Auckland performers ABBIE and Yasamin Al-Tiay are about to hit the road on a tour which promises to deliver unique,
honest and original New Zealand music.
Abbey Harker-Ferguson is originally from Tokoroa and is known in the music industry as ABBIE. Yasamin was born in Iraq
and moved to Auckland when she was 11.
They are among New Zealand’s top, rising performing artists, having released songs and albums in the past year. “A
random chain of events occurred and I met this wonderful singer called Yasamin,” ABBIE says.
“We got to talking over coffee and both wanted to do something more with our music. We wanted to test ourselves take on
a few more challenges.
“So we talked about the possibility of going on tour and decided to make it happen. A few months later and here we are
ready to go.”
Their On A Good Note tour starts in Auckland on July 12 and ends in Wellington on August 3. They will also perform in
Hamilton, Raglan, New Plymouth and Christchurch in between.
The pair will have support acts at their Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton shows.
“When Yasamin and I are performing without guests/support acts, we will be working with a mix of her playing live
acoustic music through her set, while during my set I’ll be using tracks and possibly picking up a tambourine or even
indulging in a little vocal improvisation.”
ABBIE’s sound combined soul, blues and jazz music and it will blend in well for Yasamin’s pop/folk sound.
ABBIE was first noticed on Māori Television’s Homai Te Pakipaki and has since been working under the Waatea Music label.
Yasamin completed a science degree at the University of Auckland but decided to study at the Nelson School of Music.
Reviews of her music have said her style was similar to Corinne Bailey Rae and Regina Spektor.
The two singers say the vibe at their shows will vary from relaxed to high energy, and at times - intense.
“Come say hello, ask us a question or feel free to chill near the bar or in a comfy corner and just listen. We want
people to come and enjoy home grown talent on their terms.”
ABBIE released her debut single, Million, last winter and debut album at the end of 2016. She’s looking forward to her
first tour.
“I really hope people find our music inspirational. I hope people just come along and enjoy some honest, original New
Zealand music and leave feeling like they’ve had a good time.”
Preparing for the tour has been a major learning curve. It’s all going to be done on a shoestring budget with challenges
on and off the stage. But those were the challenges she was looking forward to.
Many of the venues will be new and some will be familiar to the artists.
“I have performed at Portland Public House in Auckland, and it’s always amazing for live music. It is intimate, has the
potential to get a bit rowdy, the stage is right in front of the audience.
“But I’ve never performed in Christchurch of New Plymouth so I’m looking forward to going there for the first time.”
ABBIE said she’s already writing a new collection of songs for possibly a new album and hopefully the tour will provide
the inspiration for some new tunes.
“At the end of the tour, I’ll definitely be looking at a new body of work. I’ve had some great feedback from my first
album and it’s really helped me move forward.
“Having those songs out there, I think people take me more seriously. But also it’s just a real privilege to be able to
have those songs to perform to people.
DATES:
July 12: Portland Public House, Auckland.
July 14: Nivara Lounge, Hamilton.
July 20: WineCellar, Auckland.
July 22: Old School Arts Centre, Raglan.
July 27: The Darkroom, Christchurch.
July 28: The 4th Wall Theatre, New Plymouth.
August 3: Caroline, Wellington.
Tickets from UTR
Video interview, NZ Musician:
ENDS