead.. right between social gathering bans over here) It’s filmed by Birta Rán edited by @r3dmax ☆ and features these amazing talented humans.. Kristinn Snær Agnarsson -drums, Ingi Björn Ingason -bass, Stefan Örn Gunnlaugsson -keys, and Daníel Helgason -guitar
I’m also working on something new.. recording again soon and will be playing some intimate online concerts in various timezones via Zoom… send me a message and/or you can comment here on this blogpost if you’d like to be the first to hear about this or if you’d like to make a special request ♡
In other news I’ve knitted about 10 sweaters and discovered video games in the last 12 months.. sharing some of that over on instagram every now and then :)
that’s it for now..
much love
xHera
@herasings live performance at Bæjarbíó in Iceland 2020 - listen and follow on spotify here: http://open.spotify.com/album/5cgctRKm30nloJrdiQLeEI?si=7yRxft...
This is the Icelandic album chart and I’m lost for words.. thank you for listening ♡
Here are a few photos from the album release concert July 23rd at Bæjarbíó. Pictures by Alberto Marini.
Here is a link to an album review here in Iceland by Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen at RÚV, includes an english translation below.
The beautiful process
Hera Hjartadóttir's tenth album is simply called Hera. Bardi Jóhannsson, of Bang Gang, was in charge of recording. Hera is the album of the week on Rás2. Hera Hjartadóttir attracted considerable attention in this country in the late 1990s and into the mid 20s. Her albums, Not Your Type and Don’t Play This, showed that here was a talented person on the go, where musicianship, singing voice and charm all supported each other.
Back home
Hera has mostly lived in New Zealand but has now moved back to Iceland. This album has been in production for over three years and is Hera's first solo album in over eight years and it is Barði Jóhannsson who produces.
As stated here, Hera has been extremely diligent and active in music all her life, releasing a number of records and performing concerts all around the world. The last studio album, Rattle my Bones (2011), contained eloquent songs, folky songs with moving lyrics. If it is the morning album, this is the album that belongs to the day when it starts to dusk. This is "adult". Slow-flowing work and contemplative, well thought out and powerful. The songs are subdued and take the time they need. They pass around you like a fog in thick, ambient sounds. See (and hear) e.g. "Process". There's a slight Alanis tinge to it (compliment) and Hera sings gently and humbly. Her singing voice has always been strong and clear and it helps convey her lyrics and it is easy to hear she is working through emotions.
Bardi does very well on the recording board. Knowing his career, I even expected the album to become darker, gothic and that was a possibility. But it is not. Bardi allows the pop to shine, serving the artist first and foremost. The sound is extremely good throughout, as I mentioned here in the beginning.
"Coldest Evening" rolls rhythmically and coolly, reminiscent of Charlotte Gainsbourg in a mic. In "How Does a Lie Taste” you cannot hide the anger and the disappointment and the song construction and sound firmly supports these feelings. "Cool it" is a country song, sort of. "Simple" bears it’s name well, it is clean, a memorable ballad. It really says everything about the album's air that a song titled "Let's have a Party" is filled with melancholy.
Strong (weighty)
An extremely strong album and a great "comeback" so to speak. Hera's singing is passionate throughout, the songs beautifully composed and finished and the flow extremely convincing and solid. Extremely Good!
AUG 20 THU ⟶ Hera - Tónleikar á Græna Hattinum AKUREYRI @ 9:00pm - Akureyri, Iceland - presale tickets at tix.is here ⟶ https://tix.is/is/event/10261/hera-hjartardottir/
Halló! er á leiðinni út á land að spila og með glænýja plötu sem kemur út í júlí (verð með nokkrar með mér í forsölu á vinyl og cd) - miðasala er komin inn á tix.is - https://tix.is/is/event/10221/hera-tonleikaro-/
- Fimmtudaginn 23 júlí - ÚTGÁFUTÓNLEIKAR - Bæjarbíó Hafnarfirði - ásamt hljómsveit - https://tix.is/is/event/10236/hera-utgafutonleikar/
Sjáumst ♡
xHera
HERA - Tónleikaröð
Fimmtudagur 2 júlí - ÍSAFJÖRÐUR - Húsið kl 20:00
Föstudagur 3 júlí -BÍLDUDALUR - Skrímslasetrið kl 21:00
Laugardagur 4 júlí - FLATEYRI - Vagninn - kl 21:00
Sunnudagur 5 júlí - ÞINGEYRI - Kirkjan - kl 17:00
Mánudagur 6 júlí - HÓLMAVÍK - Galdrasafnið - kl 20:00
JUL 10 FRI - Record store pop-up at 12Tónar + Album release
@5pm 12Tónar - Reykjavík
Fimmtudagur 16 júlí - DJÚPIVOGUR - Hótel Framtíð - kl 20:30
Föstudagur 17 júlí - BREIÐDALSVÍK - Beljandi Brugghús - kl 20:30
Laugardagur 18 júlí - NESKAUPSSTAÐUR - Beituskúrinn - kl 21:00
Sunnudagur 19 júlí - ÞÓRSHÖFN - Þórshafnarkirkja - kl 20:00
- Fimmtudaginn 23 júlí - ÚTGÁFUTÓNLEIKAR - Bæjarbíó Hafnarfirði - ásamt hljómsveit - https://tix.is/is/event/10236/hera-utgafutonleikar/
Filmed in beautiful New Zealand - video by Amber Beaton.
♡ Listen and follow on spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/7giD0mvYRcDrGjGhtcMKXK?si=C...
Very sad to say SXSW 2020 has also been cancelled due to Covid-19.. stay safe people xx
UPCOMING SHOWS AT SXSW
Tuesday March 17th at 12.45pm inside the Austin Convention Center - 15min pop-up
Thursday March 19th at 5:00 PM - Hilton Cannon and Belle Lobby - Second Play Stage Series
Saturday March 21st at 6:00 PM at the Hotel Van Zandt’s Second Play Stage Series
Official SXSW showcase:HERA AT 18TH OVER AUSTIN AT HILTON GARDEN INN Mar 21 2020. 1:00am — 1:50am
How does a lie taste? - SINGLE OUT - Oct 2019 - click Here to listen ♡
Process jumped up to #1 on the RUV radio charts in Iceland and I cried.. don’t know what else to say but I wanted to share this here.. it’s a thing.. it still feels unreal that this album is finally ready ♡ so much more.. soon x
Halló ♡ Nú er liðinn meira en áratugur síðan ég var síðast með tónleika fyrir vestan og mig hlakkar svo endalaust til að koma aftur og spila..
Þingeyri - Skálinn Víkingasetur - Fimmtudaginn 23 jan kl 20.00
Suðureyri - Félagsheimilið - Föstudaginn 24 jan kl 20.00
Ísafirði - Arnadal - Laugardaginn 25 jan - Tónleikar hefjast kl 21.00*
*Múrikkaveisla að hætti hússins fyrir tónleika: húsið opnar 18.30 pantanir í síma 8976760 Úlfur eða wolf@it.is
Þetta verða notalegir og persónulegir tónleikar, ég verð ein með gítarinn og spila bæði gamalt og nýtt efni - það er glæný plata á leiðinni á þessu ári, hún hefur verið í vinnslu undanfarin 3 ár.. þið megið líka endilega senda mér skilaboð með óskalögum..
miðasala er komin inn á tix.is - https://tix.is/is/event/9406/hera-tonleikar-a-vestfjor-um/
Sjáumst ♡
xHera
