Tami Neilson has today released her new single “I Never Cared for You”, which is accompanied by a very unique music video indeed.
Neilson and her team created an innovative VR clip for her latest song, filmed at close collaborator Willie Nelson‘s studio.
In the music video, which is premiering below (click on the image to go to the landing page), viewers are invited to walk into the heart of Nelson’s studio, and given a 360° view of each room at the complex. But don’t worry that you’ll miss out if you don’t have virtual reality glasses at hand: anyone can view the video by simply scrolling on it with their fingers.
For Neilson, there was only one of her songs she wanted to pair with this VR clip.
“‘I Never Cared for You”‘ is one of my all-time favourites of Willie’s,” the country star shares. “After becoming friends with [Nelson’s wife] Annie and Willie and being welcome into ‘The Tribe’ (as Annie calls it!), I learned that it is her favourite song of his and her performs it in every show for her.”
That’s why Neilson decided to open her new album “in honour of Annie.”
“This one is extra special, as we did some digging around in the back room and found Sister Bobbie’s old Yamaha CP80 covered in dust and packed away in pieces,” Neilson continues.
“After some tinkering by Steve Chadie, Willie’s long-time in-house engineer, we managed to get it working and it is featured on this song, played by Craig Harris. (Who was only there to film, but got roped into playing on the album when we realised he played keys!)”
In addition to premiering her new single today, Neilson has also announced her new album, Neilson Sings Nelson, a collection of covers of the country music legend. Set for release on September 6th, the album was recorded at Pedernales, Nelson’s studio in Texas.
Neilson Sings Nelson her acclaimed 2022 album Kingmaker, which spawned her duet with Nelson “Beyond the Stars”, winner of the 2023 APRA Best Country Music Song Award and nominee for Best Single last year’s Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards.
Following the release of Neilson Sings Nelson, she’ll hit the road for three special Aotearoa shows in honour of her close friend Nelson.
On the short but sweet ‘Neilson Sings Nelson’ tour, Neilson will perform her favourite songs from Nelson’s extensive and beloved catalogue, including timeless hits such “Always on My Mind”, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”, and, of course, “I Never Cared for You”.
At each show, Neilson will also perform a selection of her own songs, as well as share stories of what it’s like to work alongside one of country music’s very best musicians.
The ‘Neilson Sings Nelson’ tour heads to Wellington Opera House on October 11th, Auckland Town Hall on October 18th, and Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal on October 19th (see full details below).
Here’s what Nelson himself has to say about Neilson: “Neilson sings the hell out of Nelson. Tami’s the real deal and does my songs a great honour.”
Tami Neilson ‘Neilson Sings Nelson’ Tour
Tickets available via tamineilson.com
October 11th
Opera House, Wellington
October 18th
Town Hall, Auckland
October 19th
Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
