Feature Article – QNews – September 2008
Check out page 27 of this months issue of QNews.
From Pink Ukulele To Bass
After being given a pink ukulele by her mum when she was three years old and ‘strumming very hard’ Zia, the musician, songwriter and entertainer was presented to the world. Zia first came to our notice as a pocket dynamo with a huge dace hit called “The Underground†which had been remixed by one of Australia’s most talented remixers, Sydney’s Craig Obey. The single went on to reach number 29 on the all important ARIA Club Chart here in Australia as well as being received overseas. Hailing from the Sunshine Coast Zia is a very talented singer / songwriter that plays a very mean guitar. With her catchy songs, talented bass playing and powerful voice she has a very commanding presence on stage.
When asked about her music style Zia explains that, “As a songwriter first and foremost I write all sorts of different styles and I have a great love of writing music that people can dance to.†Her talent as a musician and singer has seen her work with and alongside some of the biggest names in Australian music including The Rogue Traders, Sneaky Sound System, Vandalism, Grace Knight and the legendary Billy Thorpe. When asked about Billy Thorpe, Zia said, “I would have to say he was probably the biggest influence in Australia’s rock. He went on to do some amazing work. I don’t know whether people know but he actually did a lot of music for the Star Trek TV series as well. I did a couple of gigs supporting him and he said to me that the best thing to do is to tell your audience to fuck off. He was a very cool dude.â€
Zia’s new single available on iTunes is called ‘City Of Love’ and was written in the beautiful country side of Byron Bay and Mullumbimby. Nature and the country is where Zia gets her best inspiration to write music. ‘City Of Love’ is about Brisbane and Zia’s love of the city that we call home. This release has dance floor written all over it with an infectious beat and hypnotic guitar riff. Combined with Zia’s vocal it soon hooks the listener and causes the foot to tap to the beat and after a few listens you easily pick up the words. Craig Obey has once again worked his magic and turned this already great song into a dance floor stomper. To cement home the Brisbane message the cover artwork of the single includes shot of some Brisbane icons including the Wickham Hotel and Brisbane’s skyline along with some well known faces from Brisbane’s gay and lesbian community.
Coinciding with the release of ‘City Of Love;’ is also the release of Zia’s self titled album. Both the single and the album are available now on iTunes. For more information about Zia visit her web site – www.zia.com.au
Q News September 2008 – by Les Smith
