Acoustic/electronic alternative folk pop

6 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Alternative Folk, ELECTRONIC: Experimental

Details:
Sui Zhen is a singer/songwriter and composer from Sydney, Australia. She began performing solo in 2003 and has since headlined with her full live band at Sydney venues The Factory (Marrickville), The Hopetoun and The Annandale. Sui Zhen has supported the likes of Coco Rosie (US), Darren Hanlon, Bluebottle Kiss, Jamie Hutchings,The Brunettes (NZ), Ian Cooke (US), Joel Plaskett (CAN) and The Grates.

Sui Zhenâs solo instrumentation relies solely on the melodies created by her voice and guitar. It her is unique voice that intrigues audiences most. In band format, Sui Zhenâs sound grows into dreamy soundscapes with darker rockier moments juxtaposed against soft folk-pop instrumentation and harmonies which allow the core of the songs to shine through.

To date, Sui Zhen has recorded a self-titled EP which was launched late 2007 to glowing reviews. The EP was produced by the immensely talented Steeve Body at his Limestone Studios nestled above Oxford Street in Sydneyâs Surry Hills. The EP is set for national release mid 2008.

Sui Zhen has also collaborated with electronic producer Jamie Lloyd on various short film projects, which were received to critical acclaim at the University of Technologyâs Tri-Annual Golden Eye Awards winning best Sound Composition for â37 Scenes in the Company of a Rabbitâ by Imogen Heath.

Sui Zhen plans to release a new single later this year, entitled âSailorâ a collaboration soundtrack piece made with producer and friend, Steeve Body, for Sam Icklowâs short film, âUntitled Film Stillsâ . She is also working on a new duo project with Jamie Lloyd, âLittle Hatâ inspired by the life and times of their pet Guinea Pig, Mister Sakamoto.

Sui Zhen is currently writing material for a full length album set for release sometime in 2009. Sui Zhen is also dreaming up a master-plan to combine her art with international travel.

Band:
Joe Gould has played in Sui Zhen for a little over a year. He currently orchestrates the sound-scapey elements to the live act with electric guitar, Mallet Kat, and various samples. Joe is a multi instrumentalist, his main project being the lively gypsy-folk-metal inspired Crooked Fiddle Band , for which lends his hands at drums and percussion.

Preston Peachey started playing drums with the band mid 2007. Prestonâs drumming expertise has developed and matured through the various rock and more recently, funk bands he has played in over the last decade. Prestonâs ability to play minimally and his subtle energy enhances the driving force behind the songs. Preston also plays for Self | Is A Seed.

Claire Herbert is one of Beckyâs oldest friends from kindergarten. They began singing together in primary school and developed a strong vocal synergy. In the band, Claireâs emulates the harmonies as recorded on the EP and adds other inventions of her own.

Dave Keys is the newest member to the live band, replacing former bassist and brother to Becky, Dan Freeman. Dave is an old hand at the live Sydney scene, playing for over ten bands in the last decade including Sarah Blasko, Lazy Susan and Spurs for Jesus just to name a few. In Sui Zhen, Dave re-interprets the various bass sounds on the EP with both electric and double bass to compliment the stories and songs.

Other bits: Sui Zhen is Rebecca Anne Sui Zhen Freeman, born 25/4/1985 in Sydney, Australia. She can be contacted at suizhen@hotmail.com

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