• THE INDUCTEES - 2016

    BIC RUNGA

    Timeless classic like ‘Sway’, ‘Suddenly Strange’, ‘Something Good’, and ‘Get Some Sleep’ are among some of New Zealand’s most iconic tracks.

BIC RUNGA

When Bic Runga released her debut album Drive, she started a career that has gone from strength to strength.

Bic has received the most Tūī by an Aotearoa solo artist, counting 20 throughout her illustrious career – including Album of the Year for her debut Drive, and Best Female Vocalist on four separate occasions

She’s been involved in the music industry since 1994 winning the APRA Silver Scroll in 1996 for her song ‘Drive’, and has since released four critically acclaimed albums, a live album, one B-Side compilation, one Greatest Hits and brand new album Close Your Eyes will be out in November.

Her music has dominated our airways for years – and rightfully so.

Timeless classic like ‘Sway’, ‘Suddenly Strange’, ‘Something Good’, and ‘Listening for the Weather’ are among some of New Zealand’s most iconic tracks.

They’ve been used across film and television, and consistently rank as some of the top singles of any given year – not to mention selling out concerts, both here and overseas.

The international box office sensation ‘American Pie’ featured Bic Runga on two tracks of the soundtrack – ‘Sway’ and a duet with American folk rock singer Dan Wilson on ‘Good Morning Baby’ – and helped cement her as one of the country’s most successful artist.

Her contributions and services to music were recognised in 2006 when she was honoured with the New Zealand Order of Merit.

“Bic is one of our most loved and treasured recording artists, her songs are instantly recognisable and have been part of the fabric of New Zealand for more than 20 years. We’re honoured to induct her into the NZ Music Hall of Fame,” said trustee Damian Vaughan.

Bic’s debut album Drive was released in 1996, is certified 7-times platinum and features kiwi classics ‘Sway’ and ‘Suddenly Strange’. Her second album Beautiful Collision debuted at #1, was the Highest Selling Album in 2003 and is certified 11-times Platinum by Recorded Music NZ. The lead single ‘Get Some Sleep’ spent 24 weeks on the New Zealand Charts.

Bic’s third LP Birds was released in 2005 and garnered strong reviews, reaching platinum status by the end its first week of release. It also became her third #1 in the New Zealand Album Charts,

She worked with partner Kody Nielson (The Mint Chicks, Opossom, Silicon) on the follow-up album six years later, releasing Belle in 2011. The release was followed by two tours – 17 dates across Aotearoa, and 13 dates across Ireland, the United Kingdom and Australia.

A new album Close Your Eyes is on the way. Produced by both Bic and Kody, the record will be a collection of 12 new recordings featuring a selection of her favourite songs and two new original tracks.

Bic Runga is a sensational musician, a talented artist, and a national treasure.

Bic Runga induction by Dave Dobbyn, 17th November 2016.

Bic Runga performs ‘Sway’ backed by Kody Neilson, Tiny Ruins and Boh Runga.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING