STAN WALKER |
Stan Walker is an Australian/New Zealand recording artist, actor, and television personality. In 2009, Walker was the winner of the seventh and last season of Australian Idol. He subsequently signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia. In December 2009, Walker released his debut studio album, Introducing Stan Walker, which included the hit single, "Black Box".
The album debuted at number three on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). It also appeared on the New Zealand Albums Chart at number two and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ). |
In 2010, Walker released his second studio album, From the Inside Out, which spawned the hit singles, "Unbroken" and "Choose You". The album debuted at number one on the New Zealand Albums Chart and number two on the ARIA Albums Chart. In November 2011, Walker released his third studio album, Let the Music Play, which debuted at number 18 on the ARIA Albums Chart and number 12 in New Zealand, and spawned the hit single "Loud". During his career, Walker has won five New Zealand Music Awards and has received five ARIA Music Award nominations. Walker was a judge on the first and second season of The X Factor NZ in 2013 and 2015. He made his acting debut in the New Zealand film, Mt Zion (2013), and played the role of Benjy in the 2015 New Zealand film, Born to Dance.
In January 2018, fans of Walker expressed concern for his health after gaunt photos appeared on social media. In March it was announced Walker had his stomach removed in September 2017 after discovering he inherited a rare cancer-causing gene mutation called CDH1 that has been responsible for the deaths of more than 25 of his family members. Walker said “The past nine months have been a life changing journey full of ups & downs to say the least, [but] all I’m gonna say is that I’m blessed to be alive and well.” A feature length documentary titled "Stan" was released in March 2018.
On 26 March 2018, Walker released a 6-track self-titled EP. Upon its release, Walker said “This EP has songs I've written 11 years ago, 5 years ago, 3 years ago & now. All these songs were written in break even times in my life. On 7 December 2018, Walker released "Gimme Your Love" alongside the video which features a fly on-the-wall insight into Stan's National 2018 tour.
In January 2018, fans of Walker expressed concern for his health after gaunt photos appeared on social media. In March it was announced Walker had his stomach removed in September 2017 after discovering he inherited a rare cancer-causing gene mutation called CDH1 that has been responsible for the deaths of more than 25 of his family members. Walker said “The past nine months have been a life changing journey full of ups & downs to say the least, [but] all I’m gonna say is that I’m blessed to be alive and well.” A feature length documentary titled "Stan" was released in March 2018.
On 26 March 2018, Walker released a 6-track self-titled EP. Upon its release, Walker said “This EP has songs I've written 11 years ago, 5 years ago, 3 years ago & now. All these songs were written in break even times in my life. On 7 December 2018, Walker released "Gimme Your Love" alongside the video which features a fly on-the-wall insight into Stan's National 2018 tour.
HAMO DELL |
Hamo is a graduate of the southern institute of technology graduating in 2014 with a performing arts degree in voice. While there she helped form a band called people of the land and became popular locally. She also sung with a girl trio called Lipstick led by Shannon Cooper-Garland which performed throughout the South Island.
There in 2014 she auditioned for Tomorrow People and has been singing with them ever since nationally and internationally. Hamo is also a strong Kapa Haka performer and has competed at national competition and toured internationally. |
JACKSON OWENS |
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To say that Jackson Owens started young is a severe understatement. His first trip overseas as a musician came when he was just 12 years old when he qualified for the New Zealand team that traveled to the 2010 World Championships of Performing Arts held in Los Angeles, California (he received a gold medal, two silvers, and a plaque for winning the under-16 vocal category). This wasn’t even his first experience in front of a large crowd – the year before, he’d opened for Stan Walker in Rotorua (and the pair have continued to perform together over the years).
“Music has a huge influence on my family,” he says. “[We] all enjoy singing or playing instruments. My sister and I started singing from a young age and were always encouraged to perform wherever we could.” |
After the competition in LA, he returned to New Zealand, but he was eager to keep pushing his singing forward so began posting videos of himself doing cover versions on YouTube. This led to him being contacted by US music industry stalwart Tim Coons, who is best known for his production work with Backstreet Boys, but he also played a key role in the early careers of NSYNC and JoJo. In 2014, aged just 16, Owens headed with his father Bobby to Florida, where he was placed in a boy band with Christian Wossilek and Eben Franckewitz, a former American Idol competitor.
The trio, Far Young, performed across the US, made music videos, and did interviews on television and radio, but never quite managed the break they needed (despite tens of thousands of YouTube views and many miles travelled). Still, Owens had such passionate fans that they started an online campaign to keep him in the US when his original visa ran out. In the end, Owens was happy enough to go it alone when Far Young fell short of pop stardom. “Having a solo career has always been my goal,” he says. “But I’m fortunate to have had some very exciting opportunities come my way from being in the band, plus had a lot of good experiences and I have made some great friendships and relationships. I’m really excited about the future.”
Owens went back to the approach that gave him his break in the first place – posting cover songs to YouTube, most notably a down-to-earth duet with American Idol winner Jessica Sanchez (the pair’s version of ‘Georgia On My Mind’ is now nearing half a million views). This year, he has taken this approach to a new level by recording a set of covers in a professional studio with first-rate musicians like New Zealand piano virtuoso Jacob Nansen.
“I choose the songs I sing just based on what mood I’m in or what songs I’m feeling at the time,” he says. “I grew up singing along to the old school artists like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Stevie Wonder. I really enjoy singing songs that show that side of me. I have had the pleasure of working with a lot of talented musicians.”
The trio, Far Young, performed across the US, made music videos, and did interviews on television and radio, but never quite managed the break they needed (despite tens of thousands of YouTube views and many miles travelled). Still, Owens had such passionate fans that they started an online campaign to keep him in the US when his original visa ran out. In the end, Owens was happy enough to go it alone when Far Young fell short of pop stardom. “Having a solo career has always been my goal,” he says. “But I’m fortunate to have had some very exciting opportunities come my way from being in the band, plus had a lot of good experiences and I have made some great friendships and relationships. I’m really excited about the future.”
Owens went back to the approach that gave him his break in the first place – posting cover songs to YouTube, most notably a down-to-earth duet with American Idol winner Jessica Sanchez (the pair’s version of ‘Georgia On My Mind’ is now nearing half a million views). This year, he has taken this approach to a new level by recording a set of covers in a professional studio with first-rate musicians like New Zealand piano virtuoso Jacob Nansen.
“I choose the songs I sing just based on what mood I’m in or what songs I’m feeling at the time,” he says. “I grew up singing along to the old school artists like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Stevie Wonder. I really enjoy singing songs that show that side of me. I have had the pleasure of working with a lot of talented musicians.”
MISSY LANCASTER |
Missy Lancaster is an Australian singer-songwriter performing artist and rising star on the country scene. Missy’s debut album ‘Piece Of Me’ reached #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Artist Charts, #1 on iTunes Country Album Chart and #2 on the ARIA Country Chart.
Missy’s singles ‘Forget’ and ‘Heatwave’ reached #1 on the CMC Charts and #2 on Radio Airplay Charts, with ‘Heatwave’ reaching over 2.7 million global streams. Missy has performed at leading festivals including CMC Rocks QLD, Rockin’ Rocky Festival in Rockhampton, Tamworth Country Music, Gympie Muster and many more! |
Missy opened for Golden Guitar winner Travis Collins at his sold out show and was a celebrity guest judge on Channel 7’s new series “All Together Now”. Missy received two nominations in the 2019 Country Music Awards for Contemporary Album of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. Missy is currently performing ‘Piece Of Me’ around the east coast of Australia and writing new music.
ISAIAH FIREBRACE |
With a population of just over 5000 people, Moama is hardly the kind of place you expect to find a superstar... well, no one told Isaiah that.
In the past two years, the talented teen has transformed from a small town singer with big dreams, to one of Australia’s most successful artists. Along the way he’s won The X Factor, was signed to Sony Music, released a debut single that charted all over the world notching up over 140 million international streams, he supported the incredible Jessica Mauboy on her Australian tour and represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 finishing in the top 10 and was viewed by over 250 Million People. All that at just 17 years of age. |
After winning The X Factor in 2016, Isaiah buckled down and released his debut album,anchored by lead single, ‘It’s Gotta Be You.’ The song quickly found an international audience, with ‘It’s Gotta Be You’ now racking up more than 130 million streams, going double platinum in Sweden, gold in Norway and Australia. There’s no denying that Isaiah is on fire.
The milestones keep adding up for Isaiah, who recently made his mark in Los Angeles as part of the star studded G’Day LA event in Hollywood. Among the audience impressed by his performance of the Australian national Anthem were industry heavyweights including Vance Joy, Paul Hogan, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and John Travolta. “Those moments are surreal for me,” says Isaiah. “I’m just this guy from Moama! Isaiah has just been invited back to G’day USA in LA in early 2018 to sing again in front of a star studded guest list!
Isaiah recently opened the largest boxing match ever staged in Australia between Pacquiao and Jeff Horn. Isaiah sang the national anthem broadcast by Fox Sports, and was viewed by over 500 Million people. Isaiah’s music is now being serviced to radio across America, a new single is due out imminently and he is currently recording his debut album due out in the first half of 2018.
The milestones keep adding up for Isaiah, who recently made his mark in Los Angeles as part of the star studded G’Day LA event in Hollywood. Among the audience impressed by his performance of the Australian national Anthem were industry heavyweights including Vance Joy, Paul Hogan, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and John Travolta. “Those moments are surreal for me,” says Isaiah. “I’m just this guy from Moama! Isaiah has just been invited back to G’day USA in LA in early 2018 to sing again in front of a star studded guest list!
Isaiah recently opened the largest boxing match ever staged in Australia between Pacquiao and Jeff Horn. Isaiah sang the national anthem broadcast by Fox Sports, and was viewed by over 500 Million people. Isaiah’s music is now being serviced to radio across America, a new single is due out imminently and he is currently recording his debut album due out in the first half of 2018.
SAMANTHA JADE |
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Samantha Jade has come a long way since taking out Australia’s 2012 X Factor.
Not only does Australia’s sweetheart have an ARIA award under her belt, Samantha went on to amass a collective 81 million streams, sell over 2.3 million sales worldwide and accumulate a stack of #1 chart positions with hits like ‘What You’ve Done To Me’, ‘Firestarter’, 'Soldier’ and ‘Always’. Shortly after X Factor, Samantha’s self-titled debut album charted #3 on the ARIA Albums Chart and went certified Gold, with her hit single ‘What You’ve Done to Me’ debuted #1 on the ARIA Singles Chart and went certified triple platinum. |
In 2013, after earning herself “Best Video” ARIA Award for ‘Firestarter’, Samantha captured Australia’s attention and imagination starring as Kylie Minogue in the mini-series INXS: Never Tear Us Apart, for which she scored a Logie nomination.
In 2015, with a jam packed year ahead, Samantha served as support for One Direction’s Australian leg of their On The Road Again tour, had a guest starring role in the iconic Australian TV series Home & Away and released her long awaited album NINE, which topped #2 on the ARIA album charts. An album of beauty and complexity, NINE featured hit tracks like ‘Always’ and ‘Shake That’ featuring international rapper Pitbull. Samantha made her way back to Australian screens with a guest role in House Of Bond and her on going appearance in Home & Away. In 2017, Samantha undertook her debut UK tour where she was invited to perform with Brian McFadden (Westlife) and Keith Duffy (Boyzone) across a series of European dates. Samantha also launched her debut cosmetic collection with Models Prefer in Australia, the line so successful it’s third range is due later this year.
Having returned back to Australia, Samantha headlined Sydney’s iconic Mardi Gras festival and dropped her highly-anticipated third album, Best Of My Love, a soaring homage to the disco divas of the '70s. Best Of My Love features brand new original material from Samantha Jade, including future classics “Roller Skates” and “Let Me Love You”. The disco throwback “Let Me Love You” was written by renowned DNA songs and inspired by Australia’s recent Marriage Equality Campaign. At the end of 2018, Samantha released ‘The Magic of Christmas’ a covers album filled with festive favourites. Samantha is currently in the studio writing new music.
In 2015, with a jam packed year ahead, Samantha served as support for One Direction’s Australian leg of their On The Road Again tour, had a guest starring role in the iconic Australian TV series Home & Away and released her long awaited album NINE, which topped #2 on the ARIA album charts. An album of beauty and complexity, NINE featured hit tracks like ‘Always’ and ‘Shake That’ featuring international rapper Pitbull. Samantha made her way back to Australian screens with a guest role in House Of Bond and her on going appearance in Home & Away. In 2017, Samantha undertook her debut UK tour where she was invited to perform with Brian McFadden (Westlife) and Keith Duffy (Boyzone) across a series of European dates. Samantha also launched her debut cosmetic collection with Models Prefer in Australia, the line so successful it’s third range is due later this year.
Having returned back to Australia, Samantha headlined Sydney’s iconic Mardi Gras festival and dropped her highly-anticipated third album, Best Of My Love, a soaring homage to the disco divas of the '70s. Best Of My Love features brand new original material from Samantha Jade, including future classics “Roller Skates” and “Let Me Love You”. The disco throwback “Let Me Love You” was written by renowned DNA songs and inspired by Australia’s recent Marriage Equality Campaign. At the end of 2018, Samantha released ‘The Magic of Christmas’ a covers album filled with festive favourites. Samantha is currently in the studio writing new music.
RUSS WALKER |
Even before he was born, Russ Walker was filled with the gift of music. It’s part of his very DNA. Music was the life blood for this family, and Russ grew up with the sounds of Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Prince and many other Soul and Motown performers, who continue to influence his repertoire.
A popular contestant on the 2017 season of The Voice, Russ’s remarkable vocal talents delight and soothe the most tortured of souls – be it crooning a ballad, or funking up some serious R’n’B. He doesn’t just sing, though – Russ is equally happy as master of the rhythm on drums, or conquering the strings – be it six or four – on guitar. He frequently combines his talents at regular gigs around Brisbane. |
One of the founders of Brisbane’s famous Tuesday night R‘n’B Jam, Russ has jammed with the likes of Brian Frasier-Moore and the entire horn section from Robbie Williams’ band when they toured here. He was also part of the opening act for Beyonce’s Australian tour, and was proud to have sung the New Zealand national anthem at the 2015 ANZAC Test at Suncorp Stadium.
Russ is a hit at corporate events and is often requested to return time and again. Weddings and private events are also a favourite for Russ and he’s sure to get the vibe exactly right – be it ambient music or party time.
One of the founders of Brisbane’s famous Tuesday night R‘n’B Jam, Russ has jammed with the likes of Brian Frasier-Moore and the entire horn section from Robbie Williams’ band when they toured here. He was also part of the opening act for Beyonce’s Australian tour, and was proud to have sung the New Zealand national anthem at the 2015 ANZAC Test at Suncorp Stadium.
Russ is a hit at corporate events and is often requested to return time and again. Weddings and private events are also a favourite for Russ and he’s sure to get the vibe exactly right – be it ambient music or party time.
Russ is a hit at corporate events and is often requested to return time and again. Weddings and private events are also a favourite for Russ and he’s sure to get the vibe exactly right – be it ambient music or party time.
One of the founders of Brisbane’s famous Tuesday night R‘n’B Jam, Russ has jammed with the likes of Brian Frasier-Moore and the entire horn section from Robbie Williams’ band when they toured here. He was also part of the opening act for Beyonce’s Australian tour, and was proud to have sung the New Zealand national anthem at the 2015 ANZAC Test at Suncorp Stadium.
Russ is a hit at corporate events and is often requested to return time and again. Weddings and private events are also a favourite for Russ and he’s sure to get the vibe exactly right – be it ambient music or party time.
JESS & MATT |
Sydney’s mesmerising duo Jess + Matt (Jessica Dunbar and Matthew Price) have released their stunning forthcoming album Songs From The Village via Sony Music Entertainment Australia.
Recorded in Nashville and NYC the album is an earnest collection of iconic songs that heralded the folk revolution, honouring celebrated artists such as Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and more, through captivating and delightful renditions. Songs From The Village treasures simplistic melodies and expressive storytelling, gorgeously propelled and angelically lifted by Jess + Matt’s warm tones and rich harmonies. |
The pair harness a rare musical ability to transcend time, resonating a nostalgic presence through song. The album includes tracks ‘The House Of the Rising Sun’ featuring Rick Price and ‘The Sound Of Silence’ featuring Chris Isaak. The duo first captured the hearts of audiences across Australia when they took to the prime time stage on the X Factor Australia 2015. Their captivating sound, unique arrangements and infectious chemistry on and off the stage took them all the way to the grand final landing them a major record deal with Sony Music Australia. Soon after signing their record deal the duo scored an ARIA No.1 Australia Debut Album and a Gold Certified Record cementing their place in the Australian Music Industry.
Recently, Jess + Matt were selected by Destination NSW to write a new song for Sydney, which they titled ‘Sydney To Me’. Receiving huge critical acclaim both within Australia and internationally, ‘Sydney To Me’ is already establishing itself as a hallmark of modern Australia. Not only are Jess + Matt destination NSW ambassadors, the duo have made appearances on America’s highest rating drama ‘The Bold & The Beautiful’, Australia’s award-winning ‘Love Child’ and have grabbed the attention from some of the music’s biggest legends including Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) and Chris Isaak.
“Jess & Matt remind me of Lindsey and I. They sing so well together, they can play anything and are so well
grounded. The world needs this great duo!” Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac
“Jess & Matt really impressed me straight away, to the point where I’m now learning things from them.” Chris Isaak
Recently, Jess + Matt were selected by Destination NSW to write a new song for Sydney, which they titled ‘Sydney To Me’. Receiving huge critical acclaim both within Australia and internationally, ‘Sydney To Me’ is already establishing itself as a hallmark of modern Australia. Not only are Jess + Matt destination NSW ambassadors, the duo have made appearances on America’s highest rating drama ‘The Bold & The Beautiful’, Australia’s award-winning ‘Love Child’ and have grabbed the attention from some of the music’s biggest legends including Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) and Chris Isaak.
“Jess & Matt remind me of Lindsey and I. They sing so well together, they can play anything and are so well
grounded. The world needs this great duo!” Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac
“Jess & Matt really impressed me straight away, to the point where I’m now learning things from them.” Chris Isaak
JUSTICE CREW |
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Since stealing the spotlight way back in 2010, taking out Australia’s Got Talent, Justice Crew have never looked back.
In the years that followed, John Pearce, Lukas Bellesini, Paul Merciadez, Lenny Pearce, Solo Tohi and Samson Smith transformed into Australia’s most exciting pop group, racking up number one singles, touring the country and writing with some of the hottest names in music. Who would have known that a brash bunch of B-Boys have sold an excess of 2 million units in Australia, streamed globally over 49 million times and nominated for 8 ARIA music awards. |
In 2012 Justice Crew released their #1 ARIA single ‘Boom Boom’ and backed it up with two more ARIA Top 10 hits in ‘Everybody’ and ‘Best Night’. In 2014, they did it all over again with the anthemic ‘Que Sera’, breaking the Australian Chart history being the first Australian act since 1983 to take on nine weeks atop the charts. Not only have the multi-platinum selling artists sold out to 8 headlined tours across the country, they’ve supported international big leagues Chris Brown, Janet Jackson, One Direction, Kesha and Pitbull.
Recently, Justice Crew featured in the global TV Show ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’. Justice Crew performed for Heidi Clum, Melb B, Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell. Returning to Sydney Justice Crew found their desire to make new music, writing a new smash ‘So Long’. ‘So Long’ is another brilliant step forward. The track is a dark, sinewy dance record with flavours of urban and electronica and is the sound of summer 2019. Critics are hailing it as a brave evolution on the Justice Crew sound.
“It’s the sound of a party in a parallel universe ...it’s pop but not as you know it... we want to make something that was harmonic and discordant in the same moment. Listen and you will understand” says Paulie. In 2019, Justice Crew like always, have hit the ground running and with the pace they’ve set, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next!
Recently, Justice Crew featured in the global TV Show ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’. Justice Crew performed for Heidi Clum, Melb B, Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell. Returning to Sydney Justice Crew found their desire to make new music, writing a new smash ‘So Long’. ‘So Long’ is another brilliant step forward. The track is a dark, sinewy dance record with flavours of urban and electronica and is the sound of summer 2019. Critics are hailing it as a brave evolution on the Justice Crew sound.
“It’s the sound of a party in a parallel universe ...it’s pop but not as you know it... we want to make something that was harmonic and discordant in the same moment. Listen and you will understand” says Paulie. In 2019, Justice Crew like always, have hit the ground running and with the pace they’ve set, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next!
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