His influences are many and varied - from Neil Finn to Neil Young and a whole bunch of soul, pop, rock 'n' roll and country artists including Wilco and Lucinda Williams.
"I don't limit myself to one particular genre because you can miss out on a lot of good music by doing that."
Stretch's music has been described as ranging from dark-hearted ballads to roof-raising choruses.
A group of seasoned musicians including Wayne Bell joined Stretch to record his 2017 album Bury All Horses and Bell also produced the album of 10 songs which was widely acclaimed and made the New Zealand Album Charts top 10.
Taking his music on the road, playing venues big and small, the last thing he expected was to find a classically trained cellist willing to tour with him.
"Paula came up to me at a gig and said she would like to accompany me and I was doubtful at first.
"She is used to having sheet music on a stand so it seemed a rather unlikely combination but it's worked out better than either of us could have imagined."
Audiences reckon it works too and reviews have described their performances as "jaw-dropping" and "enthralling".
Stretch also has a day job as an events co-ordinator with the Museum Theatre Gallery Hawkes Bay in Napier and says he is excited about playing at the Sarjeant.
"I have heard that the acoustics in there are absolutely brilliant," he says.
The Sarjeant Gallery's relationships officer Jaki Arthur said the concert will coincide with the first day of the 2019 pattillo Whanganui Arts Review.
"Stretch and Paula will be surrounded by the newly opened exhibition of Whanganui artists' work.
"It will be a great opportunity to see and hear new things at the same time."
Chasing Summer Tour: Stretch with Paula Sugden, Sarjeant Gallery, 37 Taupo Quay, Sunday, March 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets $20, door sales $25. Purchase from the Sarjeant or by phoning 06 349 0506 or from eventfinda.co.nz.
