Patrice Pike (photo: Brian Chilson) Patrice Pike's appearances on rocking reality TV show ‘Rockstar Supernova' last year left the band ‘Supernova' stunned. Her talent took her almost all the way to a spot in their line-up, but host Dave Navarro ultimately advised Patrice to ‘go solo', and now her new album ‘Unraveling' is getting critical acclaim. Patrice will be in New Zealand very soon – and the first to experience her live in concert will be her many lesbian admirers, in the special ‘women's night' organised by ‘Flirt' girl Sarah Lambourne. The musician says her lesbian fans here will be sure to hear music and lyrics they'll relate to. “I've been a big advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans rights for the last ten years of my life, so they'll be supporting an artist who absolutely supports their lifestyle and freedom,” she tells us. Patrice is fortunate to have had a great experience from a reality TV show – many contestants on similar shows are ‘chewed up and spat out'. She was well aware the twists and turns of the contest could have ruined her musical career. “My goal was to go into the show and push the envelope of how far I could go. To be sincere and not get sucked up into the drama and bullshit. My game was to be there – the whole two months – to play as much as I could. And I got to play more than anyone else because I was always in the bottom 3!” she laughs. Music runs in the family, says Patrice. “My father was in a rock band, and growing up I listened to Stevie Wonder every day. And then with my stepfather, I listened to Crème, Blind Faith, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin – with guitar being the feature. So I've got a weird combination of the writing of the words and then there's the musical journey of how to make rock music – to make it have a real sincerity”. Talking of her influences, Patrice regards Joni Mitchell is the epitome of singing and song writing talent. “She's also an amazing jazz singer – she's fearless, brutally honest in her poetry, in her lyrics. But I equally love Bjork – because I really believe her, I believe what she's saying, even when she's sarcastic – she uses it as a tool”. So far, Patrice has appeared in concert all over the United States, Canada, and much of Western Europe, but the gorgeous rocker says it's been her “lifelong dream” to come to New Zealand. “If I had to choose, I would choose New Zealand first. I've always had the idea that I would love New Zealand, and I've made a couple of friends over the years that are from there. So it's because of relationships that I'm coming to New Zealand, and that's how my musical career has developed, just making friends and community.” She just wishes she could spend more time here – her performance schedule is tight. “I wanted to go surfing, but it doesn't look like I'll get to, because there's a big festival where I live in Austin right after all of our shows there in New Zealand. So I have to get back to Austin. But I'll be sure to come back, so no worries”. We hope so - see you soon Patrice! PATRICE PIKE'S TOUR DATES: Thursday 1st March: FLIRT night for girls @ Bacio, K Rd, Auckland (tickets at Women's Bookshop - be quick, selling out fast) Friday 2nd March: King's Arms, Auckland (book Ticketek) Saturday 3rd March: Masonic Tavern, Devonport (book at venue) Tuesday 6th March: San Francisco Bath House, Wellington (book Ticketek) Wednesday 7th March: Bar Mode, Palmerston North (book Ticketek) Friday 9th March: The Empire, Auckland (book Ticketek) (Photo: Brian Chilson) Matt Akersten - 25th February 2007