Ōtautahi based, originally from Scotland, we say hello to Country/Pop singer/songwriter Karra Rhodes. Her debut single, Why Can’t I Love You Less, is out on Friday 1st March, which is my national day, St. David’s Day. Cymru am byth!

Interestingly, this track has been produced by world renowned studio maestro, and my pal, Greg Haver (of Manic Street Preachers, Opshop, The Simpsons Movie and more fame), who is also a Welshie like me. And it’s the Year of the Dragon. Hey, nobody said it’s not a big, red, grumpy dragon with four legs, a tail and whopping great red bat-like wings. Anyway – the omens are good for Karra Rhodes, is what I’m saying.

And so they should be. The lady is a great lyricist and storyteller. This one is about moving on and exorcising the ghosts of a previous relationship, highlighting the complexities of love and resilience. The vocal is delivered in a rich, immensely powerful soprano with that very genre-specific touch of vibrato synonymous with so many female performers in this field, giving Karra a somewhat Colby Caillat sound; yet actually our lady here has extra durability with an additional mezzo delivery that gives us some hardier chops. In fact, of you can imagine Colby‘s timbre with the lungs of the lady from the Dixie Chicks. That’s where I’m at with Karra‘s voice. Impressive indeed.

It’s a classic Country/Pop sound, with an intense, tuneful and slightly pleading vibe to the catchy melody. Very good choral notes blast the track through the roof, added to by the great instrumentation choices. The guitars are quality, courtesy of Neil Watson. Deep, given some effects, and allowed to roam to find some extra emotion, which the lead does. Fabulous organ work, which ramps up chorus-time, really gives it a rootsy, organic feel, bringing it across the pond and overland to Nashville – to Sterling Sound, in fact, where it was mastered.

I was wondering if the multi-talented Mr. Haver played the drums. I know he’s a professional drummer as well as one of the top producers in the game, so it was possible. And so I asked – and I was right! Greg on drums together with bass player Mark Hughes create a rhythm section that’s rich, fat and warm. Perfect for this specific mix. Overall a very full sound. A very complete sound, augmented by the ivory tinkling and the previously alluded to organ-work of pianist Stephen Small.

This is a very commercially savvy track, and it should do well here, across the ditch in Aussie, and of course in the USA. No doubt she’ll get plenty of air time over there. If you want to listen privately, this would work well on a road trip, or a commute (car or choo choo). It would go great live at a Country show, and the festival of your choice.

NZ has a sizeable, very supportive scene for this genre. Karra Rhodes is a name to mark down as one to watch, because – as you’ll find out on 1st March – she’s got what it takes. Very good track indeed.