Ben Harper's NZ residency 'on hold'

Self-confessed Kiwiphile Ben Harper is heading back to New Zealand on tour, but as he tells Tracey Bond, his application for residency is on hold.

It's no secret that Ben Harper is a big fan of New Zealand.

He loves everything about it, from the culture - he has extensive Maori tattoos across his body - to the beaches and surf, and is excited about his tour in November to support Pearl Jam.

"I'm greatly looking forward to it, and it's the end of the tour and it's always easiest to stay put at the end of the tour."

Previously the singer-songwriter has toyed with the idea of moving here permanently but he said that's no longer on the agenda.

"The last thing New Zealand needs is one more American of recognisable note, taking up residency there," he told Stuff.co.nz.

Harper will tour Auckland and Christchurch with Relentless7.

The band formed in 2008 and released their blues-rock album White Lies for Dark Times in May this year.

Tracks like Faithfully Remain and Skin Thin lend themselves to the stadium sound, but Harper said fans could  expect a mix of old and new songs when he tours New Zealand.

"It'll be focused around the new record, because it's a new band but we will try to mix it up a little bit."

Harper said the process of developing chemistry with his new bandmates was made easier by the presence of good friend Jason Mozersy, who plays guitar.

"I've had great friends in the different bands I've been in, but that did give it a certain air of familiarity, being such good friends with Jason, that enabled us to move forward that much quicker." Harper said.

"I think that familiarity added to the creative writing process as well. There was a trust that didn't have to be learned, a trust that didn't have to be forged."

Harper has released a total of 11 albums - not including his live releases - and said he still refuses to compromise when it comes to his work.

"The song's not done until I'm confident and comfortable it can't go any further. I've never rushed to finish a song."

Married to actress Laura Dern with four children, two from a previous marriage, Harper said he has now found a balance between his home life and his extensive touring.

"I've got older kids in school depending on me and counting on me, it's just not a choice anymore, so I have to schedule according to my life's new reality."

If that reality includes a move to New Zealand in the future, Harper is remaining enigmatic.

"It's certainly a free world and we should all be citizens of the planet."

Pearl Jam, Ben Harper and Liam Finn
November 27: Mt Smart, Auckland
November 29: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

- © Fairfax NZ News