East Iceland

Just got to Egilstaðir and am staying at the hotel where the concert will be this evening. Everyone has been very helpful and lovely and I'm looking forward to playing tonight.. I have two new songs but not sure if they're ready to come out quite yet.. I'm holding back so I don't get ahead of myself, as almost all the songs I'm playing here (from the Live at Al's album) are new here.. Drove for about seven hours today through the beautiful landscape but am quite happy to be done with driving for the day.. Did a little video at Jökulsárlón, which is an amazing looking glacier filled lake where quite a few movies have been filmed including Batman Begins and James Bond.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/fVp87rwDeWM[/youtube]

Last weekend there was some serious Icelandic camping - which was just brilliant (and slightly painful when the crew decided to form a 4 storey human pyramid at about 2 in the morning) All the things I had missed so much! when Icelanders camp, they do it properly.. a giant bonfire and all the people at the campsite gathered and all ended up singing some of the well known camping and party songs extremely loudly..

Tomorrow I'm at one of my favourite places.. Djúpivogur.. a small village in East Iceland where I'm playing in a beautiful wooden building Hótel Framtíð. Will also get to see Gústa, a wonderful designer who made my guitar strap (it's made from fish leather -catfish) Check out www.gustadesign.is

And here are some new photos, these are by Valdis Thor ( valdisthor@gmail.com) The collar I'm wearing is knitted, using Lopi. inspired by the Icelandic Lopapeysa

on tour in iceland

I've spent the last four days out in the country with no internet ;) it's been wonderful and sunny! (I'd forgotten you can get sunburned here too) I wrote two songs, and played two concerts - the tour has started! The first was on thursday night in 'Oddakirkja' - about a 10 minute drive from Hella, and it is the smallest and I think most beauiful church I've ever see.. It's tucked away in the middle of nowhere (sort-of) and it just has a wonderful vibe! the crowd were so lovely and the whole thing just amazing ... Have a look at the video below.. (I had a backstage area in the 'Skrúðherbergi' ) We had a full house and it was just the perfect place to start the tour... some photos here below as well :)

[youtube]http://youtu.be/nDZoM0fIzmU[/youtube]

This was the view from the stage:

and this is the church from two sides:

and an amazing sculpture inside:

and one from the concert.. taken from just inside the door:

This evening I played at 800 bar at Selfoss, which was wonderful too :) gorgeous lighting and at the end of the concert, the sun passed by the front door, (which was glass) and lit up the whole room beautifully :) Then drove home around 12am in the sunset... Off for some weekend camping tomorrow xox

Radio interview - Bylgjan.is

I'm off to the country now.. Will be staying at a summer house for the rest of the week, and heading to the concerts from there.. A nice chance to relax (it's where the first two video-blogs were recorded..) But sadly.. probably no internet.. So more stuff will be up early next week..

I did an interview with Ívar Guðmundsson at Bylgjan yesterday morning, and you can listen to it online in two parts.. I played a request for him, a song by Bubbi Morthens.. Click here for all the info *** Here for the first part and first song *** and here for the second part and Ívar's request ;) There are photos up on Bylgjan.is too, here's one:

Also.. The concert this thursday in Oddakirkja is not in Þykkvabær like we thought, but in Rangárvellir.. They have concerts there regularly.. I'm very excited to see the building. And one more thing.. **Click here to read the interview in Morgunbladid 15/07/08*** (small version here below) xox

More of Iceland

Hello again :) The tour is only six days away from starting now, and the posters are ready, (and of course the dates are all up in the live section here..) I've been all over Reykjavik for the past week, this morning was an interview at Létt Byjgjan which you can read about here.. and listen to here.. (in Icelandic)

The tour is also a Facebook event.. but here's a map of Iceland with little red stars where I'm playing.. and also the tour poster... (more video blogs coming soon..)

PS: if you are in Iceland.. the Live album is now available from Tónlist.is

Iceland - Summertime

It's been one week and it's so lovely to be back. The things I had forgotten I was missing.. like the smell of Iceland summer.. and Blóðberg.. Which I've just discovered is Thymus Praecox - or Creeping thyme in english.. and the candy... nothing compares to Icelandic Kúlusúkk (chocolate coated liquorice bits) And you can actually order Icelandic candy and more online here at www.nammi.is 

I played last friday for Hemmi Gunn at Bylgjan (Icelandic Radio station) in Akranes, where there was a big market and carnival set up outside and it was 20 degrees, then went away for the weekend to a summer house in Hella where everything is green and beautiful.. Did a couple of short videos yesterday to show you around..

Here are some pics and videos full of goofyness.. my first video-blogs and highly embarrassing really.. xox

[youtube]http://youtu.be/XFfD0VhCrtU[/youtube]

[youtube]http://youtu.be/ee447zQ1KgU[/youtube]

Glastonbury 1

Am writing this from Heathrow airport and will be boarding the plane to Iceland in less than an hour.. It's been a wonderful few days at the Glastonbury festival.. Amazing costumes! not too much rain.. and it was even sunny and warm today.. Sadly I'll be missing the last day there.. not much time to write now so here are some pictures.. Will post some video and write some more very soon.. xox in the meantime

Travels

Hello everyone... I'm currently in Singapore, but my flight leaves in a few hours for London, then heading straight to the festival..

I'll be playing at the Astrolabe - on friday at 5.30pm. The one day I had to relax in Singapore was wonderful! Had the famous 'singapore sling' (see picture) and visited Chinatown, Little India, Mustapha and the Zoo (surprised to see they have polar bears there... and they're trained!) Will be posting pictures and video here after Glastonbury.. xox

Good News

The CD's have arrived in the country today (ahead of schedule which is wonderful!) :) and I'll be posting all the pre-order copies early next week.. Everything is clicking into place and we're one week from departure now (I've even bought some gumboots this time.. taking no chances on the weather at Glastonbury) ;) I'll be taking photos and video-blogging for the first time, and will be posting everything here.. Looking forward to the 24 hour daylight summer in Iceland and touring again..

Here are the photos taken for Morphic Creations the other day.. they have a new website up.. go have a look :) (I love the merino stuff.. it's so warm and comfortable.) xox

Something to see

Here is some video footage from the live concert, recorded on 16/05/08

[youtube]http://youtu.be/6yU1gbqyL1k[/youtube]

[youtube]http://youtu.be/zVqkSSsJ6LI[/youtube]

xox

Something to listen to

Here's a little sneak peek at the live album.. three songs you can listen to.. xox

believe-me  Believe Me

cause-of-my-pain Cause of My Pain

the-day-before The Day Before

New Live CD!

It's been an interesting week,  Chartfest was lastnight and was wonderful.. very well organised and nice to see so many people out and celebrating New Zealand Music Month! I've had the flu - or a bad cold.. for a few days now so my voice is sounding different.. it's kind of a novelty, a bit deeper and husky-er ;)  I've had it coming for a while now though.. I don't think I've been sick since just before SXSW last year..

Am very happy with the new live CD, it was recorded at AL's just over a week ago, we've been mixing it this week, and this morning the master, artwork and proofs were sent away.. The finished CD will arrive here in three weeks.. and I leave a week after that..

This is a picture of the cover.. (photo by Richard Loader taken on the night) and you can even see the extra microphones on the guitar that were set up for the recording.. It's a very personal album.. James and Michael play beautifully :) and it's almost all new songs.. 11 out of 14 have not been released before.. and there are no covers.

1 soundcheck song * 2 believe me 3 upside down 4 sorry 5 the day before 6 cause of my pain 7 angel by her side 8 nothing new 9  ofie.. 10 hafid thennan dag 11 raking leaves 12 sleepyhead 13 itchy palms 14 feels so good **

I'm sending signed copies of this album as soon as it arrives to anyone who pre-orders before june 8th.. (it will arrive just a few days before I leave) But if you want to pre-order just send an email here through the site (contact button) and put pre-order in the message subject box..  It will be available online eventually, this is just an opportunity to get it first :) and signed how you like.

I want to tell you about Voeveo.. they've set up a site for me here.. and they have a promotion at the moment, they're giving away a free prepay credit if you sign up :) it's like the CD baby of mobile phones.. very friendly site :) you can get wallpapers, ringtones and screensavers etc... (not just stuff from me :) but there is some there..) so go and get some free stuff! :)  xox

Thank You

Just a little note to say thank you to all of you who came last night, it was a wonderful night :) and photos coming soon.. here is one in the meantime..

These people helped make the evening possible; Sound by Toby and Jhonny from Tandem Voice Booth, Filming by Bronnie and Martin Howells, Lighting by Dave and Hang up entertainment, Photos by Duke Muleand Richard Loader, Make up by Jolene Parker of Style Counsel, and the dress is from Frankie.. (thank you Kirsten).. Hjortur on the door. And of course thank you Al Park of AL's Bar, and James Wilkinson & Michael Kime for the beautiful Music..

The live album will be mixed and mastered this week then sent off to be made, and I'm off in a few weeks.. If you would like to pre-order a copy of the album, send an email through the site here and let me know. We will then send out the pre-orders before I leave ;)

Also.. photos to come from Elemental, which went wonderfully at the Christchurch Art Gallery Last Thursday.. xox

and one more thing.. have a look at this site.. it's all things for your phone.. ringtones, wallpapers etc.. (it's a friendly phone site I promise) at the moment they are giving away a prepay credit.. so you can go get some stuff for free.. there are full versions of a few of my songs there, some wallpapers and more..  -click here for the link..

UPDATE:: Here are some Photos from the evening.. these are taken by Richard Loader

New Zealand Music Month - and Chart

Happy New Zealand Music Month everyone! A lot ot things going on here in Christchurch.. I will be playing at Chartfest at the town Hall on the 23rd, and ELEMENTAL at the Christchurch art Gallery on the 15th.. and AL's Bar (Friday 16th) will be the oficial 'going away' concert.. For those of you who don't know we will be recording a new live album on the night and getting some video footage as well.. so come and be part of it ;) recommending getting tickets in advance..

Then I'm off to the UK and Iceland, will be playing at the Glastonbury festival and touring in Iceland.. Dates here as  they are confirmed ..

'CHART - The Christchurch Music Industry Trust is music industry representative body for contemporary popular music in Christchurch. With a dedicated manager and a Board made up of passionate local music advocates with extensive industry experience, CHART acts as a support and advice network for the Christchurch music industry. CHART hosts regular professional development events, live music showcases, seminars and workshops and manages www.christchurchmusic.org.nz - a web portal promoting the Christchurch music industry and showcasing the city’s vibrant music scene.''

Tickets go to

This morning I posted tickets to Martin who sent me this: I'd like to bring my wife, Lisa.. she's never been to one of your gigs.. so if we won the tickets, I'd be able to get a babysitter and we could both come!  :-) See you on the 16th! :-)

I've been rehearsing with James and Michael and am very much looking forward to playing with them! it's not long now.. less than two weeks.. I love the new sounds.. and James will be singing with me on an Icelandic track! ;)

Thank you to Kitty who sent me a Scary trousers shirt from the Never Wear store.. go have a look ;) xox

Whos the boss? and elemental

Just wanted to share these photos with you.. these are my animals Brjánn/Brian the sphynx, and Loki (he's a chinese crested) ..Loki is still a puppy, and being put in his place as you can see ;)

Also.. coming up the night before the Al's bar concert, is ELEMENTAL - this is an open exhibition that is up for one night only.. featuring musical performances, wearable art and body paint, fire performers and much more.. it's at the Christchurch Art Gallery.. (tickets for the AL's concert will be available there too) Here is one of the posters: click here for more info on this event..

Iceland album - and a facebook event

The concert is now an open event on facebook :) so click hereto join or invite people.. Everything is booked and sorted for the trip, so this will be the official 'going away' gig... :) although I'm only away for a couple of months this time.. - a lot of you have asked about copies of the Icelandic album 'Hafið þennan dag' so at this concert it will be available (a limited number) for the first time in New Zealand!! *If you're somewhere else in the world and have been looking for this one.. you can email here through the site and make an order :) these are very limited so there is no 'ordering system' just contact :)

We will be doing some video footage on the night too so if you're somewhere else, you'll be able to see some of it online soon after :) and we are recording a live album as well..

I did some photos with Morphic Creations over the weekend.. will pop some here when they're ready :) Merino is definitely the way for winter - and Glastonbury for that matter.. Someone had a theory on the weather there.. ''every five years it goes crazy..'' It's been 3 years since I played there so hopefully no thunder this time ;) - Looking forward to a double summer ;)

I have one VIP double pass ticket to give away for the concert at AL's bar.. all you have to do is tell me who you want to invite and why you should win ;) send through the contact here on the site and I will post the result here next monday..

and here is a photo, taken by Richard Loader at the Cathedral Square concert last month..  xox:)

Concerts and travels

Hello again :)Am posting here below what went out to the mailing list this week... This is what it looks like so you know - no spam or ads.. just updates and where I'm touring.. :)

Just a little note to let you know where I'm at. The official New Zealand Music Month concert is on Friday the 16th of May at AL's bar - the poster is up on the site at http://www.herasings.com/

Tickets will go on sale at the end of this month, will send out another note when they're available..

This will be a very special concert for several reasons.. I'll be performing with very special guests James Wilkinson (guitar) and Michael Kime (double bass)

The 16th of may was a very special woman's birthday.. and was also the day of her funeral two years ago. This woman was Bára Björnsdóttir - and she was my grandmother. I will also be recording a new - Live album at this concert.. so come and be part of it ;)

Also - There is a new button on the site - Now you can subscribe to the blog with RSS www.herasings.com/blog

I am on tour again at the end of June, and will be performing at the Glastonbury festival in the UK before heading to Iceland. The Iceland tour will start mid july.. Many smiles :) xox Hera

A little more about the video

It's been a busy wonderful week, my Stage Ninja cables arrived in the post, and am very much looking forward to using them! Thank you guys!! The Al's bar concert for New Zealand Music month is confirmed for May 16th, and I will be performing with very special guest James Wilkinson.. it's been many years since we've played together :) .. Keep an eye out too for the Chart concert in the Town Hall *It's on may 23rd and I'll be on the acoustic stage.. more info to come..

Thank you all for the lovely comments :) I'm going to try to answer some questions here, A lot of you asked about the bread shoes.. The bread was fresh from the bakery.. and it felt lovely to wear them ;)

The bath of red wine was not quite as warm as it looked.. but it smelled so nice with the oranges and cloves in.. (and I was quite surprised that it didn't stain..)

April Fool's day story: This came from Sommer; (your package is on the way..) :)

My dad used to be a truck driver and when I was little, every April Fool's Day, my mom would help me pack his lunch, where I always would include some hard boiled eggs along with a one unboiled one. Every year, my dad would call home to report how he had been driving down the interstate, gotten a little hungry for a snack, grabbed an egg out of his cooler and gave it a good crack on the steering wheel, only to get covered in goop.. I thought it was hysterical.. what a good sport he is! :)

And this picture made me laugh :) (thank you Bill)

**Those of you who found me through the Cute Overload link should go have a look at theDisapproving Rabbits site... super cute!

Speaking of cute.. I went swimming in the sea withHector's Dolphins this afternoon.. it was a wonderful experience! They are so small! and beautiful!

xox

April Fool

Hello and happy April Fool's dayI am an april fool. The day I was born my dad told his friends but they all thought he was joking (really) and I have heard of at least one person with the same birthday, whose parents told him it was on another day to spare him the jokes.. It has not been bad at all :) Although when I was little, my friends would wrap things in sellotape over and over - and over.

So I wanted to share something with you here..

The picture below was taken in 1994, I was 11. It was posted on a version of this website a long time ago but here it is again;

This year has been wonderful :) I've had a chance to work with some brilliant people here in New Zealand, and to work with my friends :)

Hoping you all have a wonderful day! Here is something that was uploaded just now * The day I got my very first guitar (I was 8 years old) I sat in front of the mirror on the lounge floor and pretended to play this song. It was written the year I was born, and it has been a favorite for as long as I can remember.. I then performed this song at Bubbi Morthens 06,06,06 concert, the day he turned 50.. as a tribute..

[youtube]http://youtu.be/g2LkGR1Aa4g[/youtube]

And one more photo for you ;) This is my cat Brjánn/Brian, when he was a kitten.. you can see him as he is now, in the Feels so good music video - yes he is a sphynx cat like in the Austin Powers movie, but he is black and white - which makes him pink and grey ;) (can get sunburned on the pink bits)

A Few Photos

The concert in the square today was wonderful (for me) The weather was exactly what I had hoped for ;) warm but not too much sunshine.. Meant I could wear the Morphic Creationscoat I've been talking about here.. it's black and merino coated so it wouldn't have felt great in the New Zealand sunshine ;) Here are a couple of photos;

And here are a couple more from the Main Divide concert, Photos by Chris McKeen (some of these a perfect example of not being able to 'photo smile' - at least while singing)

RIght that's enough photos of me.. But now here is something: the first person to send me a story of how they were fooled on April Foolsday will get a special package in the post ;) (no matter where you are in the world) xox