Bic Runga Rules The Charts In NZ; New Album Set For Release In March 2006

SYDNEY, AU. (SONY BMG MUSIC Entertainment) - Bic Runga is set to release her stunning new album 'Birds' in Australia in March 2006. The album has already been a massive success in Bic's native New Zealand, where it debuted at No 1 and has been certified double-platinum after only one week in the charts!
Bic Runga's uniquely phrased pop songs and hauntingly beautiful melodies have earned her a special place in the pantheon of New Zealand song. Her third album 'Birds' debuted at No 1 on the New Zealand charts last week, marking her third consecutive No 1 album chart entry - the first being her debut album 'Drive' in 1996; the second being the sophomore follow-up 'Beautiful Collision' in 2002.

The first single to be lifted from 'Birds', 'Winning Arrow', has held the No 1 New Zealand airplay song position for a huge three weeks in a row!

'Birds' was recorded with an incredible ensemble of musicians including Neil Finn on piano/guitar, vocalists Anika Moa, Shayne Carter and Anna Coddington, Trinity Roots' Riki Gooch on drums, Conrad Standish on bass 'Boxcar Benny' Maitland and Pluto's Tim Arnold on guitars.

The album is a stunning progression for Bic and an incredible accomplishment. Since emerging at 19 years old with her debut single 'Drive', Bic has travelled a remarkable musical journey, taking her to the top of charts and winning enormous critical acclaim for her winsome, transfixing tunes. Her albums, Drive (1996) and Beautiful Collision (2002) have sold seven and eleven-times platinum respectively in New Zealand, making her the highest selling New Zealand artist ever.

Watch this space for all the latest on 'Birds' - there's even talk of Bic bringing her incredible live show to our shores around the time the album the album is released.