Solos Bios
ALBI
Chris Dent, or as he’s otherwise known as Albi, has sung ever since he was a child and came into song writing in his late teens growing up in Northland. In 2014, he made Auckland his home and 5 months later the Albi & The Wolves journey began. Along that route Albi has toured Europe with a duo called Zarek & Albi and he has also released music internationally with his side project Sneakers. It’s with this experience that Albi can play to any crowd either as background music or to get the party pumping.
ANDY KEYS
Andy “Keys” Cochrane is a versatile and highly sought after musician with over 15 years of professional experience as a pianist, keyboardist, singer, studio artist and musical director both in New Zealand and internationally. Andy’s performance and studio credits include iconic NZ acts such as Stan Walker, Don McGlashan, Annie Crummer, Kora, The Feelers and The Exponents. As a graduate of the prestigious University of Auckland School of Music, Andy is in high demand as an accomplished classical and jazz trained pianist and accompanist, where he now teaches pop piano. Andy is the Associate Musical Director for Coca Cola Christmas in the Park and also holds the role of musical director for the NZ Film Awards, and also hosted his own music TV show on Juice TV titled “Chilling with Leys and Keys”, featuring interviews, reviews and performances with some of NZ’s finest national and international acts. From classical to pop, jazz to rock, professional musicians don’t come more versatile.
Nathan FRY
Nathan Fry is a versatile singer, guitarist, and drummer renowned for his dynamic live performances, blending popular covers and original music using a Looperboard to create the full sound of a one-man band. With extensive experience performing at local festivals, corporate events, markets, and private functions, Nathan has become a sought-after talent. He is a proud member of the Taylor Guitar family, recently invited to the exclusive Brotherhood of the Guitar, and a recipient of the prestigious AIMES Music Scholarship, further cementing his reputation in the industry.
CALLUM PASSELS
Callum is fully qualified, rocking a Bachelor of Music (BMus Jazz), Saxophonist with over 12 years experience with the ability to play in more than one style. Callum not only teaches Saxophone as well, but he has also worked with some great groups/organisations including; Auckland Jazz Orchestra, Auckland Theatre Company, Blackbird Ensemble, The Managers, New Zealand Dance Company, the list goes on. Writing and performing his own music, Callum has travelled the country with his versatile sets covering all styles from Jazz to pop to ska – he can play it all.
CHRIS MELVILLE
Whether you require relaxing classic Sinatra or Bublé for your background entertainment or Deep House / Nu Jazz beats to elevate the mood, Chris has decades of live performance experience to deliver a professional product every time. His repertoire is wide and varied from the smooth jazz vocal styles to more upbeat, modern hip-hop and house-based music. Chris makes an effort to create interesting versions of familiar songs, as well as adding vocal improvisation over open-ended grooves. He’s a flexible, musically diverse, skilled performer who can respond to any occasion with the right music.
jack
ward
Known as Jack The Rock Ripper, this 12year old super star is turning heads across the country! He has played at corporate events around NZ, local festivals and shared the stage with some big hitters including Jason Kerrison, Andy Lynch and Hamish Gee - and he's only just getting started!
DAVID HASLETT
David Haslett started his professional music career at Orange Studio as an audio engineer and session musician. Now he performs full-time around Auckland and throughout New Zealand as a singer, guitarist and entertainer. David has won a number of awards including the Rockquest APRA lyrics award, CPIT guitarist award, and was also runner up for the 2016 MLT song writing awards. David’s played well over a thousand gigs including weddings, events, music tours and festivals. With this experience David can cater to any audience making your event filled with great toe-tapping entertainment.
DERYN TRAINEr
Deryn Trainer, the winner of “Stars in Your Eyes” 2008, has been a professional musician for over 20 years playing with some of the biggest names from around the world. His career highlights include being Sir Howard Morrison’s music director for the last 10 years, Elvis to the max (Las Vegas impersonator) to name a few. Deryn performs a piano duel with other professional pianists, consisting of two baby grand pianos back to back playing the best of the greats! As a Billy Joel impersonator, he brings to the stage his powerful musical talent as the supreme piano player with rock hard vocals matched with an uncanny likeness to Mr Joel. Selecting the best of Billy’s lengthy repertoire and fronting his 8-piece band you would be forgiven for thinking you were at a Billy Joel concert, he is that good!
ED GAIGER
Ed Gaiger is a fulltime musician. He is a multi-instrumentalist, specialising in keyboards, bass and acoustic guitar. He is also an accomplished singer, making the Top 10 of the first series of NZ Idol, touring the country and making a number of TV and radio appearances. His band, Crescendo Mafia, has had singles on the The Rock and ZM, also winning Juice TV’S Best Indie Video in 2010. Ed always gets great feedback from clients!
Gerry
If you want to get a crowd dancing, partying and singing along, a Gerry RDK line up is the way to go! Gerry has the depth of experience to work effortlessly within a huge range of ensembles, whether it’s her as a mesmerizing solo acoustic act or an upbeat 6-piece dance band. Gerry works the audience with hilarious banter, limitless energy and a fantastic, world-class voice. No matter what your event size or occasion, Gerry can cater to your needs.
Hannah FANG
Hannah Fang is an accomplished performer. She began her musical journey at the age of three, wrote her first song when she was five, started touring Asia and Europe when she was 14 and was privileged to perform for the Thai Royal Family and the Crown Prince of Belgium. She has performed for over 40 embassies around the world.Qualification and Awards:Member of IRMTNZ (The Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand)Member of APRA AMCOS (As a composer)Two Masters degrees in Violin Performing and Teaching (Level 9 in New Zealand)International Violin Competition winner Founder and organizer of Heng Fang Violin Studio from 2006 to 2015Violin lecturer in the Department of Music Education at Xinghai Conservatory of Music (Guang Zhou) from 2006 to 2015.Member of the violin institute and higher education institute of China from 2011 until now. Judge for the following competitions: The 5th Hong Kong International Violin Competition in 2015, The 9th Hong Kong International Youth Art Festival in 2014, The 10th International Youth of Asia Art Festival Competition, and The 14th Violin Competition in Guang Dong Province of China in 2013, etc. She is one of New Zealand ‘s most versatile violinists from Classical, Folk, Pop, Hip-Hop to EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Drum and Bass, Dubstep and Metal Rock.Websites of her interviews:https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/124149170/extending-the-violins-lifespan-through-dubstep-hiphop-and-metal
http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/lifestyle/92582777/Having-a-bow-in-two-musical-worlds
IRIS ZHANG
With lush, soulful vocals, sharp guitar skills and a charismatic stage presence, Iris is a remarkably captivating performer. She maintains an impressive and diverse repertoire of acoustic covers, delivering each one with her trademark charm and laid-back style. Iris has ample experience performing at private and public events, including, most recently, on the main stage at the America’s Cup. Iris is also a seasoned entertainer for weddings, parties, and corporate functions. Over the past few years, Iris has cultivated a dedicated fanbase online and her covers have received positive attention from several established artists (most notably, Shawn Mendes - in a reaction video which has since garnered over 24 million views). Iris is currently preparing to release her first original EP in 2021.
CHRIS BATES
With silky-smooth vocals and effortlessly catchy pop melodies, Chris Bates is fast emerging as one of New Zealand’s most exciting singer-songwriters. He draws inspiration from artists such as Charlie Puth, Justin Bieber, John Mayer, and Phil Collins.
JOSH
LEYS
Josh Leys is an all round entertainer. Whether he’s human beat- boxing, rapping, or looping up a storm with his one man band Josh has it down pat with his landscape of sound, all instrumental live experience. Josh recently dropped his single Bye Bye Baby, which had great radio and TV success with his killer Quantum Leap inspired music video. Not wasting any time, he’s come back a few months later with his latest club banger “Hold On To Your Love” reaching nearly 12,000 views on YouTube in its first 14 hours and climbing. With its love theme, the video speaks for itself inspired by the first kiss viral video but instead of strangers using mostly real couples to capture that real love aspect. Josh is a busy man, like James brown, one of the hardest working men in show biz. Rocking 5-6 shows a week in peak season from Auckland to Singapore. And yes, he probably sang at your mates 21st or your sisters wedding. Josh recently signed a solo record deal in Holland after a successful tour around The Netherlands as part of the Baby Sitters Circus. With his single “Stuck In The Middle” introducing Josh to the European market and quickly following up with Bye Bye Baby to be released in Europe very soon. It is impossible to put Josh in a box with his love of hip-hop, Pop, RnB and Dance.
Judy
BROWN
Judy Brown is a graduate of UCT Music College with a degree in Jazz Arrangement and Composition. She is a house-hold name in South Africa due to her prolific career in musical theatre and her position with popular fusion band, CODA Africa. She has featured at numerous high-profile events around South Africa, as a soloist and in collaboration with some of the country’s most esteemed performers.Her debut album, Liquid Sax, is a fusion of mid-tempo Funk and Nu Disco beats overlaid with velvet saxophone melodies. Judy is in great demand as a performer. Her extensive repertoire covers a broad range of styles from jazz and popular contemporary to original songs off her album ‘Liquid Sax’. Judy is incredibly popular for canape sets or over dinner. Audiences love her!
LANA
FIA
Lana Fia is an Auckland based singer and performer. She’s known for her soulful voice and unique tone and uses a loop pedal to create interesting arrangements and bring energy to the dance floor. She performs well known covers from the 50’s right through to current top hits to be sure to have you singing and dancing along or have upbeat background music to entertain your guests as they wine and dine at your evening soiree or function.
LEE
GRAY
Since moving to New Zealand in 2011, Lee has become one of the most sought-after performers on the Auckland music scene. Playing an average of three to four shows a week, his live performances are well polished and never fail to impress. Lee has two solo albums to his name and is one half of the international recording duo, Lee Gray & The Beat. Lee performs as a soloist, as part of a duo, trio and is the front man for NZ ‘supergroup’ Resolution. Lee is a popular figure at many of New Zealand’s top corporate events and has a sterling reputation within Auckland’s wedding circuit. With an extensive repertoire of well-known covers and a unique style of live looping, Lee’s music is enough to elevate any occasion. He is a consistent performer whose reliability, both leading up to and during an event, makes him a preferred supplier to many of the country’s top venues and event organisers.
LISA
JAYNE
Prolific New Zealand born entertainer and musician Lisa Jayne has been charming audiences across national and international stages performing her extensive repertoire of songs. Lisa Jayne has worked as a professional singer and pianist with residencies in Japan, Denmark, America, the UK, New Zealand and her current home base- Melbourne, Australia. She’s also a very talented multi instrumentalist and has played in bands for Tim Finn, Greg Johnson, Pete Murray, Julia Deans and was the official accompanist for X Factor. Lisa has the unique ability to adapt to any occasion, whether it’s background piano/vocals, jazz standards, songs from the sixties to the pop hits today – there’s nothing Lisa Jayne can’t play. Although very capable of ambient background music and is an award winning composer, her ‘party trick’ is taking requests and being able to play literally any song she’s heard before – and even offers a ‘piano karaoke’ option where YOU sing. Creatively insatiable, the last few years has seen Lisa finding time in between writing and composing her own music, arranging and performing her songs for Symphony Orchestras and opening for the likes of John Mayer, Jools Holland, Simply Red, Suzanne Vega and Paul Weller with her own material (under ‘Lisa Crawley’), to co-write a cabaret show with Bullet Heart Club, titled ‘Elizabeth’, and is back after recording in Canada and the USA (with Grammy nominated producer Rob Kleiner) to her home town of Auckland to star in the Tony Award winning musical ‘Once’. Whether it’s easy listening background music to set the scene, or upbeat piano based sing alongs, Lisa Jayne is guaranteed to be the perfect entertainment for any occasion.
MAL
LAKATANI
The fusing of different genres and even languages has consistently proved to be a winning formula for exciting new music, and NZ born Niuean musician Malcolm Lakatani is one such local musician, whose songs reminiscent of ebbing waves on the Niue shoreline are making even bigger waves in our local music industry. Initiated into his fathers band at the tender age of 7, Malcolm’s all round skills quickly expanded to include guitars, keyboards and drums, creating the foundation on which he would build his career. With this solid musical grounding in early live band work as well as cultural grounding in his treasured Niuean culture; Malcolm has never looked back since. With his innovative fusion of guitar textures and modern R’n’B beats providing the EP’s funky soundbed on which he delivers his trademark soulful vocals, his uplifting originals sit comfortably alongside contemporary interpretations of his family Niuean classics.Malcolm regularly performs alongside other established musicians and live music professionals, and his current additional roles as lead guitarist for Che Fu & the Kratez, aQstik Soul, After Hours and Anonymouz further testify to the high esteem in which Malcolm’s skills are held in the music industry and Education.
MANDY
PICKering
Mandy Pickering first rose to national fame in 2009 after winning ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ with her unforgettable performance of Sarah McLauchlan’s ‘Angel’. Eight years later she and her husband, Jase, enjoy performing at events around the country at stunning venues such as The Beehive, Te Papa, Auckland Museum and some of the country’s most beautiful vineyards. Mandy performs as a soloist, or as part of a duo or trio, singing a selection of timeless classics and modern ballads in her own unique and captivating style. It’s with this versatility that can make Mandy the perfect entertainer for your next event.
MANOAH
PICKering
Manz is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and one-man band extraordinaire from Auckland New Zealand. Beginning his musical journey at 17, Manz has has performed and played with many artists over the years including Ben Lummis, and The Black Seeds. Having spent the last year performing on cruise liners around the Caribbean and Pacific, Manz is now back in Auckland where he hopes to record his Debut EP. From easy listening tunes to up tempo bangers, Manz will have you singing along with his fun and interactive show.
MARIKA
BALZAT
Marika Balzat has been playing the violin since she was 4 years old and has been performing since she was able to hold a tune. Her first experiences of performing started when her family of 9 made a band. The Balzats held annual concerts and toured America, Europe, Australia and Fiji with their music over the years they performed together. Marika then went on to complete her Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance at the University of Auckland and has been performing Folk/Celtic, Gypsy Jazz, Classical and pop-covers full time. Since then she has performed with artists such as Jordan Luck, Jon Toogood, Gin Wigmore, Laughton Kora etc. You can find her regularly playing at Hobbiton, in orchestras, movie premieres, award shows, weddings, you name it.
MARTINE
HARDING
Martine has been fine tuning her soulful acoustic music over the last 10 years as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. Martine performs as a solo artist as well as front woman for electronic duo Arma Del Amor, who were nominated for ‘Best Electronic Artist’ at the 2018 VNZMA’s. From authentic representations of classic covers to her own soulful original music, Martine’s ability to captivate an attentive audience or subtly accompany a relaxed lunch, canapé hour or classy dinner makes her an ideal addition to any event.
MAtt
BIZZLE
Matt Bizzle is a hardworking and ambitious saxophonist who prides himself on his versatility whilst maintaining a unique and characteristic sound. Matt has been performing and recording at a professional level for the last 6 years as a session musician, writer and arranger for different projects as well as a competent and interesting solo artist. Some of the acts that Matt has performed with include Superhero Second line, Jupiter Project, Imagine This, Brendon Thomas and the Vibes, Cornerstone Roots, Strangely Arousing, Gareth Thomas and Cairo as well as frequently performing at festivals and events such as Spore, Soundsplash, Rhythm and Vines, Music In Parks, Cuba Dupa and Rotorua Lakeside to name a few. Matt’s versatility makes him the solo artist with a difference for your next event.
MICHAEL
MURRAY
Michael Murray is an Auckland-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter. As a cover artist he is perhaps best known for his incredible versatility, whether it’s giving a little background ambience or packing a dance floor, he really knowns how to read and adapt to the energy of a room. With a seemingly endless repertoire, there is something for everyone, no matter your favorite genre or decade. Murray has in recent years become highly respected in the Auckland & New Zealand music scene, his resume including several high-profile shows such as Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park and Rhythm & Vines.
MOSES
Travelling the world as a third of SOL3 MIO, Moses has performed for the President of China, and Her Majesty the Queen of England. As a Masters graduate of the Wales International Academy of Voice, Moses has performed the role of Marcello in Puccini’s La Boheme and was a prominent foothold in the 2013 WIAV evening gala concert inside the Wales Millennium Centre. After being invited by Maestro Richard Bonynge to attend the Georg Solti Academia in Tuscany, Moses went on to perform a recital program in Rome, Paris and Le Quesnoy in conjunction with the NZ Embassy (2014). During his 27 years he has not only shared the stage with Andrea Bocelli, but was a backing vocalist for George Benson.
REBECCA
BILYARD
Bio unavailable - coming soon
REUBEN
SIMPSON
Reuben has one of the most smoothest jazz vocals around. In his late 20s, he has had countless gigs and performances over his 10+ year music career. Reuben has entertained in hotels, theatre shows, rest homes, at weddings, restaurants, wineries & estates, company functions, birthdays, festivals (incl. the Queenstown Winter Fest.) and at other events at various locations in the North and South Island of New Zealand, including a performance on live television (TV1). With a wide selection of swing, jazz and bossa nova numbers, Reuben is able to provide hours of quality entertainment either solo or with live accompaniment.
RICKY
DE MEDEIROS
Growing up in Brazil, Ricky was heavily influenced by the local rhythms and further studied music theory with guitar masters. In the early 2000’s he featured in several bands in his hometown, developing his live performance style. In 2010, he relocated to New Zealand and has since been a thriving musician in the Auckland live music scene.
SANDY
LYNCH
Sandy is a skilled cocktail pianist performing a wide variety of styles. She creates real, live ambience at restaurants, weddings, receptions, Christmas functions corporate functions, private parties, shopping malls, vineyards and other venues. From light jazz to contemporary, easy listening, movie and tv themes, latin and requests. Something for everyone! (Also has a fantastic Christmas repertoire!) She currently performs every Friday night at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland City. Some recent clientele comments; “Absolutely magical … “ “You played all the songs we knew!” “I love your playing … “ “A great success, thank you so much!”...and many more lovely comments, every night!
SOPHIE
WINTON
Sophia Winton is a classically trained bel canto soprano, violinist and composer. She has trained with Opera NZ, toured with opera companies in the UK and performed with English National Opera. A natural entertainer, Sophia has performed for audiences of thousands but equally enjoys more intimate settings. Currently Sophia is composing and producing an album of original music for opera voice and orchestra.
SOPHIE
MORRIS
Sophie Morris is a singer, actor and presenter who has performed to critical acclaim within New Zealand and internationally. She began singing aged 10 as Gretl in 'The Sound of Music' which sparked a love for being on the stage. Highlights include performing roles in musical theatre (incl. Sandy - Grease, Sophie - Mamma Mia, Rapunzel - Into the Woods), singing national anthems at many international sporting events (incl. 2020 Rugby TriNations, 2022 and 2023 Bledisloe Cup), acting on Shortland Street, touring with groups (incl. Celtica, The Ten Tenors, Four Suits and a Soprano) performing at events around New Zealand (incl. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, The Silver Scroll Awards), in addition to international performances (incl. Spring Festival in Nanning, China).
STEPHEN
JAMeS
Although predominately one half of Page28, Stephen James has been known to go solo. This 3 pieced one man show is a rare sight and will captivate any audience, from those small cafe functions to dancing raves, Stephen James will make sure your function is well entertained! As well as performing his own original songs, Stephen James is also a covers solo artist and has been performing in cafes, bars, weddings, private and corporate functions throughout NZ and overseas. Stephen James is based in Christchurch and is now available for your event.
STEVIE
TONKS
A household name since journeying to fourth place in X Factor NZ’s sophomore season, Stevie Tonks is an enigmatic artist determined to carve his name onto the stage. It was his spine-chilling rendition of Gnarls Barkley’s hit Crazy on the show that probably sold you; a picture of a true showman with a rare charisma that sees him embody every song he performs, infusing the stage with full-forced soul. “Music is storytelling.” Enthuses Tonks, “You want to be moved by music; a song is this intoxicating mixture of emotion and magic. I want to bring back the soul to the stage, to remind people that music can move them to another place…I think that’s a realisation that’s easily lost in the world of pop music.” Since departing the show, Tonks has relocated to Auckland to work on his debut effort, writing with the likes of X Factor alumni Benny Tipene and testing out new material in a string of captivating acoustic shows around the country.
TAYLOR
ALEXANDER
From the age of 5 Tayla has been singing in front of audiences. She particularly enjoys doing charity work and has sung at the Coca Cola Christmas in The Park, NZ Pops Orchestra, the Auckland City Mission Christmas lunch event, for government ministers and many other events. Tayla has sung for former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key at the request of Sir Peter Leitch. Tayla has also placed in her age category in the New Zealand Opera Idol hosted by the Opera Factory, and sung on 6PM TVONE news after receiving a Best Buskers award. Tayla enjoys all music but particularly light classical and opera and has recently starred as Maria in the production The Sound of Music.
WILL
MARTIN
New Zealand’s own Will Martin became the youngest man in history to top the UK Classical Charts. Since then this international recording artist has honed his craft on worldwide stages to become so much more than ‘just a singer’. Now he is the complete entertainer, combining the most magnetic performance style with masterful musicianship, and impeccable comedic timing, to engage any audience at any event. “While his singing was stellar, his abilities to engage the audience, articulate our key messages, and remain calm under pressure were exemplar. Will has a real ability to find the balance between formality appropriate for the occasion, humour and performance.”TRADE COMMISSIONER UK & IRELAND – NZ High Commission London, UK
YULI
Yuli has been performing around the New Zealand covers scene for the last 12 years. She was a regular part of D.I.V.A entertainment and has been a part the cast of numerous Christmas in the park concerts as a soloist and a backing vocalist. Having completed her Bachelor’s in Jazz Vocals in 2008, Yuli has been entertaining the corporate market with her versatility and infectious joy on stage. Yuli is a regular session singer around Auckland has had the pleasure of supporting visiting acts such as Leo Sayer, Bonnie Tyler and Che Fu to name a few. Yuli is the performer to make your event filled with fun catchy tunes for all to enjoy.
SAM
ALLEN
Tip-toeing the line between charmingly playful and painfully insightful, Sam Allen is a shining singer songwriter based in central Auckland. Having attained a BA in Music at Auckland University, Sam has been a live performer around Auckland for the past three years. His live performances can flow from melancholy acoustic to upbeat soul, and with energetic vocals and rhythmic guitar playing, he’s an act you don’t want to miss. Sam also carries an array of original songs in which he writes through his observations of others as most great songwriters do. Writing from the heart his unique acoustic pop/rock flavour remains true to the “kiwi” singer songwriter tradition. Sam’s live performances also echoes a deep promise of potential; any true fan of the acoustic genre should sample Sam’s melodies, and witness his performances, as Sam Allen will no doubt follow in the singer songwriter footsteps of our very best.