Magazine Cover Staff Blog

Kiwi songbird Kimbra

Triple J magazine has recently undergone a facelift, and what better way to re-launch the publication then with their annual ‘sex’ issue. Not only has the magazine changed to a bi-monthly frequency but its also bigger in size with an array of new columnists including scientist Dr Karl.

New Zealand born singer/songwriter Kimbra graces the cover of the sex edition with her signature red lips and bouncy black hair. Known for her quirky jazzy chords the 22 yr old has made the list of Triple J’s 25 Most Seductive Voices in Music Right Now including Grimes Matt Corby, Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey and Lisa Mitchell.

Compared to musical icons Amy Winehouse and Bjork, her performance in the front yard of the Spotify House at SXSW earlier this year has showcased not only her seductive layered vocals but also her unique rendition of her debut single Settle Down.

As the singer switches between two microphones, to create harmonies, melodies and drum beats of the song, Triple J has definitely chosen New Zealand’s best kept secret to feature as one of the top 25 Most Seductive Voices in Music Right Now.

New Zealand magazine NEXT has also featured the singer on their August issue, coincidentally with the same red background providing a contrast to her blue laced dress and trademark bouncy black curls.

Unless you have been hiding under a rock , you would have heard of Kimbra’s collaboration with Australian artist Gotye on the number 1 single “Somebody that I used to know” which has topped the charts in over 30 countries.

“I was already a Gotye fan, so I was delighted when he asked me to sing on a track. He came to my house with a beaten-up old microphone to record my vocals on so it didn’t exactly feel like we were about to record a worldwide hit. It’s an antidote to all the artificial, modern pop out there.”

The guest spot on a global hit has opened up doors for the 22yr old as she prepares for her US tour which has already sold out in Los Angeles and New York. “America picked up on my music on the internet,” she says to NEXT. “They seem to be excited about what I’m doing, so it makes sense to give it a shot.”