Australian singer/songwriters Diana Anaid & Monique Brumby are artists who have seen it all in the music industry. Having toured together in 2001, they struck up a friendship that sees them re-unite this year for their Love Is A Weapon Tour performing intimate acoustic shows that will engage audiences with new songs and quirky live collaboration. Both Brumby & Anaid released their debut albums in 1997, both have record label and life experiences that make for great bed time stories for over 18's as well as entertaining song writing and live performance banter. Both have forged careers in the cut-throat world of the music industry and by a strange yet synchronistic twist of fate both women have just released their 4th studio albums. Fittingly they are touring nationally playing a string of double headline performances across Australia in August 2010.
Diana Anaid isa 5 x ARIA nominated artist and has earned a reputation for being a voice for the tongue-tied & disenchanted members of society,gaining a loyal following through her honest, heartfelt songs and energetic live shows. She returns from her album-making hiatus having taken time out to look after her dying father, emerging with afire in her spirit that permeates through both the sounds & themes of her newly released album. Anaid’s 4th studio album Diana Anaid is self-titled & self-produced, as was her debut album Diana Ah Naid from ‘97 when she used a different spelling of her stage name. That fiery spirit that pervaded I Go Off& Perfect Family (both included in JJJ Hottest 100 compilation CD’s) struck a chord with a whole generation of pissed-off girls/guys and is still as strong on the new record. Recorded in early ‘09 at legendary Albert Studios in Sydney, the new album is a raw, emotion-fueled tour-de-force, as compelling as it is disturbing;brimming with frank & surprising observations & confessions from her most personal moments. Beautiful Obscene,‘04, achieved ‘iTunes Top 10 Best Pop Music CD and Indie CD of ‘04, and it's single (Last Thing) came in at #7 for‘iTunes Best Pop Single ‘04, giving Anaid her first US top 30 hit. After performances at the International Folk Alliance in Memphis earlier this year & with herLA based band Rockmonster ready for release, Diana will be returning to perform at legendary LA clubs The Viper Room & House Of Blues later in ’10but will first be touring the country in intimate, solo and acoustic mode to coincide with the release of her next single, the crowd favourite Black Rainbow.
“Diana Anaid has written a fantastic selection of emotive andbiographical tracks. Returning to a sound reminiscent of her 1997 debut album,Diana's return marks the re-appearance of a truly talented singer /songwriter." The Music Network, April 2010.
Two time ARIA Award winning singer/songwriter Monique Brumby completed her 4thstudio album SKELETONS’ POLKA earlier this year and has been touring throughout2010 performing live her stellar swag of new tunes. An “enigma" according to her grade 10art teacher, Monique hails originally from Tasmania and gained wide praise for her debut breakthrough album Thylacine released in 1996. Now, with the release of her 4th studio album Skeletons’ Polka co-produced with renowned producer Mark Opitz (Paul Kelly, Divinyls, Cold Chisel, INXS) Monique has again shown through her songs why she is considered “ahead of her time” by music fans, critics and her peers.
THE SONGS: Many experiences fueled the fire for Monique’s new work including the death of a close friend, exploration of her ancestry and the constant questioning of the human condition. Monique will be bringing with her all the skill and craftsmanship she has learnt throughout her career to deliver what are sure to be deeply moving, engaging and passionate performances on her forthcoming tour with Diana Anaid.
DISCOGRAPHY: Monique has released 3 EP's; Mary, Eventide and Silver Dollarsand 4 albums; Thylacine, Signal Hill, Into the Blue and Skeletons' Polka. Shehas produced albums for Emily Davis & Mosaik as well as her own albums and mentors emerging artists through The Push in Melbourne. Her songs have featured in numerous film and television productions and she has co-written songs with a variety of artists including Paul Kelly, Krista Polvere and David Bridie.
“Monique Brumby has dug deep and delivered a brilliant album that inspires and leaves you seeing the world, and yourself,anew.” Francesca Sciacca, Cherrie Mag April 2010.