It is 10 years since the album that catapulted Hollie Smith to fame, and the singer, who now lives in Tauranga, is celebrating with a nationwide tour.
The tour includes a gig in the Mount this Thursday night, and Smith jokes it will be a rare time she is out and about in the Bay.
"Here I am a real homebody, I hardly ever go out. I don't really know many people down here - I catch up with Tiki (Taane) when he is around, but mostly my friends are in Auckland."
Despite leading a bit of a solitary life in the Bay, Smith says she likes the more laid-back pace of living.
"I have a studio in my house here and I can go up to Auckland when I need to."
It was Smith that Labour leader Jacinda Ardern called upon to open the Labour Party election campaign at Auckland Town Hall in August. Smith used to date Ardern's current partner Clark Gayford years ago and the trio remain friends.
"I have huge respect for [her]. She is a very special person and so authentic. What you see is what you get with her. She is a really caring human being and so smart."
Smith says she still enjoys singing her most well known song Bathe In the River, written by New Zealand songwriting royalty Don McGlashan.
"It is something like me that has matured over the years but is still something I love going back to."
The album Long Player which included Bathe established Smith's solo career and earned her a reputation as one of New Zealand's most recognisable voices. It also earned her Best Female Solo Artist, Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Best Producer at the 2007 New Zealand Music Awards.
Hollie Smith performing. Photo/George Novak
Coinciding with the tour and to mark the anniversary, Soundsmith/Warner Music has released Long Player on vinyl for the first time.
Kiwi singer-songwriter Mark Vanilau is opening for Smith in the tour which began in Wellington on September 8. After the Totara St gig here, the tour will wrap up in Auckland at Crystal Palace on October 6 with support from emerging Kiwi soul sensation TEEKS.
the details: What: Hollie Smith Long Player Tour When: Thursday, October 5 Where: 11 Totara Street, Mount Maunganui Tickets: Cosmic Ticketing - www.cosmicticketing.co.nz
Biography 2007: Release of Long Player, which went straight to No 1 on the New Zealand charts. The album reached multi-platinum status, and was followed with sold out tours and saw her take away several New Zealand Music Awards that year which included Best Producer, Best Female Solo Artist and Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
2010: Second album Humour and the Misfortune of Others, which reached No 1 in the charts and gold status in New Zealand.
2011: Band of Brothers Vol 1 - a collaboration with Mara TK from Electric Wire Hustle.
2013: Hollie collaborated with fellow New Zealand singers Anika Moa and Boh Runga. The trio followed up with a successful winery tour of New Zealand.
2014: Smith toured Canada, the US and the UK, including two powerhouse performances at the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival.
2016: Water or Gold solo album entered the New Zealand charts at No 1 sitting in the top 10 for three weeks. Includes the singles Water or Gold, Lead the Way and Helena, a tribute to her best friend Helena McAlpine.
Hollie Smith, 10 years since the release of Long Player album.
