Armed with fond memories of their 2024 spring tour and fresh from the release of Greta O’Leary’s debut album River Dark, Aotearoa folk artists Greta O’Leary and Fables reunite for a special show with their bands this August!
Taking her brand new album to the stage for the first time around Aotearoa, Greta O'Leary performs 'River Dark'. this August 31st in celebration of the release. River Dark' is O'Leary's debut, it shot to #9 on the Aotearoa Official Albums Chart, features the breakout singles 'Baby I'm a Singer' and 'Baptised at the Desktop Computer' and seen great support from RNZ, the SRN and Rolling Stone. Joining her at the Sawmill will be her stellar full band Jol Mulholland (Liam Finn, French for Rabbits), Nava Tekela-Pule (Erny Belle, LEAO), Alistair Deverick (Boycrush) and Amy Boroevich (HINA).
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For the last decade, Jessica Bailey’s Fables folk ensemble has been a familiar fixture in Aotearoa’s independent music scene. Their sound elegantly marries the intimacy of folk revival music with the rustic, expansive qualities of Americana and alt-country, drawing comparisons to Gillian Welch, Laura Marling and their peers.
Bailey’s songwriting blends personal introspection with enduring themes. She drinks deeply from the highs, lows and mundanity of everyday reality - and delivers arresting narratives, where the details she leaves out are as crucial as the ones she puts in.
Fables brings a synthesis of open tunings and lush, dynamic instrumentation where tender moments and powerful sentiments are seamlessly woven together. Underpinned by elegant guitar figures, the free-flowing and heartfelt indie-folk sound of Fables warms even the coldest of hearts.
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Celebrated local songwriter GRETA O'LEARY is releasing her highly anticipated debut album RIVER DARK. Tender, steadfast, and unraveling, the new record features Greta’s breakout 2024 singles ‘Baby I’m a Singer’ and ‘Baptised at the Desktop Computer’ - both of which reached #1 on the SRN Top 10, while the latter also reached #1 on RadioScope’s Alt Chart. The obscure, dreamlike debut record was created alongside producer Jol Mulholland at LAB Studios, with Greta's hypnotic songwriting and unmistakable vocals accentuated through the skillful musicianship of instrumentalists Cass Basil (Tiny Ruins, The Veils), Alastair Deverick (Boycrush), Callum Passells (Hans Pucket) and Anita Clark (Motte). Listeners are invited deeper into Greta’s immersive and enthralling world with her debut record, RIVER DARK.
Tāmaki Makaurau singer-songwriter and musician GRETA O'LEARY writes with clarity of vision, making introspective observations that seamlessly interlock with her spare, spacious and enthralling songcraft. Through soaring instrumentation, astute and occasionally absurd lyrics of self-reflection and her poignant voice, River Dark is a remarkable collection of confession, truth and poetry.
“My first record, a collection of personal, ridiculous and truth telling songs. It took a long time to get here. I was a child shy and unclear, completely confused, absolutely not onboard with future, with goals or activity. I was in the field below the house, I was at the pond with the dog, I played make believe longer than most. I was taught to be quiet.”
Afternoon Show (seated)
DOORS 4.00pm
SHOW 4.30pm
Greta O'Leary Tour Dates
16 August - Auckland Guide Hall - Auckland
22 August - Secret Show - Whanganui*
23 August - Bakehouse Collective - Featherston*
24 August - San Fran - Wellington*
30 August - Stewart St - Raglan*
31 August - Leigh Sawmill - Leigh
3 September - Dawn - Ōakura*
4 September - Hamilton - Last Place
* (trio show)
