Rising superstar Benee recognised that fans in smaller towns don't often get the chance to experience concerts in their own backyards. Photo / Supplied
Rising superstar Benee recognised that fans in smaller towns don't often get the chance to experience concerts in their own backyards. Photo / Supplied
Kiwi pop sensation and internationally rising superstar Benee will be performing in Hamilton in August as she reaches out to her many fans in the smaller centres of New Zealand
The 21-year-old Supalonely singer has just announced a nationwide regional tour visiting eight different towns and cities after her eight-date debut album Hey U X tour in late 2020 sold out.
Benee, born as Stella Rose Bennett, says: "I want to reach all audiences and I know that fans in smaller towns and cities don't often get the opportunity to experience concerts in their own backyards.
"I have done Auckland, Wellington, the big cities, now it is time to go deeper," she told Waikato News in an interview announcing the Aotearoa Tour.
She says she has chosen places where she hasn't been before.
"I always talked about doing a roadie. The Aotearoa Tour is my musical roadie."
The concert in Hamilton on August 28 is the grand finale of the Aotearoa Tour after Benee performs headline shows in New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Porirua, Invercargill, Nelson, Tauranga and Napier.
Benee just announced regional tour in August. Photo / Zara Mirkin
Due to Covid and the global travel restrictions, Benee's international tour was postponed.
"Covid put a big pause on everything. I had a tour planned for Europe and the UK, it is so gutting it got cancelled, but we do it next year - hopefully."
For her tour she is especially stoked about one thing: "I am looking forward to performing new songs no one has heard before."
With Hamilton being the final stop on her tour, it looks like she saved the best thing until last.
"I am super excited to come to Hamilton. I heard you have nice gardens which I really hope to be able to have a look at. Usually when I am on tour it is hotel, soundcheck, show, sleep, wake-up, breakfast and we are on the road - or the plane - again. I don't get to spend much time in the towns."
Being an international superstar, Benee has been to several countries all over the world. She says picking a favourite one is hard, but: "I really loved Berlin and the beautiful street art. I so want to go back sometime."
She has also been to the US and was even invited to perform on the Ellen DeGeneres Show on TV.
"When I got asked to perform I had a freakout, because I used to watch Ellen as I grew up. Being a part of it was so cool."
As soon as the pandemic is over and international travel is allowed again, she has planned to see some more of the world.
"I dream about going to Japan and Mexico, getting out in different countries."
Stella alias Benee spends a lot of time with her dog Tui when she is not on stage. Photo / Supplied
However: "I get pretty homesick when I'm on tour, so my favourite place of all time is my home Auckland and Piha Beach. That's where I spend a lot of time with my dog Tui."
When Benee is not singing, she writes songs - and sleeps. "I also go out with Tui a lot and I recently started Pilates."
Her regional Aotearoa Tour will be kicking off on August 6 in New Plymouth. The Hamilton concert takes place on Saturday, August 28 at Claudelands Arena.
Tickets are available for sale from 12pm, May 27 starting from $49.90 (excluding booking fees). VIP experiences will also be available, giving fans the chance to meet Benee pre-show, gain early access to the venue for a prime viewing spot, and receive an exclusive tour gift. VIP experience tickets start at $139.90 (excluding booking fees).
Vodafone customers will have the chance to secure tickets during a pre-sale starting at 10am Monday, May 24 until 10am Wednesday, May 26. Go to vodafone.co.nz/music for more information.
Live Nation and Ticketek NZ customers will have the chance to get early tickets during the pre-sale starting at 11am Wednesday, May 26 until 11am Thursday, May 27.
The Details What: Benee - the Aotearoa Tour When: August 6 until August 28 Where: New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Porirua, Invercargill, Nelson, Tauranga, Napier, Hamilton Tickets: from $49.90 at livenation.co.nz
