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The most exciting artist I've heard in forever......

 

Late last year, I got gussied up on a rainy night and took myself off to a glamorous magazine event. It was Madison’s Frock & Roll party at the Ivy’s rooftop restaurant, Ucello and it was to celebrate the feature commissioned by editor (and v.close friend) Paula Joye where a bunch of fashion designers were asked to re-create an iconic music image for the magazine.
The entertainment for the evening (a sit-down dinner for about 60 people) was several live performances. Axel Whitehead (cuter in person and beautiful voice), Brian McFadden (naughty sense of humour), George lead singer – the beautiful Katie Noonan. All famous powerhouses with many a hit record amongst them.
There was one other performer. A girl I’d never heard of. I think she was about 20, she looked 15 and she didn’t even have a record label. Her name was Ashleigh Mannix and she blew everyone away.
When she got up on the tiny, makeshift stage in bare feet, long blonde hair everywhere, a guitar strapped over one shoulder and long, hippe-ish clothes, I worried for her. Playing at a party like that is notoriously awkward because people are rude and they talk instead of listening. It’s almost impossible to control an industry crowd intent on drinking free alcohol, especially when they haven’t paid to see you.

 

But when Ashleigh began to sing –  just her and her acoustic guitar –  the entire room stopped. It was electrifying and she captured everyone’s attention in a way even the other infinitely more experienced artists couldn’t quite do. I think she’s from Canberra. Her parents came with her to the gig as her roadies. She was delightful.

Ashleigh writes her own songs and her voice is just extraordinary. You can listen to her music here on her site and if you like it, you can download it on itunes (go to the store and search under her name). Here’s a taste. My favourite songs from her EP are this one, Pieces of You (a poor quality record of it above) and Power Of A Girl. And Angela…and, well, the whole thing. What an amazing talent. Read more about her on her myspace here.