From Maungaturoto To The Main Stage - Erny Belle
Erny Belle returns to her roots, with a fresh sound and highly anticipated second album, ‘Not Your Cupid’, performing live at Leigh Sawmill Café on Saturday 8 March.
Ngāpuhi singer-songwriter Aimee Renata - better known as Erny Belle - has captivated audiences with her haunting yet heartfelt music. Since the independent release of her debut album ‘Venus is Home’ in 2022, she has carved out a unique space in Aotearoa’s music scene, blending alt-folk with poetic lyricism. We caught up with Erny Belle to talk about her journey.
Your debut album was recorded at your father’s home in Maungaturoto. How did that setting influence the music?
Recording at my father’s home studio made a lot of sense for the first album - first, because I had to use the resources available to me at the time, and second, because that’s where my heart lies in the album: in Maungaturoto. Recording in a home and an open shed next to State Highway 12 meant we were bound to get some background noise - trucks, the dog, Dad, a creaky piano. These sounds added texture, and you can’t authentically recreate that in a professional studio. It was meaningful to do it there. There was no room to be precious, and I think that’s what gives it a different feel to my sophomore album - in a good way.
How does ‘Not Your Cupid’ differ from your debut album?
I think sonically, the introduction of strings and sitar, along with the '60s pop inspiration for songs like 'Pitt Stop' and 'Stay Golden!', sets it apart. I feel like ‘Venus is Home’ was more narrative-driven, whereas ‘Not Your Cupid’ is like a degustation of my personality.
Tell us about some of the many accolades you’ve received in such a short timeframe.
‘Venus is Home’ was nominated for both the Taite Music Prize and Best Independent Debut Award in 2023. ‘Not Your Cupid’ was also nominated for the Taite Music Prize the following year and nominated for Album Of The Year at the Aōtearoa Music Awards in 2024!
What can audiences expect from your show at Leigh Sawmill Café?
This will be my first show north of Auckland since ‘Venus is Home’ came out, so it’s a nice homecoming before I dive into the next project. I’ll be joined by my wonderful band - Dave Khan, Tiare Kelly, Rewi Mclay, Navakatoa Tekela-Pule, and Jackson Hobbs. We’ll be playing songs from both albums - maybe even something new. It’s an Erny Belle party and you’re all invited!