"I’m expecting a wonderful night with friends I haven't met yet," says singer-songwriter Paul McLaney, ahead of this Friday's show at the Grainstore Gallery.

McLaney has plenty of reasons to be positive. Over the course of more than 20 years he's compiled an impressive body of work, from experimental electronica to folk whimsy via Te Reo versions of Shakespeare's sonnets and the adventurous post-prog stylings of his long-running band Gramsci.

He's also worked with a stellar array of collaborators, including Fly My Pretties, Anika Moa, Graeme Downes, Breaks Co-op, Julia Deans, SJD, Rhian Sheehan, Module, Victoria Kelly and Jakob.

New album As The North Attracts The Needle takes another turn, finding McLaney breaking out the acoustic guitar on a collection of songs inspired by the likes of John Martyn, Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens and Bert Jansch.  

“I had just completed what will be the next Gramsci album, which is a very ambitious and sophisticated record,” McLaney says. 

“Then subsequently, without any design or plan I found myself completing a bunch of solo acoustic songs, getting away from computers altogether and only allowing myself an acoustic guitar, a pen and a notepad.

“As The North Attracts The Needle is, for me, a return to my original musical calling and infatuation with acoustic music.”

It's the kind of music that tends to work beautifully at the Grainstore, with host Donna Demente's unique collection of art and ephemera providing a setting that's as inspirational to performers as it is atmospheric for the audience.

“This is my first time playing at The Grainstore and I’m very much looking forward to it,” says McLaney. “I’ve been friends with Donna for many years, so would usually pop in when I was touring a lot. For me it’s the embodiment of a fierce individual creativity and a hub for the wider creative community.”

McLaney's Grainstore show will be divided into two halves. The first will feature songs plucked from his back catalogue, with an emphasis on 2006's EDIN album – described by the NZ Herald as containing “many a swooning ballad of gorgeous tune and reflective lyric” – and the following year's Diamond Side, as well as songs by Gramsci and by another solo project, The Impending Adorations. The second set will be a complete performance of As The North Attracts The Needle, before he rounds off the evening with a few favourites.

Tickets for Paul McLaney are available from Under The Radar.

Patrons wishing to extend their evening will be delighted to learn that the Penguin Club, located mere metres from the Grainstore, is hosting a jam night on Friday.   

“I've only fond memories of my shows at The Penguin Club both as a soloist and with Gramsci,” says McLaney, before going on to single out Ōamaruvians for praise. 

“Good people,” he says. “It will be good to be back.”