For many of us, moving house is a time when we need an abundance of hugs, pizza paid for by other people, and more hours in the ever-loving day. But it was while moving from one flat to another in Auckland that dream pop artist Amelia Murray, aka Fazerdaze, managed to self-produce her debut LP Morningside (out on Friday May 5th through cult New Zealand label Flying Nun). Yep, the young lady is all sorts of cool – a matter we were able to confirm, thanks to our little chat with her (just below). Oh, and if you’d like to get a dose of Amelia’s tunes, you need only meander over to her Bandcamp page – or scroll down to see her upcoming tour dates, huzzah!

What first inspired you to start making tunes? Definitely the underage music scene in Wellington. That really introduced me to the idea and possibility of playing in a band and writing my own songs. Also, being surrounded by friends at high school who were into music.

Where’s the best place to chill in New Zealand? My favourite place to relax is Plimmerton Beach, just near my mum’s place, north of Wellington. It’s where I grew up and there are lots of cute rock pools.

Who’s been your biggest supporter in your career so far? My partner Gareth, definitely. He’s the first to hear my new songs and also cooks me dinner when I arrive home from tour exhausted. Also, my manager Ashley and my three bandmates are all incredibly supportive and help me in so many ways.

What’s your secret songwriting recipe? I sometimes love to sing whatever comes to mind, tap into my subconscious and let words, sounds and whatever I’m feeling fall out. Then if I record it, I listen back and have a listen to see if there is anything good worth refining. It’s sort of like tapping into a dream state. From there on though it’s basically hard work!

What would you cook us if you has us round for dinner? I quite like making dishes where everyone can make and interact with the ingredients, like Mexican burritos or make-your-own pizza. It feels relaxed.

Describe your dream venue, please. I don’t really have a dream venue, but my dream gig would be on a rooftop on a warm night with nice people there, including my friends and family.

What’s your most precious possession? I’m not usually too precious with physical objects, but maybe my new guitar, because it took me so long to find – and I love it! I also really love my Casiotone keyboard. It’s practically a toy and it reminds me that music is fun.

What’s something most folks would be surprised to find out about you? Maybe that I like swimming and being underwater.

You’re playing some shows rather soon. What should we expect? We’re playing with some really cool bands! Our Melbourne show is with Tiny Little Houses, who I love, and our Sydney show is with Body Type, who I can’t wait to see. We’ll also be playing a bunch of new songs off the new album, plus I'll be selling my new Fazerdaze t-shirts and tote bags! I’m really looking forward to it.

Friday February 17th – The Gasometer, Melbourne (with Tiny Little Houses, Braille Face and Roger Shepherd on the turntables)
Saturday February 18th – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney (with Body Type)
Sunday February 19th – The Gov, Adelaide (supporting Explosions in the Sky)
Monday February 20th and Tuesday February 21st – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne (supporting Explosions in the Sky)
Friday February 24th – Cassette 9, Auckland (with Kane Strang and Girlboss)
Saturday February 25th – Caroline, Wellington (with Kane Strang and Girlboss)