Gin Wigmore

From wowing record execs and signing with Universal Motown in the US last year, to recording with Ryan Adams' band The Cardinals, to singing the hook on a record-breaking NZ #1 single (Smashproof's 'Brother'), a lot has happened since Gin Wigmore first got people talking four years ago.

Despite taking a circuitous route via Australia and then LA, working with some of America's most respected musical luminaries, Gin's debut album, Holy Smoke, represents the latest chapter in a story which began here in Auckland, New Zealand.

Gin 's song 'Hallelujah', written at the tender age of 16 about her father losing his battle with cancer, won the US-based International Songwriting Contest in 2005, beating 11,000 songwriting hopefuls from 77 countries to make her the youngest and only unsigned Grand Prize winner in the history of the ISC.

Three years after her ISC win, Gin signed to Island Records Australia and released her critically acclaimed debut EP Extended Play - of which the Sydney Daily Telegraph proclaimed "One of the most stunning debut EPs evera star is born." In August 2008, Gin was signed to Universal Motown Records USA by label President Sylvia Rhone and undertook her first US promo trip in October, performing shows in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles to rapturous media and music industry audiences.

In the months leading up to the recording of her debut album, Gin set to work on new material which saw her writing alone and also with accomplished writers Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall,), Dan Wilson (Dixie Chicks. Semisonic), Mitchell Froom (Crowded House) and Mike Elizondo (Eminem, 50 Cent, Gwen Stefani, Fiona Apple)

At the helm of Holy Smoke is Grammy nominated producer Mike Elizondo (Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple, Nelly Furtado, Maroon 5) who recorded the album at the world famous Capitol Studios , as well as his own Phantom Studios in Westlake Village, Los Angeles. Mixing took place at the infamous Sunset Studios by Joe Chiccarelli (White Stripes, The Shins)

"Recording my first record with my absolute dream team has been the best moment of my life to date. Mike Elizondo has the production touch and patience of a saint. Joe Chiccarelli on the mix has breathed life into all the tunes. And, The Cardinals, I am speechless. They have been a true inspiration to watch, truly amazing musicians," says Gin of the experience. The Cardinals (of Ryan Adams & The Cardinals fame) were no less impressed with the young Kiwi songwriter. "Gin's songwriting seems to subtly embrace so many different musical forms and lyrically, there's often a maturity and depth that you wouldn't normally associate with someone so young. There's profound connection between her and all the great, soulful singers who've come before her and she adds a new chapter to that story" says pedal steel player Jon Graboff.

Guitarist Neal Casal adds, "Gin Wigmore is unquestionably one of the most exciting new artists to emerge in many years. Her songwriting is at once diverse, intelligent, melodic, and soulful. Her voice is raw and emotional, with phrasing far beyond her years. Her debut record is a fully realised statement of intent, promising a great career ahead."

Although Holy Smoke has been crafted alongside some of the best musicians and production talents in the world, at the end of the day this album is definitively Gin's: "I wanted this record to feel like a wicked punch to the face. It's strong, yet heartfelt. I hope my album will confidently take you through moments of sadness, grief, joy and love from all aspects of life, dead or alive. I've tried to make the music seamless and the sound timeless as it takes on no one road. It's a record I think I will always be really proud of." It is the depth of the album, through classic songwriting, that makes this record a future classic. Prepare yourself for Holy Smoke, the incredible debut album from our very own Gin Wigmore

"Make mine a Gin Wigmore Smart songs that would work in a coffee house or an arena" - New York Post "Her voice is quirky and intoxicating, her tunes fun and charming" - Perez Hilton