Zkye Compson – Harris.
Zkye began her musical career at 5 years old performing and learning from Johnny Young Talent School. Continuing classical singing lessons at 7 and beginning piano lesson at 8 she soon found her passion for all music.
At 12 years old while pursuing her classical lessons Zkye found the wonderful world of jazz and began listening and imitating jazz/blues singers such as Billie Holliday, Etta James, Dinah Washington to name but a few. As time progressed it became obvious to Norma Knight (classical singing teacher) that Zkye was totally absorbed by this music and that she needed to move on to a teacher able to help her belting blues voice develop.
At 14 Zkye took over as lead singer of the school rock band where she began using her booming voice skills to bring a whole new energy that the school band had never heard before.
Zkye at just 16 was accepted into the Adelaide Conservatorium to so single studies in Jazz Performance. Zkye later transferred to a commercial music course going on to complete a Diploma in Commercial Music with distinctions. During this time she also performed regularly as lead vocalist with Solar Winds Big Band.
About this time she also joined an original heavy rock band Kaotic Lounge. It was here she started to hone her writing skills.
Performing regularly at such places as the Wine Centre, Barossa Wine Festival, The French Festival The Hilton Hotel and the list goes on….Zkye was able to immerse herself completely in music and grasp the skills of a professional performer at the age of 17.
Having developed a high level of versatility in musical styles Zkye fronted several bands Inc: The Zkye Compson-Harris Trio (Jazz) Sexomatics (jazz/funk/soul/band) Club Morocco (Latin /funk) Playing regularly throughout Adelaide/South Australia.
Until leaving Australia in 2003 Zkye was also a successful Adelaide model. Working for many top companies in Adelaide as well as interstate.
Zkye lived in The Netherlands for the best of 2 years…during this time she began once again to write her own music co writing with a well known American musician Terry Mann and Dutch song writer Jeff Zwart. She began to find her feet within the highly popular “original music “ scene.
In just a few months of her arrival she began negotiations with EMI Publishing as a writer and was approached by Anouk (Top Dutch pop performer) to buy one of Zkye’s Songs.
Zkye’s rapid rise to prominence in The Netherlands is testament to her powerful vocal delivery stage presence, broad jazz/funk/soul/pop repertoire, energy, reliability and above all DRIVE TO SUCCEED…
Being able to pick up on and contribute to jam sessions plus write music on the spur of the moment are skills, which Zkye delighted in developing whilst in The Netherlands. These skills have been called upon in Adelaide at a hip little club called Zhivago. Where musicians are freely allowed to express themselves and do a whole show of improvised music.
Zkye was also approached and worked for some months with an original Dutch band with a new sound. A mixture of jazz, funk, hip hop, soul and lounge. The bands unique line up incorporated turntables, percussion, trumpet, keyboard, double bass, guitar, didgeridoo and vocals creating an exciting vibrant new sound with a subtle Australian flavour.
Zkye also played regular spots at Bourbon Street Bar, Café Jazz Alto, The Last Watering Hole and various other clubs in the heart of Amsterdam.
On her return to Australia Zkye wasted no time in slipping back into the music scene. Currently Zkye High has residencies at Boho, The Oxford, Pier Hotel Glenelg, and plays frequently at The Royal Oak, Topaz Room Findon, Finn McCall’s, The Colonist, The Hilton, The Stamford Plaza and other Adelaide venues.
Working with original band The Meru Vibe plays at Rocket, The Persian Gardens, The Festival and will be performing at The Adelaide Fringe 2007 and WOMAD.
Currently working on her album “Beyond The Pane” Zkye has been overwhelmed with the response from people demand the album and wanting it everywhere she plays. But you can have a taste of what’s to come right here!!!!
This is a voice a little left of centre and one you won’t forget!
|
|
Contact Artist
Add to Profile
Add to station