"The best kept secret of the Dandenongs" - Washington Irving
First impressions aren’t always right. If you’ve been foolish enough to nail down the sound of acclaimed songwriter Gretta Ziller, then prepare to have the rug pulled out from under you. Queen of Boomtown, her stunning debut record, defies categorisation and demands repeated listens.
Written over an almost six-year period, this collection covers vast emotional territory. It’s threaded with a gentle fatalism, each song conveying an acceptance of the way things are and an openness to shifting circumstance.
Ziller’s sound may bear the hallmarks of classic Americana music but its essence is far more diverse. The Melbourne songstress’ roots span jazz, blues, rock, pop and classical, and that eclectic musical upbringing is reflected in the varied tracks on this new collection.
No matter the mood, Ziller demonstrates an assured sense of melody, building on the promise of ear-catching 2014 EP Hell’s Half Acre.
A contemporary artist in an earthy lush style, Riley Jordan has honed her skills as a producer, songwriter and performer with a deep dedication and respect for her craft. Starting in the late 1980’s, she produced and arranged her own music at a time when it was still rare for a woman to be doing so. Riley is a life long performer, known for her textural singing voice and engaging stage presence.
As a songwriter and recording artist, Riley finished top 3 in the Ballad Category of the Australian Songwriters Association Awards with the song ‘Cary Come Home’ and her song ‘Holy Ground’ has been archived by the National Film and Sound Institute.