A New Chapter for Kira Puru
Kira Puru, a Melbourne-based Māori singer-songwriter, has always been known for their unique blend of 00s nostalgia and soul-baring lyrics. Their last single, “All My Boyfriends,” released in 2023 after a year-long hiatus, was a testament to their growth over the past decade. The track, with its irresistible hook and heartfelt lyrics, showcased everything that made Puru a standout in the music industry. Career highlights include a number-one hit on the triple j chart, a Hottest 100 spot, and collaborations with notable artists like Paul Kelly.
From the outside, it seemed as though things were looking up post-pandemic. However, Puru took a step back from music and live performances, choosing instead to explore other creative avenues such as photography, graphic design, and creative direction. This year marks a return to the spotlight, but not in the way fans might have expected.
Puru has joined forces with some of Australia’s biggest stars in two comedy series. First, they appeared in the dark comedy crime mystery “Deadloch,” followed by a role in the new arts industry satire “Bad Company.” In “Bad Company,” Puru plays Kat, the first point of contact at a theatre on the brink of collapse. The show follows Kat, Margie (played by Anne Edmonds), and the rest of the Argyle Theatre crew as they navigate the challenges of working with a new chief executive, Julia (played by Kitty Flanagan).
Puru’s performance in “Bad Company” is understated yet expertly crafted, making it hard to believe this is only their second acting gig. The transition from music to acting has been an unexpected but rewarding journey for Puru.
The Shift from Music to Acting
Puru has always had a theatrical side, which they attribute to their early experiences in acting during their teenage years. Although they took a long break from acting, they found that the skills gained from music videos and live performances translated well into acting. Making music videos involved a lot of performance, and there was often an element of acting in singing on stage.
The opportunity to act came unexpectedly. Puru received an audition request for “Deadloch” through their connection with the creators, Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney. They had even tweeted at them before deleting their Twitter account, which they humorously referred to as a form of manifestation.
The audition process was nerve-wracking, especially since Puru had never done a self-tape before. However, they felt that missing out on the opportunity would have been a regret. The experience on set was humbling, but Puru felt lucky to be involved and appreciated the kindness and patience of everyone on set.
Another opportunity came when Puru auditioned for “Bad Company,” despite being nervous about in-person auditions. Although they didn’t get the part they initially auditioned for, their tape was passed along to the casting agent, leading to their role in “Bad Company.”
Navigating the Transition
Puru’s decision to pivot from music to acting wasn’t planned, but it happened around the time of the pandemic. The lockdowns made it difficult to perform live, and coming back after the restrictions, their career didn’t return to what it once was. They left their label and manager, feeling burnt out and needing a break.
Since then, Puru has focused on creating art for the joy of it rather than for career accolades or financial gain. They have started playing shows again in the last six months, which they describe as a refreshing experience.
While Puru is currently enjoying new experiences and exploring different creative outlets, they are also working on new music. They mentioned that there is new music being made, along with fun projects with friends. However, they are waiting for the right sign from the universe before releasing anything new.
Insights from the Set
Working on “Bad Company” provided Puru with valuable insights into different approaches to acting. Eddo, a comedian they admire, brought a sense of fearlessness and unpredictability to the set, while Kitty Flanagan offered a more prepared and intentional approach. These contrasting styles helped Puru understand the range of possibilities in acting.
Puru also shared some amusing behind-the-scenes moments, including a scene where Eddo rubbed their fringe against their forehead. An intimacy coordinator was involved to ensure comfort, and Puru was happy to go along with it as long as no hair was pulled out.
When asked about their preference between the characters Margie and Julia, Puru admitted they could see themselves in both roles, depending on the day. They also joked about the importance of tote bags, acknowledging their environmental impact while also recognizing their practicality.
Looking Ahead
As Puru continues to explore new creative opportunities, they remain open to the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether it’s acting, music, or other artistic endeavors, they are focused on the joy of creation rather than external validation.
For now, Puru is enjoying the journey and taking things one day at a time. With new projects in the works and a growing list of experiences, they are embracing the unknown with curiosity and excitement.
