Cityscape City Edit Issue 08

CITYSCAPE | C hr ISTC hur C h C ur ATE d

From brand new country artist Steffany Beck to the OGs of Shapeshifter celebrating 25 years, there's plenty happening in Ōtautahi to warm up a chill evening. Good food and other delights too. Let Cityscape be your guide to the best of it all.

This season in Christchurch

Steffany Beck found her real voice has a

Inspo from the master Troy Kingi pays tribute to a songwriting hero, Bill Withers.

ive Favou R ites

People, lock up your spiders. Chopper's coming. he says he's not here for the spiders but can you trust a man with such a bad moustache?

The RNZB brings a triple treat of premieres to the Isaac Theatre

Royal in August with Solace: dance to feed your soul.

The only thing worse than tears in your beer is tears on your sex toys.

Just ask Vanessa Larry Mitchell.

Folk artist Amiria Grenell writes songs about the little things that are really the big things in life.

We pick some brunch-alicious options for that not-quitebreakfast, not-quite-lunch time of the day.

On the cOver

Christchurch country singer Steffany Beck is going  places, with an EP release and national tour coming  up. She plays Christchurch in July.

Image: Stephanie Cartwright.

1 Lukeke x Karen Walker Bubble Bud Vase (RRP $149) from Karen Walker 2 Woolfi Suffolk Slipper (RRP $149) from Collective 3 Poltrona Frau Backgammon (POA) from Studio Italia 4 Soft Touch Check Scarf (RRP $49.99) from Collective 5 Peggy Sue Gwen Pink Beauty Oil (RRP $49.90) from Flo & Frankie 6 Kenita-Lee Umbrella (RRP $149) from Blunt 7 Parachilna Anwar

8 Baobab Candle – Mexico (RRP from $255) from Corso Merivale 9 Andrew Martin – Interior Design Review (RRP $150) from Corso Merivale 10 Merry People x Karen Walker Tully Boot (RRP $200) from Karen Walker 11 Paola Lenti Frame On Sofa (POA) from ECC 12 After Dinner Trivia (RRP $45) from Industria

Newsfeed

Bringing change

how many bands do you know do live drum and bass? Not many. If any. Except for Shapeshifter, the Christchurch band that launched its own genre in 1999 with a string of gigs that those lucky enough to see still rave about.

Now, 25 years later, the boys are taking a moment to celebrate everything that has happened since – Glastonbury, platinum records, a worldwide army of fans – with a nationwide tour in June and a reissue of their whole catalogue on vinyl.

In Christchurch, the band will return to the Town Hall, venue for

one of their legendary gigs, a performance in 2006 with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra that was released the following year as Shapeshifter Live

After 25 years of gigs, there must be some favourites. We asked Sam, Nick and P Digsss to look back over the years and come up with their picks.

sam trevethick The best show for me was coming second in the RDU band competition at the Dux De Lux in 1999. That was the moment we all realised we had something truly special. It was probably our third ever show. We went to my flat after that show and looked at each

other and said ‘holy shit!’. It was on. P digsss I’ve got two. My favourite home gig was at the Opera House in Wellington with the Wellington Symphonia. My favourite overseas gig was the Exit Festival in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Nick robinson My favourite gig would have to be Glastonbury, sharing the bill with so many legends. We played twice; one was headlining the electronic stage. Such a massive thing to be part of. It was a weekend the band will never forget.

Now it’s your turn – what’s your favourite Shapeshifter gig? shapeshifter.co.nz

Ballet triPle treat

The Royal New Zealand Ballet brings a triple treat of premieres to the Isaac Theatre Royal in August with its latest production, Solace: dance to feed your soul, featuring works by Wayne McGregor, Sarah Foster-Sproull and Alice Topp. Staging a New Zealand premiere of McGregor’s Infra is an artistic coup for the RNZB. The work, for an ensemble of 12 dancers, was created for London’s Royal Ballet in 2008. RNZB Choreographer-in-Residence Sarah Foster-Sproull returns with her fifth work for the company, a collab that revels in just what a dancer’s body can do. And RNZB alumna Alice Topp premieres High Tide, a dance inspired by the music of Australian composer Graeme Koehne. rnzb.org.nz

brookLyN gets the woof True story – we bought one of these for Olive the dog but it was taken over by Koromiko the cat so we had to get another one. And with a new puppy in the house, we now have three. There’s no going back once your precious pet gets to kip in one of these! Perfect for throwing on the floor wherever you and your fur baby land today –anywhere will feel like home if they can curl up in their Brooklyn pet bed. thebrooklyn.co.nz

La Lego vIta!

Yeah sure, mindfulness, active relaxing, blah blah – the real reason Lego is taking off with the grown-ups is it’s fun! And with such styley options as this Vespa 125, you’ll happily ditch the screen in favour of, in this case, 1100 Lego pieces. The detail is remarkable – right down to the kickstart. So much more than blocks. lego.com

Layer me

herr IN gbo N e

A mid-length jacket is a  must for the modern  male. Comfortable and  versatile, it really comes  into its own with the  shifting seasons. Dress it  up for work or down for  after. This example from  Working Style, the  Danny Herringbone

Overcoat, captures the  vibe with its clean lines

and tailored silhouette.

Add it to your wardrobe  and feel the heat.

workingstyle.co.nz

gets a touCh-uP

Even the best can be made better – the oasis of calm that is Untouched World’s flagship store in Christchurch has had a makeover. The designers have used clay tones, soft woods and local stones to refresh the interior and enhance that feeling of sanctuary. Pop in for a coffee and a browse and check out the changes. untouchedworld.com

ruNNINg wIth the PaCk

Suffering from the loneliness of the long-distance runner as you train for your next big event? You need a club! Frontrunner Colombo’s owner, Oska Baynes, had a dream to encourage runners and walkers of all abilities, and to increase participation in local events. Run Club is the result. Everyone is welcome and no runner is left behind. Run Club meets every Tuesday at Frontrunner Colombo. frontrunnercolombo.co.nz

Asics   EvoRide SPEED   Womens

greeNINg your baLCoNy

Just because you have downsized from suburbia to a central-city pad, that’s no reason to give up on the gardening. The good folk at the Canterbury Horticultural Society are running monthly sessions for novices through to seasoned green thumbs on setting up a balcony garden. Their advice – start with planting low-growing and climbing bean varieties, which you can then underplant with lettuce, pak choy and spinach. Next, introduce small, continuously yielding leafy crops that thrive during autumn and winter, and some aromatic herbs. chsgardens.co.nz

uNtouChed

Caroline Black

SEaSoN of SimplE plEaSurES

Caroline black, co-founder and director of Christchurch wellbeing practice grow daily, has some tips for making the most of winter’s quiet moments.

as we transition from the warmth of summer to the milder embrace of autumn, our city undergoes a subtle yet profound change. This shift prompts reflection on how these seasonal fluctuations impact our overall wellbeing, linking nature's rhythm to our daily lives.

While autumn and winter pose challenges such as reduced daylight hours and limited outdoor activity, they also foster opportunities for introspection and self-care, prompting a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

At Grow Daily we are all about “intentional daily habits” or microsteps. These can serve as powerful tools to support your wellbeing during these colder months. By integrating small, deliberate actions into your daily routines, you can effectively navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by autumn and winter.

Based on the Grow Daily Pillars of Wellbeing, here are some 30 – 60 second microsteps to promote positive coping in the months ahead. growdaily.co.nz

01

aCtIoN

set daily goals: Begin your day by setting realistic goals, breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This empowers you to take action towards your objectives, fostering a sense of accomplishment and progress.

atteNtIoN

02

03

morning mindfulness: Upon waking, practise mindfulness for a few minutes. Focus on your breath, sensations in your body, and the environment around you. Cultivating attention and presence helps centre your mind and enhance focus for the day ahead.

refLeCtIoN

gratitude Journalling: Reflect on your day in the evening by journalling three things you're grateful for. Take a moment to appreciate the positives in your life, nurturing a sense of contentment and wellbeing through self-reflection.

CoNNeCtIoN

04

05

(relational engagement) — Connect with loved ones: Reach out to a friend or family member for meaningful conversation and connection. Share experiences, thoughts and emotions, and offer support to one another. Building strong relationships buffers us from stress and promotes emotional wellbeing.

motIvatIoN

(self-determination — autonomy, competence, relatedness): Spend time visualising yourself achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life. Envision the steps needed to reach your aspirations, leveraging your intrinsic motivation for autonomy, competence and relatedness to fuel your journey towards success.

What's on

sIx60

bILL wIthers soCIaL CLub

musIC Vocalists Dallas Tamaira, Rio Hemopo, Troy Kingi & L.A Mitchell team up to celebrate the soul legend’s songbook. Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 10 May.

amIrIa greNeLL

musIC Folk artist Amiria Grenell performs in support of her new album, The Winter Light. Space Academy, Fri 10 May.

the guILty femINIst

Comedy Deborah Frances-White brings her much acclaimed podcast to Christchurch. Aurora Centre, Sat 11 May.

boy & bear

musIC The Australian band celebrates the 10th anniversary of their album Harlequin Dream, performing the full album live. Christchurch Town Hall, Sat 11 May.

musIC Shout your mum a ticket for Mother’s Day to this vineyard gig by the perennial people’s choice favourite Kiwi band. Waipara Winehouse, Sun 12 May.

eurobreakfast 2024

eveNt Breakfast, bubbles and the Eurovision Song Contest final –what a way to start the day. Little Andromeda, Sun 12 May.

1999 the uLtImate

PrINCe exPerIeNCe

musIC Paying tribute to the Prince is South African performer Dale Ray, backed by an eight-piece band. Isaac Theatre Royal, Tue 14 May.

the best exotIC

marIgoLd hoteL

theatre The smash-hit UK stage adaptation of the blockbuster movie about a group of British retirees embarking on a new life. James Hay Theatre, Wed 15 –Sun 19 May.

mr aNd mrs maCbeth of heathCote vaLLey road

theatre Mark Hadlow and Lara Macgregor are the titular Mr and Mrs in this mix of farce, comedy and conflict set backstage on opening night of a production of the Scottish play. The Court Theatre, Sat 18 May – Sat 22 Jun.

Peter hook aNd the LIght

musIC New Order and Joy Division bassist Peter Hook continues the legacy with his band The Light, playing an evening of hits from both legendary bands. Isaac Theatre Royal, Sun 19 May.

rNZb swaN Lake

baLLet This production of the classic ballet honours the legacy of Christchurch’s own star dancer and choreographer, Russell Kerr. Isaac Theatre Royal, Thu 23 – Sun 26 May.

dawN freNCh

Is a huge twat

Comedy The inimitable Dawn French has a new stand-up show all about the many times she embarrasses herself and others. Christchurch Town Hall, Fri 24 — Sun 26 May.

mayhem

musIC Featuring the largest audio and visual installation yet and an international lineup including Camo & Krooked. Wolfbrook Arena, Sat 1 Jun.

teardroPs oN my dILdo

Comedy Vanessa Larry Mitchell traverses the trials and tribulations of modern womanhood in a show both hilarious and cringing. Isaac Theatre Royal, Thu 6 Jun.

freNCh fILm festIvaL

festIvaL This annual celebration of French cinema and culture returns with a fresh crop of drama, comedy and joie de vivre. Various venues, Thu 6 – Wed 26 Jun.

drax P r Oject

heath fraNkLIN’s

ChoPPer – Not here to f Ck sPIders

Comedy More big laughs from the most wanted comedian in Aotearoa.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 7 Jun.

devILskIN

musIC Aotearoa’s hardest working metal band marks its 10th anniversary. Special guests: Tadpole feat. Emma Dilemma, Skinny Hobos. Christchurch Town Hall, Sat 8 Jun.

graNd kyIv

baLLet of ukraINe

baLLet Back by popular demand, the company performs the Ukrainian showpiece Forest Song and Spanish ballet Don Quixote.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Sat 8 Jun.

sIoNe tuívaILaLa moNū aNd edIth amItuaNaI: toLoa taLes

exhIbItIoN This video works traces migratory threads across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa as the artists return to their ancestral homeland.

Christchurch Art Gallery, Sat 8 Jun – Sun 13 Oct.

baLLroom bLItZ

daNCe A fusion of ballroom dance and cutting-edge choreography from Aric Yegudkin. James Hay Theatre, Mon 10 Jun.

shaPeshIfter

musIC Marking 25 years of making music, the masters of live d’n’b will celebrate with Ladi6 and Sunshine Soundsystem. Christchurch Town Hall, Fri 14 Jun.

meL ParsoNs

musIC Touring her new album Sabotage, the Lyttelton-based artist begins in Christchurch. The Piano, Fri 14 Jun.

NZso: refLeCtIoNs

musIC An evening of music for string quartet, from Schubert and Beethoven to the modern day.

James Hay Theatre, Fri 14 Jun.

guy moNtgomery

Comedy ‘50,000,000 Guy Fans Can’t Be Wrong’ is the name of the Kiwi comedian’s latest tour.

Christchurch Town Hall, Sat 15 Jun.

doC edge festIvaL

festIvaL Christchurch is the hub this year for all things documentary, with the Doc Edge Festival launching here before heading around the country. Various venues, Wed 19 – Sun 30 Jun.

wINter soLstICe matarIkI

NIght LIght bIke rIde

eveNt Join the 13th annual Night Light Ride to celebrate the Winter Solstice and Matariki. Mickle Gates, Hagley Park North, Fri 21 Jun.

ChrIs Parker

Comedy The People's Princess of Aotearoa reckons he has reached peak social media. Christchurch Town Hall, Sat 22 Jun.

Jerry seINfeLd

Comedy The stand-up legend comes to Christchurch for the first time and brings his new show with him. Wolfbrook Arena, Wed 26 Jun.

Le Comte ory

oPera Rossini’s risque comic opera comes to town, with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Opera Chorus. Isaac Theatre Royal, Thu 27 – Sat 29 Jun.

drax ProJeCt

musIC The Kiwi hitmakers are touring their blend of pop, funk and electronica to celebrate the release of their latest album, Upside. James Hay Theatre, Sat 29 Jun.

matarIkI IN the ZoNe

eveNt Richmond Community Garden, Avebury House and Avon-Ōtākaro Network host an event highlighting the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. Richmond Community Garden, Sat 29 Jun.

teddy swIms

musIC The Atlanta singer-songwriter performs as part of his I've Tried Everything But Therapy Tour

Christchurch Town Hall, Thu 4 Jul.

somethINg rotteN!

theatre Summer’s smash-hit production returns for another round of puns and parodies on a Shakespearean theme. The Court Theatre, Thu 4 – Sun 21 Jul.

L.a.b w/ tIkI taaNe & CorreLLa

musIC The band’s only South Island gig debuting their new album, L.A.B VI. Christchurch Town Hall, Sat 6 Jul.

Nurse georgIe CarroLL

Comedy Georgie performs her hit show Sista Flo 2.0 after a sell-out season at the Edinburgh Fringe and a sell-out Australian and UK tour. Isaac Theatre Royal, Sat 13 Jul.

JImmy barNes: heLL of a tIme

musIC The Aussie belter brings a stripped-back night of songs and stories to Christchurch. Isaac Theatre Royal, Sat 27 Jul.

NZso: eIN heLdeNLebeN musIC Conductor Stéphane Denève and mezzo-soprano Virginie Verrez feature in a programme of heroes and heroines. Christchurch Town Hall, Sat 27 Jul.

ed byrNe: tragedy PLus tIme

Comedy The Irish funnyman's latest show tests the idea that even the most awful events become funny over time. Isaac Theatre Royal, Wed 31 Jul.

Culture

return of the ’tache

From his felt-pen tattoos to his fake moustache, Heath Franklin is the imperfect embodiment of notorious Aussie crim Chopper Read. Yeah, crap impersonator but bloody funny! Anyway, we are told all spiders will be off limits when Heath brings Chopper out of a three-year hiatus and onstage at the Isaac Theatre Royal on June 7. Apart from that, who knows? Only thing guaranteed is shed-loads of laughs and lots of inappropriate stuff. But not involving spiders. Because he’s not here for that. facebook.com/HeathFranklinChopper/

From 27 – 29 June, NZ Opera makes its only appearance in Christchurch for 2024, performing Le Comte Ory at Isaac Theatre Royal, with support from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand Opera Chorus. nzopera.com

Audience with dAvid wAlliAms

Comedy doesn’t get much more ridiculous than it does with David Walliams, infamous for his Little Britain days with Matt Lucas. Be ready for David to share anecdotes, explore beloved characters and lift the curtain on his career.

somethINg wICkedLy fuNNy

After its smash-hit season of Something Rotten, The Court Theatre returns to the world of The Bard with its next production, Mr and Mrs Macbeth of Heathcote Valley Road. Mark Hadlow and Lara Macgregor are the titular Mr and Mrs in this mix of farce, comedy and conflict set on opening night of a production of the Scottish play. The Court Theatre, Sat 18 May — Sat 22 June, courttheatre.org.nz

homes aNd CastLes

Christchurch Art Gallery’s From Here on the Ground, opening May 18, features Doris Lusk’s City Gasworks, Christchurch 1958, which captures a time when coal was king and its structures resembled cathedrals. The exhibition surveys 20th-century NZ works that explore urban, suburban and industrial landscapes. christchurchartgallery.org.nz

d O n't mi SS

An

le comte ory

sublime operA & fAb comedy

snigger sisters Fans of comedy with a feminist edge have a triple treat coming. First, Deborah Frances-White brings her much acclaimed podcast show The Guilty Feminist to town, followed by Dawn French with a new stand-up show and finally, Vanessa Larry Mitchell will perform her show Teardrops on My Dildo. The title says it all – demure she is not so be warned if you are easily offended. For the rest, enjoy!

it’s the little things

amiria grenell has a new album out and a tour to match.  she tells us about being back in Christchurch, her new songs, and   what her legendary dad, John hore grenell, would think of them.

what would you like to tell us about your new album? It’s been a long time between releasing albums so I’m super excited to finally be sharing these new songs with the world! I was fortunate to work with Ryan Fisherman, who co-produced, engineered and performed on the album, and we called in many more wonderful Christchurch musicians to add keys, different guitar tracks, drums and vocals to the mix. We started recording ‘The Winter Light’ 3½ years ago and took our time. It feels good to release it as we head into the cooler months of winter, as my wish is that these songs carry the listener into their own winter tale.

Is it an evolution of the sound we heard on autumn or a departure?

I think it's a bit of a departure. I feel like my songwriting has shifted since moving back to Christchurch from Wellington, and that I’ve discovered more of my authentic sound. It’s been fun to work with different tempos, soundscapes and other musicians on the album too.

you dip in and out of genres here – is that a sign of your growing confidence as an artist? I’ve always liked many different styles of music, and each album I’ve

made has reflected this. Growing up with three older musician brothers, I was exposed to a large catalogue of different artists and albums. I definitely think they had an impact on my love of music and inspired my songwriting.

would you agree that your songs are about the little things that are really the big things? For sure! Sometimes I write about my own story, sometimes I write about my friends' stories, and sometimes I completely make up a tale, storyline and characters and see what lands on the page.

Produced by ryan fisherman at the hut here in Ōtautahi – how was that experience? Working with Ryan has been brilliant. He understood the direction I was wanting to go down with each song and patiently gave me time to mull on each track once we had finished recording. He’s also answered about 5 million questions of mine over the last few years when I’ve found myself overwhelmed with the technical side of things!

Place and landscape are other elements in your songs – do you have a favourite place? Banks Peninsula is one of my most

favourite places to go to, perform, stay and write. I’m lucky to know quite a few different people living in the different bays over there, so I head over there often.

what would your dad have to say about the new album? I think Dad would have loved the album. He was always very supportive of us kids with our music and proud that we became songwriters. There are definitely some country elements to some of the songs, which I think he would have loved to hear too.

are you looking forward to the tour? I am now! It was a tricky tour to book – there are many behind-the-scenes hours of work that go into booking a tour and it took a while to come together. So now that it’s sorted, I can’t wait to get out on the road and share these new songs with our audiences. I’m also stoked that the last show of the tour is in our hometown Christchurch, with the full band. It’s going to be a pretty special way to finish this release.

does the whole family come along? I’ll just be touring with Ryan Fisherman and Amy Grace for the tour, finishing with the full band in Christchurch. My daughter, Sienna

‘Since moving back to Christchurch

from

Wellington ... I’ve discovered more of my authentic sound.’

Kahurangi, will be getting up on stage at our Christchurch release show, which will be awesome. She sings harmonies on one of the tracks on the album, so it will be special to have her perform at the hometown concert.

any emerging kiwi artists you think we should know more about? Hannah Everingham (who has also just released her new album), Amber Carly Williams, CAITLIN and Agnes Aleesy – all Christchurch musicians!

what’s your go-to place in Christchurch? Taylors Mistake. We often take our dogs there to walk up the different hill tracks and finish with a swim in the sea. It helps shift my perspective every time. Looking out over the hills and to the ocean, being able to see and experience every type of weather that gets thrown our way. It is a great way to start the day!

amiriagrenell.com

unTRY COmeS TO TOwn

From singing pop to stomping her boots alongside Kaylee Bell, Steffany Beck’s musical journey finally clicked when she found her real voice had a country twang. now she’s bringing the country to town.

o, steffany, you’re heading out on your own national tour – how cool is that? It is so unbelievably cool. I've got the best band and I'm going on tour with my bestie, Miranda Easten, who is so incredible. I can't wait to hit the road and play around the North and South Island.

how was it looking out on that crowd at the wine and food festival? There’s nothing quite like it, looking out into the faces of those watching you, singing along with you and who want to escape in the music with you. It’s such a cool connection and I absolutely love performing live to create that moment of connection. And it was so amazing to see the audience at the Wine and Food Festival really get into the country music. We had such a great time and that’s one of my favourite performing experiences to date.

kaylee bell must be something of an inspiration for you? Of course she is. Not only is she a go-getter, she is a self-managed artist who is killing it, changing the industry and leading the hot country wave. Her wins actually are wins for other country artists because she is opening doors that we can now walk through. She is so down to earth, kind and it was an honour to meet her, talk with her and now be a part of her fan base, watching her go from strength to strength.

you are playing some venues on the tour that don’t often have country artists – that must add a layer of pressure. also though, a great opportunity to get in front of a different audience? You know, I actually hadn't thought about the potential pressure of it, I only saw the opportunity to be honest – I guess that’s the optimist in me. But I do see it as more of an opportunity to be the first, open the doors and expose that venue to another genre. I know particularly at Big Fan in Auckland they are so excited for us to be their first country artist performing on their stage and this will show other country artists they can perform there too.

from blue eyed girl in 2019 to Pillars – how do you think your music is evolving? I’m definitely not that scared little blue-eyed girl anymore, there is such growth from then to now. Not only have I found my genre – which before I thought I was pop and it hadn’t occurred to me that I could do or be a country artist – I've found my vocal signature and my sound. Also I've found my team, who are amazing to work with. I learned so much from my Blue Eyed Girl EP and my main goal was to finish that project and learn as much as I could to level up my next EP. My goal with my new EP was to work with an industry professional producer and take everything to the next level and I have 100% achieved that. I have to acknowledge where I have been, and I am so proud of how I have grown musically and it’s just gonna keep getting better and better.

tell us about your song ‘what would dolly do’? what was the inspiration? I had a mentor who told me it would be great to have an anthem song to play in my head when I'm about to go onstage to perform. I seriously thought about this and nothing came to mind, until one day I was standing backstage at the Isaac Theatre Royal in

‘There’s nothing quite like it, looking out into the faces of those watching you, singing along with you and who want to escape in the music with you.’

steffAny is listening to...

I'm loving listening to the talented country artists we have in New Zealand such as Miranda Easten, Delaney Davidson and Kaylee Bell, and a new one I've just come across, Jenni Smith.

Christchurch waiting to go on stage to perform my first headliner show and I was thinking ‘who inspires me?’. Dolly Parton is just one of the incredible artists I aspire to be like and the thought came to me ‘What Would Dolly Do’, and the melody and chorus line came flooding into my head. I started writing the song while I was waiting backstage. I didn't have my phone on me so I had to remember the song and write it down in my dressing room after my show. The song took on a life of its own and ended up having 10 Dolly Parton song references.

from Portland, oregon, to Christchurch – tell us about that journey? I was born and raised in rain in Portland, Oregon, and moved to Christchurch 17 years ago with my family for a lifestyle change and boy did we get one. I feel like I've moved to a country town that's more focused on family and a better lifestyle which isn't 24/7 like the States was. It was a transition to begin with but now this is home and will always have a place in my heart.

Is there anything about Christchurch that you think helped you develop as an artist? Since 2017 there have been more and more growth opportunities for artists in Christchurch than ever before and it's just getting better and better. I found MMF (music managers forum), Sole Music Academy and many more valuable industry mentors and resources to work with and reach out to. There is a great scene in Christchurch now and my advice to any aspiring artist is to get amongst it and utilise the resources around you.

finally, what will steffany do? what are your goals? My mum keeps saying that people are gonna start asking What Would Steffany Do. Haha. Well, I'm gonna keep going! I've got momentum, and heaps more coming. There are no signs of stopping.

Find Steffany on Facebook

A Rolling Stone, Friday July 5

Inspo from the Master

he’s got a lot on his plate, what with the whole 10 albums in 10 genres  in 10 years thing, but troy kingi leapt at the chance to be part of the bill withers social Club project and pay tribute to a songwriting hero.

hat drew you to this salute to bill withers? I've been a big fan of his for a while now. I think after my third album, when I was starting to get into a bit of a creative block, I started getting deep into Bill Withers and then realised his story. He started in his 30s and the amount of bangers that he churned out, it just got me off my ass and got me working again. Just an inspiring guy and I love that he started later in his life.

how did this show come about? Iraia Whakamoe, the man who’s behind the show, basically just told me ‘You're singing some Bill Withers songs’ and I said yes, that's basically it! He told me ‘We're gonna do the social club’. He didn’t even tell me who was going to be involved. And I said ‘Let me know where and when’ and that was it.

when did you first hear his music and how did you react? I've been listening to his music for years, but it was one of those ones where you don't actually know they're Bill Withers’ songs until you become a musician yourself. You then start looking at biographies and where songs come from, and you realise that Bill's got this massive back catalogue of songs that you've been listening to your whole life but just didn't realise they were his. So there was no ‘Oh wow these songs are amazing’ moment, they have just been part of my upbringing my whole life without even knowing, like ‘Lean On Me’ and ‘No Sunshine’, those sorts of songs.

bill's quiet originals often contrast with the full-blown treatments of al green or others. where will this show sit on that spectrum? We’re trying to kind of mimic his shows where everyone’s seated and they’ve just got that cool vibe about it. He didn't have to be up and dancing and this crazy dude, his mana just lay in the music and in the vibe within the band. So we're not going to stray too much from the likes of his Carnegie Hall show or his BBC performance, replicating that sort of lounge session vibe.

the green room will be a flashback to kaikoura roots festival. must be a real reunion. It's definitely going to be cool to get back together with the gang. We haven't actually seen each other since we performed

‘Bill's got this massive back catalogue of songs that you've been listening to your whole life but just didn't realise they were his.’

troy is listening to ...

Liam Bailey. I've just got a few albums from Flying Out, a record store in Auckland, that turned up last week. So I've been actually spinning a few records today while I clean the house. Nothing better than having a beautifully clean house, drinking a nice ice-cold water and listening to records.

the show as part of last year’s Auckland Arts Festival, at the Auckland Town Hall, so it's going to be cool to get back together and start rehearsing again.

what’s the next project for you? At the moment, just trying to finish album number 8. We are a little bit late on our deadlines by about three months so we're just powering through that, but at the same time trying to do a good job. Not trying to rush it, well, we are rushing it but trying not to, if you know what I mean! But finishing that and there’s just a lot happening in life in general with our family. Making sure the kids and everyone's all good. Our kids have started new schools and we love it. We just moved into a new house at the end of last year so we're still getting used to that and being out of town, so just life.

how's the 10 in 10 in 10 project going? We will be ready to release three months after we've finished our mix and master, so I'm hoping that's within the next couple of weeks and that'll be number 8. We were hitting a wall last year, and when we went to record this album over in Joshua Tree, it was very timely and it kind of sparked a creative river again, so I hope it's gonna be enough to get me through the last two albums and get that decade ticked off.

any plans for while you're in Christchurch? any favourite haunts here? I might catch up with Delaney Davidson. I haven't seen him for a while. Maybe hit Smokey T’s if we get a little bit of time, get some barbecue.

any emerging kiwi artists you think we should know more about? Oh man, I haven't had my finger on that pulse for a long time. I wouldn't have a clue, I'm such a dinosaur these days!

Bill Withers Social Club, Isaac Theatre Royal, Friday 10 May, isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

TrENCh

time tO cOver u P, city S licker

1 Jac + Jack howell Coat (RRP $1,610) from Lynn Woods Boutique 2 Viktoria & Woods Rudimental Trench Coat (RRP $1,170) from Deval Boutique

3 Kowtow Cleo Trench Coat (RRP $549) from Infinite Definite 4 Camilla and Marc Evans Classic Trench Coat (RRP $1,080) from Camilla and Marc

5 Zadig And Voltaire La Parisienne Lyocell Trench (RRP $1,469) from Deval Boutique 6 Isabel Marant Botsy Day Suede Shoulder Bag (RRP $1,369) from Workshop 7 E8 by Miista Vero Boots (RRP $599) from Head Over Heels

e that?

Layer up for the cooler months with these gorgeous knits from Francie, in stock now at Infinite Definite. The garments are made in New Zealand using merino yarn fully traceable back to a Kiwi paddock. The label, founded in Melbourne and now based in Auckland, is making a name for itself with beautiful designs that tick all the boxes for ethical manufacturing, sustainability and a minimal carbon footprint. Very snuggly too. infinitedefinite.com

3 5 2 4 6 NaILed It!

Come and visit Nails By Tomo at their beautiful St Albans location. Nails By Tomo is helmed by leading nail professional Tomoko Tsuji, who has over two decades of Japanese nail art experience. She and her team give your nails a totally personalised transformation, specialising in gel manicures and stunning nail art using only the finest quality products from Japan. Your nails will not only look amazing but also grow healthier and stronger. nailsbytomo.co.nz

boots Milan MiniMalisM

ndrea r icker By track S the trendS F rO m

ilan d e S ign Week 2024.

inimalism, the design trend with all the warmth of a morgue slab, is out. The design gurus of Milan have decreed we are now allowed to dress up the rooms we live in so they look less like an Insta shoot and more like a ... home.

April’s Milan Design Week brings together the world’s top tastemakers at an event that each year signals what is to come. Interior designers and fashion insiders pore over the exhibits, taking away their take on the latest trends. Softening the edges of minimalism with a healthy dose of eclectic individuality is the broad trend. Whether it’s making

the most of your collection of salt and peppers or ceramic plates, go for it! Statement furniture pieces – sure. Even if you are mixing periods – say, Modernist table with an Art Deco vase. A bit of bling makes a comeback too. Chrome, stainless steel and other reflective surfaces have been a trend for a while but catching the spotlight at Milan were lots of shimmering silver objet looking for a shelf to live on. Metal was big across the board, particularly aluminium, which is having a moment due to it being so recyclable. Along with minimalism, Mid-Century Modern also seems to be falling out of

favour with the design gods, at least in its unalloyed form. Mix it up is the trend, with classic investment pieces you can build a room around. One of the clearest signs of a return to luxe is in wall coverings and furniture fabrics. Think lacquered walls, velvet drapery and heavy textured linen sofas. Stone or marble accessories complete the look. One style that bucks the trend is for mono or tone-on-tone colour schemes for rooms. Browns and burgundies are the flavour here, paired with those heavy drapes for a cosy, den-like feel. If that’s a bit too stark for you, Milan also had plenty of bold candy stripes on show. Even the glass brick made a bit of a comeback. Design trends can sometimes feel more like a straitjacket than an inspiration. One message coming through loud and clear from Milan this year is you be you. As Oscar Wilde said, everyone else is taken.

s H o P t H e loo K

Many of the design houses and studios exhibiting at Milan Design Week are available in Christchurch, if you know where to look. ECC, Matisse and David Shaw are good places to start your search.

Established in 1909 by George Levett Thorburn and now run by grandson Mike Thorburn, ECC has a 35-year association with brands iGuzzini, Flos and Artemide, all Milan regulars. ECC stocks a big range of lighting, furniture and design brands and specialises in the unique and original.

Alan and Jeanne Bertenshaw of Matisse have spent 30 years in the international furniture industry, during which time they have built a network of connections with manufacturers, designers and suppliers of innovative design. These include Milan Week exhibitors Moroso, Lasvit and B&B Italia.

In addition to its handmade Classique pieces, furniture maker David Shaw stocks a range of international brands. These include leading Italian brands Driade, TONON and De Castelli, all Milan design royalty.

Prices for pieces from these brands can bring on severe sticker shock but you’re not going to fill a house with them. As the Oracles of Milan have said in predicting the death of fast furniture, these are statement pieces to be treasured for generations. And good design never goes out of fashion.

FlOS

i g uzzini

d riade

mO r OSO

by design

A round-up of colour, curves and translucent objets from some of our favourite stores.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 Harper Chair (POA) from David Shaw 2 Levi Hawken - Solv No.4 - Light Lagoon Glass ($1,190) from Fiksate Gallery 3 Minotti Pilotis Console (POA) from ECC 4 Ray haydon - Fluid XII, 2021 (RRP $9,900) from Sanderson 5 Pols Potten Steps Vase (RRP $365) from McKenzie & Willis 6 Stan Editions Candle Stack 03 (RRP $129) from Infinite Definite 7 Magis Puppy (RRP $170) from ECC 8 Anna Torfs Armadillo Sphere (RRP $6,950) from ECC 9 Piet Boon Rens Coffee Table (POA) from ECC 10 Giorgetti Scriptor Writing Desk (POA) from ECC

kIwI desIgNs IN fINe ComPaNy

Two New Zealand buildings feature in a new book by taste-making publishers Gestalten. Called Prefab and Modular, the lavishly illustrated large-format book explores the possibilities of prefabricated and modular construction and looks at how these technologies have been used.

The studio house, designed by Nelson’s William Samuels Architects, is a compact (42sqm), relocatable single-bedroom home similar in nature to a studio apartment. Interconnected modules that can each fit on a trailer can be removed from their foundations and relocated one by one. If required, more modules can be added later for extra bedrooms, workspaces or other areas.

Function comes first for the te Pae North Piha surf Life-saving tower but the result is a building of raw beauty that melds into its rugged environment. The brief to Auckland’s Crosson Architects was for a robust, low-maintenance building that would withstand the severe North Piha coastal environment while accommodating four lifeguards and giving excellent visibility along the beach.

Prefab and Modular - Prefabricated Houses and Modular Architecture | by gestalten — gestalten.com

TOP: TE PAE NORTh PIhA SURF LIFE-SAVING TOWER

ABOVE AND RIGhT: STUDIO hOUSE

Mushroom & Quince tart, Pecorino custard

Culinary legend tina duncan draws on a lifetime’s experience of cooking for a crowd with her cookbook Plated. here’s a taste. This tart is a wonderful combination of autumnal flavours — mushroom, quince and pecorino. I’m a great lover of a free-form tart and this method can be used for so many different fillings. These are quite small, suitable for an entrée or lunch dish, but they can be made any size you like.

Serves: 6 | Prep time: 20mins | Cook time: 45mins

INgredIeNts

• 1 cup cream

• 1 egg, plus 2 yolks

• 1 clove garlic

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp white pepper

• ¾ cup grated pecorino

• 30g butter

• 300g brown button mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tsp finely chopped tarragon or thyme leaves

• 2 tblsp quince jelly

• 2 sheets pre-rolled flaky pastry

method

1. Combine the cream and eggs in a small saucepan and whisk to combine well. Add the garlic, salt, pepper and pecorino and cook over a low heat stirring constantly to avoid lumps while cooking the custard. Continue cooking until custard has thickened and almost comes to the boil. Pour into a bowl to cool. 2. Melt butter in a medium pan and sauté the mushrooms and tarragon on a high heat until golden and starting to caramelise. If the heat is too low they will sweat and stew. Stir in quince jelly until melted and integrated with the mushrooms and set aside to cool. 3. Preheat oven to 200°C. Cut each pastry sheet into 4 and put 2 squares aside for another day. With a sharp pointed knife, cut a line 1.5cm in from the edge around each square but don’t cut right through the pastry. 4. Spread 2 tablespoons of the cold custard into the centre square of each pastry and top with the mushrooms, being careful to stay clear of the edging. 5. Bake for 20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and cooked on the bottom. 6. Serve with a green salad on the side.

tiPS: The custard is best made the day before to firm up in the refrigerator,

and mushrooms can be prepped the day before. The tarts can be constructed   and kept, covered, in the refrigerator for several hours before cooking.

The Waipara region is mounting a serious challenge to the pinot noir credentials of Martinborough and Central Otago and with this release from Pegasus Bay, it’s easy to see why. Deep ruby in colour and with a bouquet of fruit and spices, the wine is rich and full-bodied without being brutal about it. pegasusbay.co.nz

cAlling their bluff

With the harvest in full swing and Bluff oysters on menus nationwide, it’s time for a fresh brew of the award-winning Three Boys Oyster Stout. The crew at Ferry Road got in the beer’s secret ingredient, fresh Bluffies from the nutrient-rich Foveaux Strait, last month and the new brew will be on the taps as you read this. If you have yet to sample this rich, dark-malt masterpiece, take your rigger to the source.

threeboysbrewery.co.nz

pegAsus bAy pinot noir 2021

From: Plated, a liFetime love aFFair with Food

bIg raPs for roLLs

Vietnamese food has a new champion in town. Rollicious Vietnamese opened its doors last November in the Boxed Quarter, St Asaph Street, and is winning big raps for its banh mi, beef pho and signature rolls. They also offer catering, perfect for your next office lunch or event. Find them on Facebook.

TaSTy morSElS To bruNCh oN

Cheers to that!

After last year’s debut, The Midwinter Session is back on August 3 at Wolfbrook Arena, bringing so much goodness to one place there’s gonna be a halo! It’s a banger lineup of the city’s finest food trucks, including King Fu Dumplings, famous for their Kathmandu-style momos. As well as, of course, cold beer, good wine and some crafty takes on classic cocktails. midwintersession.co.nz

unknown Chapter — french toast & avocado bruschetta

Child Sister — Gochujang Shakshuka

Little Pom's — Little Pom's Benny

Supreme Supreme — Pancakes

Black Betty's — Pesto Chicken Torpedos

watching

FEAST oF FESTIvALS

Cinephiles rejoice! Ōtautahi Christchurch will host three film festivals over the next few months, bringing a choice selection of local and international cinema to city screens. First up is the return of the french film festival (6 – 26 June), with over 20 films screening in four locations. This is French cinema at its frothiest, with comedy and romance ahead of arthouse angst. Says director Fergus Grady, “We want people to come out and have a laugh, have a wine and pore over French actors and actresses.” Fans of Johhny Depp, check out the lavish Jeanne du Barry, in which Depp plays King Louis XV in his first French-language role. Next is doc edge festival 2024 (19 – 30 June). Christchurch hosts the main event this year for a festival of films and immersive projects on such themes as social justice, environmental challenges, human rights and the arts. Aotearoa features courtesy of Czech filmmaker Petr Lom and his documentary on the Whanganui River, I Am the River, The River Is Me. Using the narrative of a journey on the river with guardian Reneti (Ned) Tapa, the film explores the river’s status as a legal person and what that means for the taonga of other indigenous cultures around the world. The festival will be held across Hoyts, Lumière Cinemas, Alice Cinemas, Christchurch Art Gallery, the Town Hall, Tūranga and other locations. Then in August, the NZ International film festival takes up residency at Lumière Cinemas (15 Aug – 1 Sep). Look for the programme drop in July to see what new artistic director Paolo Bertolin has come up with for this year.

baCk to bLaCk

Sanctioned by the Winehouse estate, this biopic traverses Amy’s early years and adulthood. Scenes were filmed at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, outside Winehouse's first flat in Camden Town, and at Primrose Hill.

the mouNtaIN

Rachel House, a regular in Taika Waititi’s films, makes her directorial debut with this drama about three children discovering friendship while on a mission to find healing on Taranaki Maunga.

BINGEWATChING

S erie S tO S tream thi S m O nth

01 — aPPLes Never faLL Sam Neill and Annette Bening star as retired tennis coaches Stan and Joy Delaney in this dramatisation of Lianne Moriarty’s novel of the same name. The lives of the couple’s four adult children are upended when Joy goes missing and secrets start to emerge. Critics have praised the series’ outstanding cast and intriguing hook. TVNZ+

02 — gaLLIPoLI This big-budget revisiting of the Gallipoli story focuses on 17-year-old Thomas 'Tolly' Johnson, who with his brother finds himself at Gallipoli, caught up in the key battles of the Great War. ThreeNow

03 — sugar Colin Farrell is in it – that's enough, isn’t it? The actor who can turn a phone booth into a theatre brings a modern take to the LA gumshoe genre. As usual, John Sugar has his own demons to deal with as well. Apple TV+

reading

return to blood – michAel bennett

For some, Michael Bennett’s debut crime novel, Better the Blood, was their standout read of 2023. For those hankering to find out what has happened to Hana since the events of that book, here is the answer. Now out of the police and living a quiet life by the sea, Hana finds herself once again at the centre of a dark mystery.

01 02

03

the cleAner – pAul cleAve

Death stalks the Garden City in crime writer Paul Cleave’s debut novel, re-released in the wake of the TV adaptation being streamed on Sky NZ. It’s the voice of serial killer Joe that is the most chilling – he doesn’t kill for sex or money, he does it for fun. It’s purely recreational.

city in ruins – don winslow

This is the final book in Don Winslow’s crime trilogy, following City on Fire and City of Dreams, and also the final book of the New york Times bestselling author’s career. Protagonist Danny Ryan is now rich beyond his wildest dreams but all that is threatened when he triggers a war that brings old enemies out of the woodwork.

listening

a La saLa — khruaNgbIN

The Texas trio of Laura Lee, Mark Speer and DJ Johnson return with their fourth studio album. It’s their first real album since 2020’s Mordechai, although there have been several collabs and live releases in between. In some ways, then, A La Sala is a return to the original Khruangbin sound, with its atmospheric guitars and plenty of big spaces.

ghost storIes — bLue Öyster CuLt

“The thinking person’s metal band” have dropped their 16th (and final?) studio album, which includes both reimagined tracks and “lost gems” from between

podcasts

1978 and 2016, as well as a studio version of their cover of MC5's legendary anthem “Kick Out the Jams”. Turn this one up to 11 and head back to the glory days of power chords and impenetrable lyrics.

the tortured Poets dePartmeNt — tayLor swIft

Hey, hey it’s Tay-Tay! Her Swiftness’s 11th studio album is out, hot on the heels of her record-breaking Eras tour. She collabs with rapper Post Malone and indie rockers Florence and the Machine on two tracks, “Fortnight” and “Florida!”. Taylor says writing the songs for the album has reinforced how important her art is to her.

clAss of 88 with will smith Presented by Will Smith, this podcast revisits 1988, the year hip-hop came out of the ghetto and took over the world. Interviews include queen Latifah, Jazzy Jeff, DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Chuck D, Fab Five Freddy and Rakim.

The killer tracks on high rotation in the Cityscape office.

becky hill

JAmes blAke

‘Retrograde’ Overgrown

toro y moi ‘Ordinary Pleasure’ Outer Peace

‘Disconnect’ Single Air

‘Kelly Watch the Stars’ Moon Safari

no cigAr ‘Concubine’

The Great Escape

it's personAl with AnikA moA The iconoclastic Anika Moa goes where anyone else would fear to tread in her frank interviews with a wide range of guests. you will squirm at her questions but you’ll want to hear the answer.

liviNg iN ThE momENT

guitar maestro tommy emmanuel talks to us about the thrill of a live audience, Chet atkins and punters who use their phone during a gig.

s this your ‘return to normality’ tour? Haha, yes, thank heavens the world has started to get on with things, started going out again. We learned we can’t take live music for granted. I’m busy, I’ve got so much to do and it’s all what I enjoy and want to do.

you famously have no setlist for your concerts – how do you work with that? I have a wide repertoire. All I have to know is how I am going to start. There’s no opening act so I’m playing two sets. It allows me the time to do some different stuff. Sometimes it’s brand new, other times I improvise on something I know.

what are you listening to?

Nothing particular daily. I go through stages of being a listener. I’ve been up since 5am, I played for

two hours this morning. I feel energised and creative. I listen to lots of stuff at home – Frank Sinatra Live at The Sands when cooking. Other times Alison Kraus, The Beatles. People think I must study and listen to the guitar but that’s not true. I’m more interested in singer-songwriters, it helps me get out of my way as a player.

what do you mean? I stop thinking like a guitar player and see it as trying to tell a story, take the listener somewhere. I try not to let all that I already know force its way in. I try to remain in the moment.

tell us about your hero, Chet atkins? He lit a fire in me. I was seven when I first heard him. We became good friends, like father and son. I really enjoyed being around him and he was so helpful. He took me to places and introduced me – that’s how I got on the Opry. I went there with Chet, and the theatre producer came over to say hello. Chet said, ‘This is a friend of mine from Australia, you

should put him on’. The producer turned to me and asked, ‘Next Saturday?’ I would send Chet new songs and he would give feedback. I do the same now. I listen to covers of my songs on the internet and try to be constructive and encouraging. My usual advice is ‘You’re doing really well, just slow down.’

best and worst moments on the road? Some of the best moments are shows where there is a great audience and we let it fly. Worst moments? That would be Santa Barbara a couple of weeks ago. There was a guy in the front row on his phone the whole time. I eventually stopped and said to him ‘Put that phone away or I will put it somewhere you won’t like’. I mean, if you want to use your phone, go outside! I’m up there pouring my everything into every note and he’s just looking at his stupid phone! I’m in the moment, totally honest and vulnerable.

tommyemmanuel.com