Dianne Swann Shares Debut Solo Album 'The War On Peace Of Mind'

Having recorded music with Everything That Flies, Julie Dolphin, When The Cat's Away, and even Radiohead over the past four decades, Aotearoa songwriter Dianne Swann (The Bads) steps out on her own with debut solo album The War On Peace Of Mind. This year she's released her first solo singles since 1989's ‘Something Good’, and cemented her reputation in New Zealand's folk-rock history with an album described by Reb Fountain as "embellished with nuanced pop and supremely crafted melodies".

To mark the occasion, Swann has announced a special trio of shows throughout Te Ika-a-Māui at all the cosiest venues. Catch her at Tāmaki's Wine Cellar with a DJ support set from Sandy Mill, at ONEONESIX (BYO venue) in Whangarei joined by Farandicus, and lastly with Dylan Storey at Russell Boating Club. Dates and tickets here, and The War On Peace Of Mind below...

Dianne Swann Album Release Tour
Saturday 8th May - The Wine Cellar, Auckland w/ Sandy Mill (DJ Set)
Friday 14th May - ONEONESIX, Whangarei w/ Farandicus
Saturday 15th May - Russell Boating Club, Russell w/ Dylan Storey
Tickets available HERE via UTR

Press release:

Today one of Aotearoa’s most prolific songwriters releases her debut solo album. The arrival of The War On Peace Of Mind by Dianne Swann marks a well fought career decades in the making.

Coming in at a concise eight songs, and produced by Swann, she wanted the album to be short, sharp, and focussed. Available digitally and on limited edition vinyl, the album is four songs a side, an intended to be listened to from start to finish. Shaped by the intricacies of the human mind and our internal battle, the album examines the dichotomy of inner tranquillity and the struggle that rages around that. Swann’s abilities shine on The War On Peace Of Mind. It is assured, empowering, it’s rock n roll and perhaps most of all, totally relatable.

Watch: 'Losing The War On Peace Of Mind' by Dianne Swann Of the album title Swann says: “I think the title relates to the human condition, we cannot always feel serene and blissful, and it sometimes feels like a complete battle to retain any equilibrium, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We all have our tricks and techniques to stay on the level. It seems especially relevant in the current world state – it seems as though every aspect of how we live, and think is being challenged. I very much felt this ramping up in 2019, and as we now know a lot more was to be revealed in 2020.”

To celebrate the release, Swann is playing three very special album release shows in Auckland and Northland this May. Beginning at Auckland’s Wine Cellar on the 8th and featuring the wonderful Sandy Mill on DJ duties both before and after The Dianne Swann Band’s set, this guarantees to be a night of incredible music. ONEONESIX in Whangarei will host the band on May 14th with support from Farandicus, before wrapping up the next night at the Russell Boating Club with Dylan Storey as support. These shows will be fans first chance to hear songs from the new album played live and with a full band. Tickets for these shows are on sale now. Head to undertheradar.co.nz for details. In addition to these headline shows, Swann will also be supporting Greg Johnson on his national tour this June/July.

The War On Peace Of Mind showcases Swann’s presence with hints of vulnerability to her voice. From lead single ‘Show Your Heart’ which features a timely reminder to be kind through to the heaviest moment on the album and final track ‘Rare Good Feeling’ Swann’s knack for melody and intelligent song writing is highlighted time and time again. The eight songs shift between cautious optimism and stark truths. An album that finds itself commanding your attention and an album that is surely to be one of 2021’s best.