ABOUT MUSIC ARTIST HEATHER FRAHN
Heather Frahn is a sound artist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and composer. Her work has inspired many, and as an artist has several different branches to her all mighty tree, of what she calls "Conscious Creations".
Click on the links below to find out more about Heather.
SINGER/SONGWRITER | HEATHER'S TRIO | WE ARE ONE ALBUM | HEATHER'S MOTIVATION | TOUR HISTORY | SUPPORTS | FESTIVAL APPEARANCES | AWARDS | HEATHER'S SOUND DESIGN | COMMUNITY CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT | WORKSHOPS | MEDIA QUOTES
SINGER/SONGWRITER: ^TOP^
Multi award winning artist Heather Frahn travels to Europe and the UK for another international solo tour in October 2008. Heather owns one of Australia 's finest voices, and has performed and written songs for over half her life, starting at the age of just 14.
National and international touring artist Heather Frahn, fuels her music with a vibrant young woman's passion and delivers with a deep, dynamic voice that is undeniably her own. Her earthy music resonates with audiences combining her powerful voice with uplifting grooves and positive lyrics. Musically she draws on blues, funk, roots and new folk creating her own sound best described as “roots based funky groove with positive life lyrics”.
She delivers with a unique combination of instruments. She has been sponsored by Adelaide's Salvi's Fine Guitars with a custom made “8 stringed hybrid baritone guitar – bass” also played as a lap slide guitar. She also performs with Irish bouzouki, stomp box and foot percussion. Heather holds great skill as a live performer, with a rare ability to sing difficult and dynamic vocal lines while simultaneously playing solid and uplifting grooves.
Heather Frahn with Salvi's 8 stringed hyrbid gauitar-bass
(photo by Vassi @ digital earth)
HEATHER FRAHN TRIO: ^TOP^
Joining Heather on stage forming the Heather Frahn Trio are two outstanding musicians; Ryan Maguire (harmonica) and Daniel Seymour (drums). From receiving a standing ovation at the 2007 Australian Blues Music Festival for their debut performances, Heather's trio has fast become a stand out on the roots music scene. They've busily toured Australia 's regional and major cities through SA, VIC, NSW, ACT and TAS since early 2007. Together they funk up rootsy grooves delivering an energetic, interactive and innovative live show. Their new cd "synergy" produced by David Briggs (of Little River Band fame!) has received national airplay on Triple J radio on the 'Roots'n'All' show and on the 'Homebrew' program Nova FM
More information about the Trio visit this link www.heatherfrahn.com/trio.htm
or visit myspace: www.myspace.com/heatherfrahntrio
Heather Frahn Trio: Ryan Maquire (harmonicas), Heather (vocals, guitars) & Daniel Seymour (drums, percussion)
(photo by Kim Shillington)
'WE ARE ONE' ALBUM (2006): ^TOP^
Heather's album “We Are One” was feature album of the week on community radio stations and received critical acclaim from the tough critics . "We Are One" was produced by Richard Pleasance (Kate Ceberano /Jimmy Little / Deborah Conway). Vocally her album is a tour de force due to Heathers' ability to beautifully phrase lyrics, that a lesser vocalist would stumble over. Blessed with rich, powerful vocals, more than just a singer, Heather is a passionate, expressive song stylist.
HEATHER'S MOTIVATION: ^TOP^
Heather's lyrics reflect humanity and life. Her conscious and personal lyrics express lessons learned and explore questions asked about humanitarian, philosophical, social, spiritual & political issues . It's easy to see why Heather's lyrical motivations have been compared to the likes of Michael Franti, Tracy Chapman, Bob Dylan and India Arie. She creates music based upon a universal oneness and unity for all people. Heather's lyrical intent is to spread peace, hope, positivity and self empowerment through spiritual growth with life's challenges. Her human and musical honesty continues to resonate and connect with people across the world.
Join the Conscious Music Movement Network here
TOUR HISTORY: AUSTRALIA/INTERNATIONAL ^TOP^
Touring since 1999 with her trio and as a solo act, incorporating Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra regional VIC, NSW and SA. In December 2006 Heather had a successful tour internationally to Belgium in Europe performing in respected music clubs, folk clubs and cultural centers. In October 2008 Heather will return to Belgium for a solo tour with well known European artist NEEKA, they will perform in sought after Cultural Centre venues. In 2007 Heather toured Australia with her trio to NSW, VIC, TAS, ACT and SA. In the last three years Heather has been performing in reputable Australian music venues and events such as: The Sound Lounge (Gold Coast QLD), The Harp (SYD), The Cornish Arms (VIC), The Metro (Unsigned & Unplugged SYD), The Palais (VIC), The Retreat (Melb), Manchester Lane (Club Acoustica VIC), The Exchange Hotel (Songwriters Live SYD), East Brunswick Hotel (supporting Monique Brumby VIC) & The Clifton Hill Hotel (blues'n'roots showcase VIC). Plus Australian Music Festivals and Events including Australian Blues Music Festival 2007, WOMADelaide, Melbourne Brunswick Music Festival, Folk Rhythm & Life Festival & Folk Alliance Australia Convention. Many supports including: Deborah Conway, Renee Geyer, John Butler, Hirst & Greene and Luka Bloom.
Live in Belgium at Leopoldsburg Cultural Centre
SUPPORTS: ^TOP^
Supports: Lior, Luka Bloom, Renee Geyer, John Butler, Deborah Conway, Fruit, Karma County, Andy White, George, Natasha Atlas, Hirst & Greene, Monique Brumby, Jodi Martin, Sally Dastey (and more)
Heather supporting artist 'Lior' at The Gov (photo by Steve Jones)
FESTIVAL APPEARANCES: ^TOP^
Australian Blues Music Festival NSW 2007, Sunday Palm Peace Festival 2007, YHA Peace Festival SA, Mount Beauty Music Muster VIC. 2005, Brunswick Music Festival VIC. 2005, Earthbeat Festival NSW. 2005, Aldinga Folk Festival SA.2005, Unsigned & Unplugged TV Showcase 2005, Folk Alliance Australia Convention 2004, Club Acoustica Melbourne 2004, Songwriters Live Sydney 2004, Folk Rhythm and Life Festival VIC. 2004, WOMADelaide, Adelaide FRINGE Festival, Melbourne FRINGE Festival, Victor Harbour Folk Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, noise Festival Triple J Radio, Brighton Jetty Festival, Girl Lit Room, Winter Solstice Festival, Music Business Adelaide Showcase, Venus Rising Festival, Show Us Your Riffs, Off the Couch
Heather at the Palm Sunday Peace Festival (photo by Tony Nabs)
AWARDS: ^TOP^
• 2005/06 Young Citizen of the Year Award
• 2006 Short listed in APRA Professional Development Awards
• 2005 SAMI Awards Most Outstanding Instrumentalist
• 2004 SAMI Awards Most Outstanding Female Vocalist Award, Most Outstanding Female Solo Artist Award
• 2003 SAMI Awards Most Outstanding Album Artwork Award, Most Outstanding Album Release Nomination
• 2003 dB Magazine Reader Awards Best Live Music Event (Producer) The Feast Of Female Voice, Best Female Solo Artist Nomination
• 2000 SAMI Awards Most Outstanding Female Vocalist Award
• Winner of the SCALA Festival Song writing Competition 1997
1996 SAMI Awards Most Outstanding Female Vocalist Award Nomination
Heather won a Young Citizen of the Year Award 2006 (photo with the 3 other citizen's of the year)
HEATHER'S SOUND DESIGN : THEATRE/DANCE COMPANIES: ^TOP^
From the age of 15 Heather has also performed and composed original music for South Australia 's finest professional theatre companies. This work helped develop Heather's love for Community Cultural Development projects, bringing her heart opening ethic into her creations involving different mediums including radio, film, dance, theatre and sound installation. As a sound artist Heather has worked as Musical Director, Composer & Performer for professional companies since 1995. Her work with many productions has taken her extensively throughout Australia, with some seasons featuring at the Adelaide Festival Centre, Melbourne’s Victorian Arts Centre & Sydney’s Opera House stages. Heather has worked with and composed for some of South Australia’s finest theatre companies such as Patch Theatre Company, Restless Dance Company, Carclew Youth Arts Centre, Tutti Ensemble Choir, Urban Myth Theatre, Slack Taxi Theatre, Budgie Lung Theatre, Riverland Youth Theatre and Vitalstatistix National Theatre for Women.
COMMUNITY CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT: ^TOP^
One of Heather's finest achievements for her CCD work was on Australia Day 2006 when Heather was recognised for her outstanding work with music in the community by winning a Young Citizen of the Year Award. Heather has worked with people of all ages from infants to the elderly. Heather's creative projects have embraced people from different cultural backgrounds including African migrants, disadvantaged youth, young indigenous women, young mothers, gays and lesbians, mentoring emerging artists, leading community choirs, kids with cancer and people with mental health problems and physical and mental disabilities. She has worked with Community Cultural Development organisations, youth centres, health centres and arts centres bringing the experience of music to the broad community.
Chix with Drums
WORKSHOPS: ^TOP^
Her songwriting skills have been loved around the world, and have been the focus for songwriting and recording workshops in Adelaide with community groups. She has the ability and openness to work with all sorts of people with a holistic and professional approach to song writing and creativity. This combination of attributes produces results which have brought positive outcomes in skill development, community connections, and healing to the people Heather has worked with.
Heather is part of the Percussion House Team, made up of local musicians with expertise in performance, facilitating workshops and embracing a community cultural development ethic. The Percussion House plays host to a variety of rhythmic traditions. African rhythms are taught using traditional drums; djembe, dun-dun, kpanlogo as well as small hand percussion instruments, shakers and claves. Latin rhythms are taught using traditional conga drums.
Heather has worked with and composed for community choirs including the "Tutti Holdfast Choir" & "Born on Mondays" (Port Adelaide Community Choir). She has taught singing workshops in several different communities in Adelaide and regional South Australia. Heather teaches people how to harmonise and sing as part of a group in an A-Capella style, in a safe and friendly environment. She explores the ‘spirit of music' and shows what can make singing special for your body and mind.
MEDIA & INDUSTRY QUOTES: ^TOP^
“The 'Meshell Ndegeocello' and 'Red Hot Chilli Peppers' of folk music!... and a James Brown on acoustic guitar!" Richard Pleasance, Producer
“This socially engaged Australian lady Heather Frahn has a very beautiful voice that can handle many different styles of singing… a comparison pops up with living legend Joan Armatrading because of the specific way of singing and the obvious determined guitar playing” Rootstime Magazine, Belgium
“The Heather Frahn Trio are charming, engaging, talented and charismatic. It has been a real pleasure working with such mature, accommodating and professional musicians. The appreciation of our patrons for this unique act was clear and evident by the standing ovation.” Jenny Falconer, Coordinator, Australian Blues Music Festival
"Her sound is foot tapping, layered and infectious"... "Heather is a particularly talented musician singing with a sea of emotion who is gifted with awesome vocal presence" Cheap Thrills Street Magazine, Melbourne
“Wonderful music. Must say that Heather Frahn has become a favorite. Not exactly blues, but that girl has something really worth listening to, both her voice and lyrics." Blue Note Radio , Norway
"Heather is a bundle of creative and performing energy”...“contemporary style, all performed with energy and conviction" ... "A young singer/songwriter to look out for." National Folk Alliance Newsletter
"Powerful...passionate...her music jumps out at you" Australian Music Community Online
"hands down one of the most talented musicians I know... acoustic groove pumps through her veins like a life blood whilst her voice will seduce or flatten you in the one sitting...its time the broader world copped an earful of Heather Frahn " Susie Keynes (FRUIT)
Heather Frahn Music is Proudly Sponsored by Salvi's Fine Guitars
