Gin Wigmore has announced her forth studio album, Beautiful Mess, marking her first full-length release in eight years.
Set for release in July, the record was largely created during a week of recording in the Palm Springs desert in the US alongside longtime collaborators Dave Goodison and Steven Padin.
The record draws from the highs and lows of Wigmore’s past decade, touching on love, divorce, motherhood, loss, and personal growth.
“I’m proud that I still let courage sit in the driver’s seat,” Wigmore says.
“The courage to be me, the courage to raise my kids in a really authentic and transparent way, the courage to make music with vulnerability, the courage to try shit, the courage to let it pass me by when it no longer nourishes, the courage to be a good friend and show up.
“I’m really proud that I haven’t let courage disappear. Not only have I not left it, I’ve let it drive. Courage is underrated — especially for how much of a necessary ingredient it is to embrace life to its fullest potential.”
The acclaimed Aotearoa artist also shared the album’s title track this week, following earlier single “Country Diamond”. Listen below.
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Wigmore split her new album into two sides.
The “Beautiful” half leans into country and Americana influences inspired by artists such as Lucinda Williams, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, while the “Mess” side moves in a louder direction, built around heavier rock songs and more chaotic energy. Together, the two sides explore softness and grit without separating one from the other.
After first breaking through in the late 2000s, Wigmore went on to become one of New Zealand’s most recognisable music exports.
Across her career, she has released multi-platinum albums, won six New Zealand Music Awards, and built a global audience through songs featured in shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Orange Is the New Black, and Teen Wolf.
Gin Wigmore’s “Beautiful Mess” (title track) is out now. Beautiful Mess (album) is out July 17th via Universal Music (pre-save/pre-order here).
