Wanaka’s own rising international star Jody Direen has dropped a new single and video amid the COVID-19 turmoil, describing it as “a deeply empowering song” with a global message.

Watch the video, which is filmed around Wanaka.

Jody wrote the single, ‘My Fire’, over two years, drawing inspiration from personal, national and global hardships.

The song describes transforming internal pain into confidence and courage, no matter the circumstance. For the time being, the lyric "you" is COVID-19, Jody said.

The Vodafone NZMA Tui Award winner said she believes music has the power to change an emotional state, and has an important role in times like this.

"It can't be good for our health to allow fearful feelings to overwhelm us," she said. 

For the past four years after releasing her first album ‘Breaks Out, as part of her signing with Australian record label ABC Music, Jody has been clocking up miles touring both New Zealand and Australia.

She has also secured accolades for her music and vocals, experiencing success early with her hits ‘Loud’, ‘Tattoo’, ‘Together’, ‘Dirt Rich, ‘Gimme the Beat’, and most recently ‘All Nighter’ (the first single to be released from her forthcoming album).

‘My Fire’ is the second single to be released off her fourth studio album, 'Smokin' Ashes', due out July 3, 2020. The album is produced by Stuart Stuart.

The song is available for download and streaming from midday today (Friday March 27) across all major digital platforms.  

PHOTO: Supplied