Bio

"A vixen vocalist whose voice slyly creeps through the air like a sliver of cigarette smoke that coyly searches its way through a New Orleans jazz lounge. Her stage presence is a picture of delicate elegance as the diminutive singer coils around her microphone, delivering searching songs that traverse folk, jazz, country and electro pop."

Blessed with silky tones and sassy poise, svelte chanteuse Kezia Nell announces her return with her debut album 'Black, White & Shades of Grey' (to be released late 2010) a stunning and eclectic showcase of her engaging range of styles.

The up coming album which has been recorded at Red Bull Studios, is produced by renowned multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter and video maker Darryn Harkness- (New Telepathics, Serafin, Braintree, Dead Flowers, to name but a few).

A uniquely old soul, Kezia was reared on a diet of 60's soul and psychedelia which is reflected in the new album. Best described as "eclectica" this album moves from sultry soul to rockabilly. While Kezia’s voice recalls the powerfully husky sounds of Loretta Lynn and Elkie Brooks it retains a distinct identity of its own.

A common flair for Burlesque inspired performance, ensures a visual as well as aural feast. Her performance is playful with a nod to the 1950's glamour and sexiness of Betty Page. While drawing on this cabaret style she retains her rock in roll sensibilities, interacting with her band and the audience. Her style has been coined "Marilyn Monroe meets Blondie".

Her first release, 'Kezia & The Seven Year Itch' EP featured the support of some of Wellington, New Zealand’s finest musicians, was released nationwide through Peachy Keen Recordings in late 2006. The first single 'Pretty Baby', an upbeat, sexually-charged foray into electro pop- rock, received radio play nationwide on the Bnet stations and was used in arts programme 'The Gravy'.

No stranger to musical success, Kezia has played in the same circles as UK indie luminaries Cornershop, Dodgy and Super Furry Animals, and been stylist for the wildly successful Fly My Pretties tour. Her old recording band, The Seven Year Itch included Conrad Wedde (Producer), Will Ricketts and Sam Scott, all members of The Phoenix Foundation, with the live version including Wellington players Ryan Prebble and Mike Jenson.

With a refreshingly confident approach to her art, she reflects: "On the whole I write love songs, but more along the lines of personal interaction and process. I don't have a set sound, nor would I want one, at a pinch you could call it swamp-rock-voodoo if that helps," she laughs "I think it's important to give the audience the whole package, both visual and aural, I'm a performer first and foremost, that’s where my passion is".

Band Members:
Darryn Harkness (guitar, bass, drums)
Steve Jellard (bass, Saxophone)
Kezia Nel (vocals, keyboards)

Links

• Artist Website
• Facebook Page
• Twitter Page