Flip Grater

Flip Grater

Flip Grater is the performing name of Clare Grater, a New Zealand singer-songwriter and author from Christchurch. Her work sits between indie-folk, alt-country, indie rock and the grittier edge of pop, with gliding vocals over picked and strummed guitars. Banjos, bass and a minimal drum kit often feature in the arrangements. Her music is associated with artists such as PJ Harvey, Cat Power and Suzanne Vega.

Career

Grater builds a catalogue that includes an EP and a series of albums. She releases the albums Cage For A Song and Be All And End All in 2006 and 2008 respectively, and later issues While I'm Awake I'm At War through Maiden Records. That record includes the single Careful, described as an alt-country track with a Fleetwood Mac feel.

Her song Long Awaited Sigh draws wider attention in 2007, when a track from it is selected for the US television series Brothers and Sisters. She also tours extensively, including two trips to Austin for SXSW and a touring history across about 11 countries.

Writing and other work

Alongside music, Grater publishes The Cookbook Tour in 2007, a performance and travel journal combined with a recipe book. It reflects her experiences on the road and leads to interest in the idea beyond New Zealand. She later publishes The Cookbook Tour Europe, based on a two-month tour through seven European countries.

Live work

Her live band includes Dianne Swann of The Bads, Geoff Maddock, formerly of Goldenhorse, and Chris O'Connor, who plays with Don McGlashan and The Seven Sisters.