"The last time I was in Europe would have been as an infant!'' Reid, who is currently touring Australia, said via email.
"I am beyond excited to be heading over there. It'll be the biggest thing I have embarked on musically to date. Now that it's just weeks away and our air tickets are bought, the excitement is bubbling furiously. It will be hard work though.''
Reid is touring behind Listen to Formation, Look For Signs, her debut album released internationally through Australia's Spunk Records at the end of 2015.
The album saw Reid garnering all kinds of praise from international music press outlets, Billboard even saying she is "saving folk music''.
The reception also taught her a lot.
"You need to be solid about your reason for making music,'' Reid replies after being asked what was the biggest lesson she's learnt since releasing the album.
"You need thick skin and [you] need to work very hard. You won't be everyone's cup of tea. Somebody somewhere is going to misunderstand your songs, or write a bad review about your album. And it doesn't matter. If you begin to get caught up in these things, it's game over.''
Reid has also just finished putting the final touches on a follow-up.
"We finished up album two a day before I flew out to Australia.
"I feel really good about this next stage. It's certainly a progression from the last record. More grit, kind of like ... Nadia Reid grows up a little. She's a little wiser.''
Joining Reid in Europe are Dunedin musicians Anthonie Tonnon, who she recently toured with, and guitarist Sam Taylor.
"Anthonie Tonnon is supporting a bunch of the European shows as well as officially tour-managing the whole thing! He is a genius of a man. I've known him a long time now, so I feel confident that we are going to be great touring companions. I will have my guitarist, Sam Taylor, with me too. Sam played on my record and plays a huge part in my sound.''
The Carey's Bay Hotel is a place special to Reid's heart.
"I'm so happy to be holding this show at the Carey's Bay Hotel,'' Reid said.
"I've worked here and I had my 18th birthday party there. The place holds a great significance.''
The Broken Heartbreakers and Abby Wolfe will also perform.
"The Heartbreakers and Abby totally blow me away. I am very lucky to be sharing this show with them. It will be a nice chance for people to ‘see me off' in a way. And I'll take any travel tips people have too!''
'SADDO GUITAR MUSIC'
Steven John Marr has made a name for himself playing sleek sinister electro music in six-piece trip-hoppers Doprah, but this week, he'll be alone on stage with his guitar for the first time in years.
Marr, who has recently relocated to Dunedin from Christchurch, gave himself a month to put together the rare solo set, and predicts it'll "probably [be] just lots of saddo guitar music, 'cause whatever''.
Support comes from the Shifting Sands' Michael McLeod, Perry Buoy and Invercargill's Joseph Boath.
The gigs
• Nadia Reid European Tour fundraiser with The Broken Heartbreakers and Abby Wolfe, Thursday, April 28, Carey's Bay Historic Hotel. Presales available from undertheradar.co.nz. Doors from 7.
• Steven John Marr (Doprah) with Michael McLeod, Perry Buoy and Joseph Boath, Friday, April 29, Mou Very, George St. Free entry from 9pm.
