Bic Runga can’t suppress her laughter when she hears the chorus of her iconic song. “How’s that snare drum?” she exclaims, noting its resemblance to the 90s sound reminiscent of U2’s Zooropa era.
Nearly three decades after its initial release, Runga still holds a special fondness for her breakout hit. This pop classic gained significant popularity, featuring prominently in television shows like Dawson’s Creek and American Pie shortly after it was launched.
In recent times, the song has been revitalized through the successful remix “Sway My Way” by R3hab and Amy Shark, and a cover by beabadoobee for triple j’s Like A Version.
“I always perform that song, and I still enjoy it,” she shared with Double J’s Dylan Lewis regarding her first major success. “It’s like my little friend that’s charted its own course, and I owe a great deal to it.”
As Runga embarks on her Australian tour this week, fans can expect to hear that beloved track, but the primary focus will be her latest album, Red Sunset, which was released in February. “It’s been 15 years since my last proper album,” she noted, emphasizing the anticipation surrounding this new project.
Runga previously released Close Your Eyes in 2016, comprising ten covers of artists including Kanye West and The Beach Boys, alongside a few original tracks. However, creating a full album of original music presents a distinct challenge, especially after a lengthy hiatus.
Releasing the new album brings her a sense of relief. “There’s something inherently neurotic about spending so much time on a record. I’m over that now,” she admitted. “There were moments when I doubted whether I would ever produce new music again.”
To craft the album, Runga returned to Paris, where she had lived two decades prior. Along with her long-time partner Kody Nielson—who has been involved with bands like The Mint Chicks and Silicon—and their children, she turned the trip into a working holiday. “I brought my whole family, rented a house, and we took some recording equipment,” she explained. “I lived in Paris about 25 years ago and wanted my kids to experience it. They loved it, but this visit felt different—more intense and surreal given recent events like the flooding.”
This atmosphere inspired tracks such as “Paris In The Rain,” which features a polished late-70s electronic vibe. “I adore Giorgio Moroder and that glamorous disco era. Now that I’m a bit older, that’s what resonates with me,” she shared. The bass line, while sounding electronic, actually stems from a centuries-old piano found in their apartment.
Another standout from the album, “Ghost In Your Bed,” combines an energetic rhythm with a catchy melody reminiscent of 60s beat music. “The bass line has a strong punch,” Runga remarked, aiming for a sound that merges influences from “Paint It Black” and The Mamas and the Papas. “I frequently draw inspiration from 60s and 70s music.”
In this context, the titular ghost symbolizes a more psychological experience rather than a supernatural one. “The lyrics explore the idea of unsettling oneself in the middle of the night; the ghost is essentially your own unsettling thoughts,” Runga clarified.
This month marks Runga’s return to the Australian stage after a couple of years with performances in major cities, supported by Nielson’s band Silicon. The prospect of touring with a fresh album adds to her excitement. “Having more songs to incorporate into the live show is fantastic,” she enthused.
Once the tour concludes, Runga is eager to dive back into music creation, expressing optimism that it won’t take another 15 years for her next release. “I’m looking forward to another family trip to Paris, and I want to create more music. Once you get back into it, it can become quite addictive. I’m really excited about making more music,” she concluded.
Bic Runga’s tour kicks off in Melbourne on Thursday, April 9, followed by performances in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, and Fremantle.
Dylan Lewis can be heard on Double J Arvos weekdays from 3 PM on ABC Listen.
