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.…
Top Comments
I am a Lifestyle Billabong Girl with Ash and I have to say she is amazing, her clarity of voice, her ability to play the guitar with so many different styles not to forget her ability to compose her own and the way she looks as she sings - it makes you forget time and relax and enjoy the whole music trip - well done Ash - if I could be so lucky to have a magic voice and musical ear as you!
Woot! is the best word ever!
Ashleigh Mannix is also a ‘breath of fresh air’ artist right here in our home town, if you live in Canberra, but I don’t. So wonderful to hear new music that is well, fresh, and yet she acknowledges her influences, Rikki Lee Jones et al, and still makes new music.
After the fog that was the 90s, us boomers can come out from under our rocks, or off our pedestals, and dare to try new sounds, it’s ok. The kids are doing it for themselves. Someone suggested she sounds shrieky, but at least she’s not Rikki Lee or some other Idol wannabe.
I was pleased to hear Mia tell of how Ashleigh kept the corporately sozzled, over-cool audience entralled, with just her voice and acoustic guitar. So young, and a performer. No loops, trax, re-mixes or DJs scratching vinyl!
Is it just me, or am I getting old, but it seems that young music today is spreading new wings. While I can readily hear the wonderfully strong influences from the 60s and early 70s, after two generations, the music impetus seems to have awoken again.
Woot!