Rising star Wiri Donna is as spiky as her mānuka namesake, with plenty she wants to say. Behind the on-stage alter ego is Wellington artist Bianca Bailey, whom we chatted to ahead of her nationwide tour, which kicks off in Christchurch.
Explain to us the difference between Wiri Donna and Bianca Bailey?
Hello! Bianca here, just your average music and creative arts enthusiast. I love making music, programming, producing events and funnily enough football! Wiri Donna on the other hand is my creative outlet, named after my time working in a plant centre – Wiri Donna is the botanical name for a Red Mānuka. I always believed this project for me was an opportunity for growth and play, a place for me to learn new things and discover new sounds, and work with some wonderful people along the way.
Which one will we see on stage in Christchurch?
A little bit of both! But mostly Wiri Donna for sure.
We’re loving the big rock sound of the new EP, ‘In My Chambers’ – it must have been a lot of fun to make?
I had the most joyful time making this record. I was having a conversation with producer James Goldsmith the other day about how it was almost a challenge to make at times because the headspace I was in while writing the songs was completely different to when we were recording them. I was always having so much fun with it and had to settle myself down a few times to almost put this angry persona on.
And such gifted collaborators as well – how was that process?
I love working with other people. It was something I really shied away from for a while. However, the people I work with these days I really trust. Everyone brings something unique to the project, whether it’s Harry, James or Elliott with the way they want to play the songs, James Goldsmith pushing us to record something differently or the powerhouse of creatives like Maeve O’Connell, Nina Smith, Courtney Ilton, Millicent Ghosh or Kelsi Stroud bringing together visual content, videos etc. We are really just a big team and it’s ever-expanding. We all love the music and just want to figure out the best way to share it.
Is there a dream collab out there for you?
I feel so lucky with the amazing collaborators I get to work with at the moment but if I was to dream big it would be a dream to do something with Fontaines D.C.
Judging from the lyrics, you’ve got some things you want to say. Is there a common theme?
Feminine Rage if I was going to keep it simple. I think I like to say so much in my music so I don’t have to carry around that rage and disappointment all the time.
Anything on the cards while you are in Christchurch? Any favourite haunts?
I believe the mini-golf is a top priority. We also enjoy heading to Riverside Market when we are in town.
What’s the favourite item in your wardrobe?
I think it’s got to be the red sleeves I wore in The Gold Visualiser (www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ljLacmXIR8). I got them from Bizarre Bizarre and they’re made by Hanan Sharifa.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Listening to Louisa Williamson’s ‘What Dreams May Come’ right in this moment, but also enjoying Fontaines D.C, Salt Water Criminals and Dale Kerrigan.
And finally, what’s the next project?
For Bianca – I’ll be focusing on CubaDupa as the festival director for the next few months and then return to writing Wiri Donna’s debut album next year.
Wiri Donna, Fri 15 Nov, Darkroom