Erny Belle - Nelson Arts Festival

In the summer of 2019, Erny Belle relocated from Tāmaki Makaurau to the Northland township of Maungatūroto to write and record what would eventually become her debut album, Venus Is Home, released in February 2022.

The album was largely self-recorded over a week - with recording engineer Colleen Brennan - at Aimee’s dad’s studio Shakey Studios, a reclaimed warehouse that once housed the NZR buses opposite the old Maungatūroto train station.

A blend of alt-folk/country influences, Belle’s lyrics shift steadfastly between sweet and earnest to rugged and raw. They can be painterly, satirical and dark, to open-hearted storytelling. The visuals she shares welcome us into the landscape of Tāmaki Makaurau and rural northern Aotearoa.

With swagger, quiet confidence and songs to tame the ocean, it’s safe to say that Erny Belle does things her own way.

We cannot wait for this tour de force to hit Whakatū!

Support act to be announced.

Content warning: Drug references, strong language, reference to violence, alcoholism, child abuse

This event is part of the 2022 Nelson Arts Festival.