Gin Wigmore - Holy Smoke -2010-. Jun 2026

Holy Smoke plays like a carnival—seedy, glittering, and dangerous. The album doesn't just play songs; it tells stories of cheats, lovers, losers, and survivors.

So, light a cigarette (figuratively), pour a glass of something strong, and let the carnival begin. Because once Gin Wigmore starts singing, you’ll happily pay the price of admission to her sweet hell.

Gin Wigmore, a New Zealand-born singer-songwriter, has been making waves in the music industry with her unique blend of soulful, bluesy, and folk-infused soundscapes. One of her most critically acclaimed albums is "Holy Smoke", released in 2010. This album marked a significant milestone in Wigmore's career, showcasing her raw talent, emotional depth, and lyrical complexity. Gin Wigmore - Holy Smoke -2010-.

A straightforward, foot-stomping rocker. This is the closest the album gets to a pure adrenaline rush. The message is simple: keep moving, don’t look back. It’s a live-show staple that allows the band to stretch out.

Gin Wigmore 's debut full-length album, , remains a definitive cornerstone of modern New Zealand music . Though it technically arrived in late 2009 in her home country, its 2010 global rollout —including a major U.S. release—cemented Wigmore as a soulful, raspy-voiced force on the international stage. Recording and Production: The Hollywood Sessions Holy Smoke plays like a carnival—seedy, glittering, and

Recording in Studio B—the same room used by Frank Sinatra—infused the record with a vintage, "golden era" feel that Wigmore described as the "happiest days" of her life. Musical Style and Genre

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Holy Smoke", the title track that showcases Wigmore's folk-infused sound. The song features a haunting melody, with Wigmore's vocals accompanied by a simple yet effective arrangement of acoustic guitar and harmonies. Lyrically, the track explores themes of spirituality and self-discovery, with Wigmore's words painting a vivid picture of a search for meaning and connection. Because once Gin Wigmore starts singing, you’ll happily

The emotional center of the album. Slowing the tempo down, Wigmore reveals a vulnerable underbelly. The strings swell, and her voice, usually a weapon, becomes a fragile instrument. "On my dying day, I will remember who I was / Before you took my heart and ran." It’s a classic torch song filtered through a 21st-century indie sensibility. It proves that Wigmore isn't just a novelty act; she can break your heart, too.

Gin Wigmore’s entry into music was forged in tragedy and defiance. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, her father’s death when she was 16 was a pivotal tragedy. She channeled her grief into songwriting, winning a prestigious international songwriting competition at just 18. By 2009, she had caught the attention of Universal Republic in the US, thanks largely to her viral, scene-stealing performance of "Under My Skin" on the Australian show Sunrise .

The album was produced by Mike Elizondo , known for his work with Eminem and Fiona Apple.