The Auckland Arts Festival is still six months away but it's already announced a key figure among its contemporary music programme.
American singer-songwriter John Grant will make his New Zealand debut at the festival, playing at the Auckland Town Hall on Friday March 18.
The former frontman of Denver band the Czars has become a star in his own right since the release of his 2010 solo debut Queen of Denmark which was named album of the year by Mojo magazine with follow-up Pale Green Ghosts winning similar levels of critical acclaim and arning him a Best International Male Solo Artist nomination at the Brit Awards in 2014.
Among his fans is Sinead O'Connor, who covered Queen of Denmark's title track on her most recent album and sang back-up on Pale Green Ghosts.
Grant's own life story - and its influence on his lyrically frank songs and voice - has also won him attention.
