I am impressed when music matters, when spirits
are lifted, when songs move me to think about my life differently. I am inspired
by Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa and my mother. I love the little things in
life – tripping out on a good book, feeling the sand between my toes, dancing
in the dark. I’ve been lost. I’ve been praised. I’ve been in love. I’ve
felt insecure. I’ve felt hurt. I’ve felt like conquering the world with
ease. I’ve been precocious. I’ve been forgiving. I’ve been impulsive. I
know without a doubt I was born to sing and create music that emotionally
connects. I was born to explain the way I see the world and the experiences
I’ve had in it through singing and songwriting. I’ve seen many countries.
I’ve grown in different ways. I want to show people that change is possible. I
need people to see how it’s possible to make a difference in their little
corner of the universe. Wherever that may be.
I have been singing since I was 11 for various
theatre companies, drama clubs, and pop and country duos. I have studied vocal
techniques under renowned singers Suzanne Ward (Australian Opera Company), and
Vicki Paulin (The Ernie Sigley Show). I wrote my very first song when I was 12.
It was called "Slick Chick" and I performed it at a lunchtime concert
at school. Not one of my finest moments …
During my childhood, I acted in many stage
productions including The Sound Of Music, Cinderella, and Tell
It To My Heart - a musical I directed and wrote. At 15 I won a national
poetry competition. In 1994 I joined the original rock/blues group Fire
Escape, with a large performance schedule around Australia. I was the lead
vocalist and songwriter. There were performances at coffee-shops, youth
concerts, churches, high schools all over the country.
And as part of duos and cover bands I have
performed at countless dances, clubs, festivals, celebrations, bars,
restaurants, weddings and even a prison!
In early 2000, I released my debut full-length
album Make Me An Angel. The album featured 13 songs and was produced by
renowned music veteran Chris Wilson. It featured musicians from well-known
Australian acts such as The Black Sorrows.
In May 2000, I embarked on a 3-month trip of
Europe and America. I performed in Nashville and Memphis. Nashville was truly
amazing. The moment I saw guys in cowboy hats selling little cactus plants at
the airport – I knew this was no Melbourne airport …
In June 2000, I was a finalist in the Australian
national television show "The Dream Factory" and was featured on the
Nine Television Network’s website ninemsn.com.au.
In December 2000, I was a finalist in the
Australian talent show "Planet Heaven".
In July 2001 I was nominated for The Golden Saddle Award. This is particularly
exciting as I was voted for by music industry people."
I returned home with a trophy for being
a 2001 Grand Finalist winner – one of only 3 out of the nation. Being voted
for my music industry people was encouraging. And performing at the Galston
Country Music Festival in front of huge crowds was a sensational experience.
I have just
been advised that I am a finalist in the country music section in the $80,000
MusOz Challenge.
And my
nomination for the 2001 Rising Star Award at the Independent Country Music
Awards is a wonderful thing!
In
September 2001, my song “Without letting Go” won a place in the Tamworth
Songwriters’ Assoc 2001 Vicsong contest.
In
September 2001, my song “Million Dollar You” was given a Commended Award in
the SCALA (Songwriters, Composers & Lyricts Assoc) Songwriting Contest. This
was among entries from all over the world including the USA.
Life is
frantic at the moment but exciting as I sort out material for the next
recording.
Renowed 3AW Radio personality
Ernie Sigley has told his listeners to remember my name and that I'll go far ...
I hope he's right!
In February 2001, I was nominated
for Best Female Vocalist in the Australian Victorian Country Music Awards.
In January 2001, Australian music critic and guru
Molly Meldrum chose me as his Unsigned Artist Of The Month. I was featured on
www.mp3.com.au. Granted, he’s not country (except for that hat..), but his
status in the music industry sparked lots of attention.
Nashville introduced me to a love of contemporary
country music with artists such as Deana Carter, Sherrie Austin, Sara Evans,
Martina McBride, and Trisha Yearwood providing inspiration. I have always loved
the honest and clever way country music speaks to the heart. Country music never
pretends. It always speaks to the human soul. And that is what we’re all here
for.
