Dublin
born NINA HYNES swapped her studies in Trinity College for
a more reclusive existence in a weather-torn corner of Donegal
in Northern Ireland. It was there where she learned to play
guitar and developed her voice.
She then moved to France where she tested out her new-found
talents by busking on the streets of Paris. After being offered
recording opportunities and management, she decided to move
back home for a reality check and to further perfect her passion.
She found a perfect outlet in the form of the singer/songwriter
night at 'The International' in Dublin. She ended up playing
alongside the likes of Christy Moore, Luka Bloom, Glen Hansard
of The Frames, Mundy and Sony recording artist Paddy Casey.
After gaining a sizeable fan base and crafting some of the
songs that would eventually end up on her debut release, she
was picked up by local independent record label Reverb Records.
Reverb immediately put NINA and her band into the studio to
help finish recording her debut-in-progress 'CREATION.'
Once released, it garnered amazing reviews from all corners.
"Like a vivid dream you're not sure was a nightmare
or a lovely fantasy, it's an unshakable beautiful release"
Amazon.com
"Brooding off-kilter pop. Her haunting feedback drenched
productions could add atmosphere to a DMV waiting room"
Seattle Weekly
"The last amazing find of 2000. A hauntingly powerful
voice" HITS Magazine
"Hypnotic, Sexy, Eerie, Lush, Haunting" Rockpile
"It has been very organic," says NINA. "Our
music has really spread through word of mouth. The critics
have been very kind too, so that has really helped. It feels
like a domino effect... every single gig, every single radio
and T.V. performance makes a difference, even if it's only
a few people who get introduced to the music."
Up until recently, 'CREATION' had only been available in
Ireland. In America it was only available as an import and
through Amazon.com, who voted it Number 44 in their TOP 100
RELEASES OF THE YEAR - it topped releases by Sparklehorse,
Pavement, Stereolab, Underworld and Tindersticks.
'CREATION' finally got the full North American release it
deserved late in 2000, where college radio immediately put
it into the CMJ Radio Charts. To capitalize on this, NINA
ventured out on a full U.S. tour in April 2001, which spanned
the length/ breadth of the country; her enchanting electro-
alternative sound in tow. The tour was immensely successful;
Large turnouts at performances & in- store appearances,
extensive press coverage and strong radio support (commercial
radio even started to pay attention).
NINA made such an impression that she was invited back to
play several Summer festivals including Seattle's Bumbershoot
Festival, Portland's Bite Festival and the CMJ Music Conference.
This coincided with another U.S. tour in August/ Sept 2001.
Back in her native Dublin, NINA regularly gets asked to support
acts as far ranging as Stereolab, Cat Power and David Gray.
She was recently invited to play as special guest to Roxy
Music at The Point Theater in Dublin for their first appearance
together in 18 years. While she seems to be eternally busy
recording and playing live, she has some how found time to
collaborate with several other interesting acts.
Two of her songs were included on an album by German Cellist
Wolfram Hushcke released on BMG Classics (the album also features
Marianne Faithful and Mimi Goese). She also collaborated on
a yet to be released album with French avant-garde producer
Hector Zazou and toured Europe performing with Zazou and composer
Harold Budd.
In
between a few live dates around Ireland, NINA HYNES is currently
putting the finishing touches on 'STAROS,' her first album
proper. It is reported to have over 11 musicians as guests,
including members of successful Irish band The Frames. There
are also reports of some very interesting and well-known collaborators
participating in a re-mix of the album. 'STAROS' won't actually
see daylight until early 2002, so most people will have to
be satisfied with 'CREATION', which is available now in all
good record stores in both Ireland and America. It is also
available world-wide as an import, through Amazon.com and
through this official Reverb Records website. In the meantime
watch for more live tour dates.
Website: http://ninahynes.com
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