Tami Neilson: NZ Country musician on her Neon Cowgirl NZ tour, new album, NZ Music Award nominations

One of the most significant country music figures to emerge from New Zealand, Tami Neilson continues to grow on the world stage.  

Later this year she’ll be touring around the US with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, as well as a string of European dates – but unlike some other stars, she’s not leaving New Zealand out.  

Neilson is returning to our stages this October for her ‘Neon Cowgirl’ tour – performing five shows across the country.  

She’ll be performing songs from her new album of the same name, which releases in July. 

Although it's common for artists to labour over their work, often taking years to complete and release albums, Neilson told Mike Hosking that comparatively, she works quite quickly. 

“From the time I’m kind of laying down the music to when it comes out, it’s usually a year,” she said. 

“I usually write my albums and then track them within a week, so most of my albums are live off the floor.” 

The recordings listeners hear are full takes performed live by Neilson and her band, which she says adds a realness to the songs. 

“I think in this age of, you know, impending AI, the more we can lean into our humanity, you hope that comes through in the music and connects with other human hearts.” 

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