I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to interview the beautiful and lovely Kirsten Morrell before the release of her debut solo album Ultraviolet, out May 10th.  Meeting Kirsten at a Ponsonby cafe, I was struck by her natural beauty and down to earth nature, and over the course of our meeting I learned that there is certainly more to Kirsten than meets the eye!  Not only is she a talented singer and songwriter, she is also an accomplished snowboarder, jewellery maker (you can even buy her jewellery!) and passionate advocate for the environment. 

1.  How different was the process of creating your solo album to the Goldenhorse albums?
It was very different!  It was my debut solo album, with no band so I was writing songs alone, talking to the producer alone and starting the creative process that way as opposed to throwing ideas around together with the band.  It was actually a pretty straightforward process, more straightforward than I thought.

2. Describe the musical style of the album, and how you feel it differs from the Goldenhorse albums. 
‘Sonically beautiful’ – I am inspired by the idea of a sonic journey, and the idea of telling a story through songs, and a relationship between the music and these ideas.  I was really inspired by films and their soundtracks of the last 2 years, for example ‘Little Miss Sunshine’.  I have also been inspired by UK BBC productions of the last through years, and the cross cultural UK/US music production of these soundtracks.

3. You had some help from some amazing musicians and producers on this album.  What was it like working with them?
In terms of the production and song writing it was actually pretty straightforward.  I would say it was definitely the usual ‘creative uphill journey’ that comes with working with different musicians.  But it was fantastic, and I would love to do every album this way if I could!

4. Does the song ‘Friday Boy’ refer to anyone in particular?
Love is a theme of this album, and this song I think refers to my hope that a new generation of girls won’t be as single as my generation has been!  Hopefully the younger generation of women will have a better ability to keep meaningful relationships.

5. You wrote all the songs on your solo album.  What inspires you?
So much – people inspire me, relationships, life, and the environment.  The name ‘Ultraviolet’ is inspired by a Scottish artist movement called ‘The Colourists’ who I became familiar with when I was in the UK.  I read about this group and went to their exhibitions.  They paint everyday life, the working classes and rural landscapes, so I was really inspired by their take on the environment and life.

6. Aside from music, what are your other interests?  How do you chill out?
Yoga, snowboarding, running.  I make jewellery, in particular Moroccan bead styling, which is actually very intricate.  You can buy my jewellery at Widdess in Ponsonby, Auckland.  I also read a lot – at the moment I’m reading ‘The Imagination of C.S. Lewis’.

7. What music do you have on your iPod at the moment?
Bjork, Rilo Keely, Damon Albarn (lead singer of Blur).  I also want to hear the solo album from the lead singer of Sigur Ros.

8. Tell us about your plans for the next few months.  Are you planning a solo tour?  What are your plans with Goldenhorse?
I’m planning a national tour for September/October – watch this space!

9. What is your favourite song on the album?
‘G.H.O.S.T.S’ – I was an imaginative kid, and my childhood has been a source of inspiration for this album.  My family had an incredible sense of humour as I was growing up which also inspired me.   It’s a reflection of my belief in ghosts growing up in Cornwall – kids at school would always tell ghosts stories, and there were stories about the old castles and buildings being haunted.  ‘Let Me Go’ is another favourite.

10. What have been your career highlights so far?
The NZSO gigs with Goldenhorse were amazing, and the tour in Germany with the band was also a highlight.  Giving the boys from TV on the Radio a singing lesson in their green room – they were such nice guys!  Being with the band for 10 years, we have done so many amazing things so it’s hard to pinpoint just a few highlights!  The Queentown festival was another highlight – 4 days of snowboarding with the band and just being on holiday with them.  I was also really proud of a lot of the songs on the ‘Reporter’ album, which I feel is an album that is often forgotten about.

11. We love your beautiful quirky style – do you have any beauty tips you can share with our readers?
I love Esop products – I have been using them for 4 years.  A jump in the ocean is also great for the skin. Definitely using natural products, and keeping it simple.  Actually – if anyone knows of any fantastic natural products for hair let me know!

12. Is there anyone you would love to perform with?
Damon Albarn, Nina Simone.  I’d also love to sing with some more opera singers (I sang in the NZ Opera for 3 years).  But one thing I never want to do again is play guitar with Bic Runga – I was terrible!  I’m a singer primarily, and a keyboardist second, so playing the guitar felt slightly ridiculous!

Kirsten Morrell’s debut solo album Ultraviolet will be released through Warner Music on Monday, May 10.
Article by Natalie Cosgrove

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