New Zealand Musician Bic Runga Releases New Album After 15-Year Gap

Bic Runga, a New Zealand musician inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame, released her album Red Sunset in February. The album marks her first full-length collection of original songs since 2005, following a 2016 release titled Close Your Eyes, which consisted of 10 covers and two original tracks.

Runga's 1997 single 'Sway' from her debut album achieved significant popularity, appearing in the television series Dawson's Creek and the film American Pie. The song has been covered multiple times, including a version by beabadoobee for triple j's Like A Version and a remix titled 'Sway My Way' by R3hab and Amy Shark, which has garnered millions of streams.

Runga described the process of creating Red Sunset as challenging, noting that it took time to develop a new sound without repeating previous work. She recorded the album in Paris, where she had previously lived around 25 years ago. During the recording, Runga relocated there with her partner Kody Nielson, a musician involved in projects such as The Mint Chicks, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Silicon, along with their children.

The family rented a house in Paris and brought recording equipment for the project. Runga stated that the city felt different this time, influenced by recent flooding, creating a more urgent atmosphere compared to her earlier experiences there. One track, 'Paris In The Rain,' features electronic elements reminiscent of late-1970s music, including influences from Giorgio Moroder.

Runga explained that the bass line was produced using a 200-year-old piano found in the apartment, rather than electronic means. She aimed to create a fun sound, diverging from a potential acoustic approach. Another song, 'Ghost In Your Bed,' incorporates a driving rhythm and melody drawing from 1960s beat music, with influences from tracks like The Rolling Stones' 'Paint It Black' and songs by The Mamas and the Papas.

Runga described the lyrics as addressing self-induced anxiety at night, rather than a literal ghost. Runga expressed relief upon completing the album, mentioning periods of doubt about her ability to produce new music again.

is set to perform in Australian capital cities this month, marking her first shows there in several years. The performances will take place in theatres, with Nielson's project Silicon providing support. Fans can expect to hear 'Sway' during the tour, alongside material from Red Sunset.