Fueled by humility, integrity and a raw clarity of vision, Kerryn Fields paints enduring musical portraits that detail the color and feeling of everything that makes us human. Drawing comparisons with the likes of timeless creators, Cat Stevens, Townes Van Zandt, Joan Baez, Neil Young, and more, Fields’ trademark warmth of character – evident in both life and music – fuels a creative offering that’s equal parts captivating, refined and heartrendingly insightful.
It’s for good reason too, because life is something this artist has lived. Fields grew up in Te Kūiti, NZ, a farming community in which both her family and others work hard to make ends meet. With Mum on guitar and Dad fueling an obsession with radio, cassettes and vinyl LPs by all of music’s greats, there was a life lesson in every song of Fields’ childhood. With one hand on guitar and the other firmly upon heart, music moved Fields through a time when chronic illness, family separations and the weight of life changes presented this artist with her biggest challenges yet. It would be her relocation to Melbourne during which Fields would settle into her most significant relationship to date: that with her newfound network of fellow career singers, songwriters and performers. Life as she’d known it would change forever.
Newstead Live Music Festival’s Troubadour Artist of the Year (2019), winner of the MLT Songwriting Award (NZ Country Music Awards 2019) and New Zealand’s Best New Broadcaster (at age 19), Kerryn Fields has released a range of celebrated records including debut LP, Rascal (2015) and award-winning, critically acclaimed single, Mamma (2019).
With an alto reminiscent of Amythyst Kiah, Fields’s brand of folk and country is plainspoken and beautiful. Nothing is wasted in her compositions. In our interview, Fields tells us about what she misses about touring, her natural inspirations, and where she finds joy in Americana.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Tracy Chapman, Alanis Morissette and Jewel were my earliest influences in terms of emotive song writing and vocal delivery. I’m drawn to songwriters who can express pain vulnerably and powerfully. My parents raised me on 60s and 70s folk & country, that raw sound of a band in a room, real instruments catching one another in the pocket and a great story up front. That keeps me coming back for more.
Explain the title of your album.
Water is a record of beautiful, circular processes. We recorded the album under a full moon, overlooking the ocean. Everything about this record was done with intention to connect to the elements and the stories I’m telling. I wanted to detail the colour and feeling of everything that keeps us alive.
What have you missed about touring?
Playing shows to incredible people, performing with my band, playing festivals with artists and friends I love, seeing new places, show after show of connection and profound joy. It’s going to be especially great when we get back on the road! I have a new album to bring with me and the reunion shows are going to be epic.
Where are some places you’ve found joy within the country/Americana world?
Being a part of a global community of artists who inspire me, from seeing Brandi Carlile dominate the Grammys to hearing Amythyst Kiah for the first time, it’s been an incredible few years of feeling like there’s finally a light shining our way.
Recent release you cannot stop listening to?
Liz Stringer’s new record “First Time Really Feeling”. It’s terrifyingly good.