Pene Kingsford
About Pene
In an era that seems to produce fly by night
pop songs, Pene Kingsford writes songs that are
enduring, compelling us to feel spirit, passion
and a sense of what is real in life.
This singer/ songwriter from Little River, New
Zealand is an Indie artist making waves on the
International music scene. Pene Kingsford's latest
album, "flowers and frolic" is
filled with catchy hooks, enchanting melodies,
lyrics that provoke thought, meaning and feeling
all wrapped up in a voice that is as pure as cryst al
clear water.
"The album reflects my passage through 2007",
explains Pene. "I had the time, space and
lots of intense emotional experiences that allowed
me to write a whole bunch of songs over two to
three months. The songs are largely interconnected
and provide a journal of my life during that time.
I was very clear about how I wanted each song
to sound in the overall breath of the album. I
was fortunate to work with some gifted musicians
- these include Karen Hunter from Auckland and
Iain Brandram-Adams from Canterbury".
Pene has been passionate about music
since her youth, and has studied with many and
varied teachers.
 Pene
Kingsford joined the Wellington Junior Choir under
the directorship of Ms Judith White. At aged ten,
Pene claimed the coveted 'Singer of the Year'
competition singing 'Where is Love' from
the hit musical, 'Oliver'.
Pene commenced classical singing, training
for a number of years with Ms Anne Albright in
Christchurch, New Zealand and Mr. and Mrs. McIntoch
in Melbourne, Victoria. This was supported by
Pene performing in several light operettas and
musicals throughout Australasia.
From here, Pene Kingsford's journey takes us
to a very accomplished and professional a capella
group, "the Vocalchords" who
performed at events and private functions throughout
New Zealand and indeed recorded for Radio New
Zealand.
Through her teen years, Pene Kingsford wrote
songs on guitar and recorded with various musicians.
The first band Pene played in was as a bass
guitar and backing vocals. From here, Pene quickly
became the lead vocalist of a well known Auckland
all female band, "Freudian Slips".
Freudian Slips produced two EPs which received
airtime on several New Zealand radio stations
as well as "Radio with Pictures"
television show.
 After
Freudian Slips disbanded, Pene Kingsford
went solo and established bands such as Echo Echo
playing around the North Island music scene.
Pene was also fortunate enough to receive a grant
from Radio New Zealand to record seven original
songs for a radio show Pene titled, 'To
This End'. This played on National Radio over
several weeks under the direction of the
late Bruce Dusky.
Pene Kingsford also spent three months working
under the directorship of the well known Ray Columbus
for a TVNZ performance workshop with eleven others.
This included musicianship, song, dance and choreography.
In the mid 1990's Pene Kingsford released her
first solo EP, 'Test of Time' through
Ode records. Since then, Pene Kingsford has released
a further EP of various covers such as 'Roxanne'
and 'Fly me to the Moon'.
Flowers and frolic, the latest album has
huge potential. Success has come through airplay
in Canada, Australia and the USA. The song 'Your
Own Life' is on the latest moozikoo.com
pop/adult contemporary compilation CD as well
as the Australian, 'Sounds like Cafe Compilation
Series Vol 20' due for release late February
- early March 2008.
The song, 'The tale of the blessed two' was a finalist in the American Lo-Budget Love Songs
Competition - the only finalist outside of the USA.
 "I
wanted to write an album that was diverse musically
so as to display my ability to write in various
genres. Some of the songs are clearly guitar based
songs and others keyboard. The album title song,
flowers and frolic, introduces smooth guitar
playing with vocal lines that gently turn
and fold, whereas Lily's synthesized sound introduces
a young emerging rapper.
The album was recorded with limited personal
funds in various lounge rooms of Auckland city
and the Canterbury Plains.
"We had heaps of fun on this project. I
love how musicians who are gifted in their own
right will readily help others out. It is
very heartening.
"I have asked a whole lot of people what
songs on the album they most like and everyone
has a different idea. I guess that just goes to
show that music has no boundaries. It resonates
differently for people.
"The momentum is certainly building for
me musically at present".
Pene is currently taking vocal coaching with the very gifted Mr Malcolm McNeill to which Pene feels blessed to have such guidance and mentorship.
Having written some six songs in the last six weeks and already recorded two of them, Pene is set to have an EP out by June 2008.
These latest tracks are all with Pene on guitar with minimalistic backing. The sound is sweet and fresh. So
Pene's focus is now clearly on singing, as well as
songwriting.
Pene Kingsford's voice is unique, delicate and
impactful.
|
