Ashleigh Mannix

From the Mountains represents part two of the talented singer songwriter Ashleigh Mannix ’s TRILL EP set which sees Mannix move from her homemade studio set up in the city, where part one of the TRILL EP set From the City was recorded, to, surprisingly enough, the mountains. The isolated location, at the base of Mt Warning in Queensland, obviously instilled a freedom and rawness into the songs on the album as Mannix sings with a level of abandon and openness that makes listening to each track seem like an invasion of the singer’s personal life.
The rollicking country sound that smacks you in the face on "His Harmonica" is balanced by the intensely emotional atmosphere of "Under the Mat." which is set up with a heavy sigh at the very beginning of the track. I can’t help but think that there might be something prophetic in the title of this song and the inclusion of the full stop suggesting a name rather than a floor covering.
Mid-stream Mannix moves on from seemingly singing of loss and love to becoming a sultry heartbreaker herself on "Black Hole" as she embraces all of her flaws and failures. Mannix keeps with the great country music tradition of anti-love songs on "Scream Out My Name", a song which has no doubt left an indelible mark on one particular gentleman and to which I would love to hear the full backstory. The almost apologetic "Devil In My Hometown" ties the EP up with Mannix singing of her determination to move forward, which can only be good news for fans of her music.
From the Mountains is a great collection of tunes that you can easily picture being written and recorded in a dense Queensland rainforest. There is not a weak track on this EP but that is perhaps also the reason that it’s difficult for me to pick a standout or obvious single. As a result of this missing standout, I find myself waiting for a song to truly take off and elevate the EP to that next leve. What is more than apparent is the pure strength and power but easiness in the voice of Mannix. While the phrase Easy Listening would usually evoke thoughts of Enya or the appropriate radio setting for retirement homes, it’s an idea that I can’t get out of my head while listening to From the Mountains because it’s a collection of songs that really are easy to listen to. If this is what Mannix serves up moving from city to mountains, I am certainly looking forward to her move to the Sea (Part three of the TRILL EP set From the Sea on schedule for 2014). - The AU Review

From the Mountains represents part two of the talented singer songwriter Ashleigh Mannix ’s TRILL EP set which sees Mannix move from her homemade studio set up in the city, where part one of the TRILL EP set From the City was recorded, to, surprisingly enough, the mountains. The isolated location, at the base of Mt Warning in Queensland, obviously instilled a freedom and rawness into the songs on the album as Mannix sings with a level of abandon and openness that makes listening to each track seem like an invasion of the singer’s personal life.
The rollicking country sound that smacks you in the face on "His Harmonica" is balanced by the intensely emotional atmosphere of "Under the Mat." which is set up with a heavy sigh at the very beginning of the track. I can’t help but think that there might be something prophetic in the title of this song and the inclusion of the full stop suggesting a name rather than a floor covering.
Mid-stream Mannix moves on from seemingly singing of loss and love to becoming a sultry heartbreaker herself on "Black Hole" as she embraces all of her flaws and failures. Mannix keeps with the great country music tradition of anti-love songs on "Scream Out My Name", a song which has no doubt left an indelible mark on one particular gentleman and to which I would love to hear the full backstory. The almost apologetic "Devil In My Hometown" ties the EP up with Mannix singing of her determination to move forward, which can only be good news for fans of her music.
From the Mountains is a great collection of tunes that you can easily picture being written and recorded in a dense Queensland rainforest. There is not a weak track on this EP but that is perhaps also the reason that it’s difficult for me to pick a standout or obvious single. As a result of this missing standout, I find myself waiting for a song to truly take off and elevate the EP to that next leve. What is more than apparent is the pure strength and power but easiness in the voice of Mannix. While the phrase Easy Listening would usually evoke thoughts of Enya or the appropriate radio setting for retirement homes, it’s an idea that I can’t get out of my head while listening to From the Mountains because it’s a collection of songs that really are easy to listen to. If this is what Mannix serves up moving from city to mountains, I am certainly looking forward to her move to the Sea (Part three of the TRILL EP set From the Sea on schedule for 2014). - The AU Review

Even on a sleepy, slow afternoon, Ashleigh Mannix’s album takes me away and transports me… suddenly I’m in Sydney at The Vanguard… sitting cross legged on the alcohol-sodden and (probably) sticky carpet. I’m looking up, admiring her. I’m imagining there’s a beer in front of me and maybe there’s even a cute boy to smile at occasionally.

Usually live albums shit me but the (clearly) attentive crowd makes this an experience. I truly feel like I’m there listening to this incredibly sexy, soulful, singer-songwriter.

There are a handful of local artists at the moment – female artists – who, put simply, sound like little girls when they sing. It’s kind of nice but a tad tiresome. Ashleigh Mannix’s music is a metaphorical breath of fresh air. She is a woman; a grown woman, and she sounds like one too.

There’s this incredible power behind her voice. It’s sultry, seductive. There is light and shade (sorry for sounding like an Australian Idol judge, but it’s the truth). Mannix goes from singing in this low, sexy range to sounding like a soul singer from back in the day.

I’m reminded of Vikki and Donna from The Waifs, and a tiny bit of Liz Stringer, but at the same time Mannix has a distinctive quality to her sound. She makes me wish I were a better singer, that I could play more than one song on the guitar, and that I had paid more attention to her set when we both supported Mat McHugh last year.

There’s a real down-to-earth quality to Mannix’s music – it’s in the lyrics, in the stage banter and story-telling. Even on a studio album that relaxed vibe would come through.

Her voice has a real honesty to it. It’s warm and she has obvious control over it. This sexy little growl escapes occasionally. Keep an ear out for it, particularly on “Isabelle” which is a personal favourite, and on “Smokin’ Gun” too.

Some of the tracks on LIVE at The Vanguard are almost too sexy. Oh, who am I kidding? It definitely is an album to keep away from those who are a little, uh, conservative, though.

Admittedly, there are lyrics on this album that cause me to blush… “I watched his mouth move over his harmonica, and it made me wonder what would that be like,” is an example from the track “His Harmonica”. But it’s a welcome change from some of the current talent. Ashleigh Mannix’s lyrics and voice are unpredictable, but in the best possible way

Whether she’s singing about being in love with “Isabelle” who “checks her reflection in the back of the spoon” – or having a “String on Her Finger,” which shows another side of Mannix’s voice (you can hear a bit of a country element), there is this overwhelming confidence – and rightly so. She is undoubtedly talented and with LIVE at The Vanguard, she provides us with twelve reasons to fall in love with her.
- The Ripe

Even on a sleepy, slow afternoon, Ashleigh Mannix’s album takes me away and transports me… suddenly I’m in Sydney at The Vanguard… sitting cross legged on the alcohol-sodden and (probably) sticky carpet. I’m looking up, admiring her. I’m imagining there’s a beer in front of me and maybe there’s even a cute boy to smile at occasionally.

Usually live albums shit me but the (clearly) attentive crowd makes this an experience. I truly feel like I’m there listening to this incredibly sexy, soulful, singer-songwriter.

There are a handful of local artists at the moment – female artists – who, put simply, sound like little girls when they sing. It’s kind of nice but a tad tiresome. Ashleigh Mannix’s music is a metaphorical breath of fresh air. She is a woman; a grown woman, and she sounds like one too.

There’s this incredible power behind her voice. It’s sultry, seductive. There is light and shade (sorry for sounding like an Australian Idol judge, but it’s the truth). Mannix goes from singing in this low, sexy range to sounding like a soul singer from back in the day.

I’m reminded of Vikki and Donna from The Waifs, and a tiny bit of Liz Stringer, but at the same time Mannix has a distinctive quality to her sound. She makes me wish I were a better singer, that I could play more than one song on the guitar, and that I had paid more attention to her set when we both supported Mat McHugh last year.

There’s a real down-to-earth quality to Mannix’s music – it’s in the lyrics, in the stage banter and story-telling. Even on a studio album that relaxed vibe would come through.

Her voice has a real honesty to it. It’s warm and she has obvious control over it. This sexy little growl escapes occasionally. Keep an ear out for it, particularly on “Isabelle” which is a personal favourite, and on “Smokin’ Gun” too.

Some of the tracks on LIVE at The Vanguard are almost too sexy. Oh, who am I kidding? It definitely is an album to keep away from those who are a little, uh, conservative, though.

Admittedly, there are lyrics on this album that cause me to blush… “I watched his mouth move over his harmonica, and it made me wonder what would that be like,” is an example from the track “His Harmonica”. But it’s a welcome change from some of the current talent. Ashleigh Mannix’s lyrics and voice are unpredictable, but in the best possible way

Whether she’s singing about being in love with “Isabelle” who “checks her reflection in the back of the spoon” – or having a “String on Her Finger,” which shows another side of Mannix’s voice (you can hear a bit of a country element), there is this overwhelming confidence – and rightly so. She is undoubtedly talented and with LIVE at The Vanguard, she provides us with twelve reasons to fall in love with her.
- The Ripe

Giving up a career in primary school teaching, Ashleigh Mannix took the path of a lifetime. With connections at surf company Billabong, she was able to get a sponsorship lined up as a “lifestyle Musician” to not only represent the company but to build her career in music.
“It was a family connection with Billabong surfer Dean Bowen that really gave me my start.” She says.

Writing her own songs, and proving herself in the world of music, Ashleigh has managed to be flown around the world performing at many major events such as Peatsridge and Woodford here in Australia, Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, Hawaii, Hollywood and Europe.

With both parents on board, the Canberra based artist is well looked after, having grown up both in Canberra and the South Coast, Ash developed a somewhat coastal style, not only in attire but also in mindset. Showing a relaxed yet heartfelt nature, she is able to capture her audience with her soothing sounds.

Performing alongside musicians such as Ron Sexsmith, Lior, Neil Finn, Powder Finger and of course the pop kings, MGMT at the Spider Club in Hollywood, Mannix has grown to become a well known and independent artist in her own right. Her latest release Sparkle, due to be released within the coming months, will be featured during the show, including her most popular song Pieces of you.

There is only one way to know for sure whether you agree with the rest of the music world, but Ashleigh Mannix is coming to town to share some love, life and music with you all. So come on down, kick back, and let the music take you somewhere far, far away. - Faster Louder

Giving up a career in primary school teaching, Ashleigh Mannix took the path of a lifetime. With connections at surf company Billabong, she was able to get a sponsorship lined up as a “lifestyle Musician” to not only represent the company but to build her career in music.
“It was a family connection with Billabong surfer Dean Bowen that really gave me my start.” She says.

Writing her own songs, and proving herself in the world of music, Ashleigh has managed to be flown around the world performing at many major events such as Peatsridge and Woodford here in Australia, Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, Hawaii, Hollywood and Europe.

With both parents on board, the Canberra based artist is well looked after, having grown up both in Canberra and the South Coast, Ash developed a somewhat coastal style, not only in attire but also in mindset. Showing a relaxed yet heartfelt nature, she is able to capture her audience with her soothing sounds.

Performing alongside musicians such as Ron Sexsmith, Lior, Neil Finn, Powder Finger and of course the pop kings, MGMT at the Spider Club in Hollywood, Mannix has grown to become a well known and independent artist in her own right. Her latest release Sparkle, due to be released within the coming months, will be featured during the show, including her most popular song Pieces of you.

There is only one way to know for sure whether you agree with the rest of the music world, but Ashleigh Mannix is coming to town to share some love, life and music with you all. So come on down, kick back, and let the music take you somewhere far, far away. - Faster Louder

Canberra local Ashleigh Mannix started the night off with her beautiful set. Constantly on festival lineups and playing the local venues, Mannix’s folksy tunes and powerful voice are fast becoming well-known amongst the vibrant music community. Blending raw emotions with memorable lyrics, Mannix entertained the crowd and set the night up wonderfully. - Faster Louder

Canberra local Ashleigh Mannix started the night off with her beautiful set. Constantly on festival lineups and playing the local venues, Mannix’s folksy tunes and powerful voice are fast becoming well-known amongst the vibrant music community. Blending raw emotions with memorable lyrics, Mannix entertained the crowd and set the night up wonderfully. - Faster Louder

First to bring some sun into the gloomy looking venue was folk/pop songstress, Ashleigh Mannix. This fresh faced singer-songwriter blew the place up with her guitar in hand, as she belted out tune after tune in her country-esque, keep you coming back for more kind of sound. Mannix showcased songs from her yet to be released EP, From the City, including, Give in to Me, The Girl’s Gone Wild, Isabelle and the heartbreaking tune and clear crowd favourite, My Lungs are Caving In. Another stand out moment of the set was in the form of a song, thus far, untitled, inspired by a request that Mannix write something different to her norm. What proceeded was a slower paced piece that vocally was understated yet was sung with the utmost passion and conviction. - Faster Louder

First to bring some sun into the gloomy looking venue was folk/pop songstress, Ashleigh Mannix. This fresh faced singer-songwriter blew the place up with her guitar in hand, as she belted out tune after tune in her country-esque, keep you coming back for more kind of sound. Mannix showcased songs from her yet to be released EP, From the City, including, Give in to Me, The Girl’s Gone Wild, Isabelle and the heartbreaking tune and clear crowd favourite, My Lungs are Caving In. Another stand out moment of the set was in the form of a song, thus far, untitled, inspired by a request that Mannix write something different to her norm. What proceeded was a slower paced piece that vocally was understated yet was sung with the utmost passion and conviction. - Faster Louder

A few years back Miss Mannix took herself from Canberra to Bondi, but she still wasn’t home. To kick off the 2012 she made her way over to the Northern beaches… home it is.

After years of working in the music industry festivals, touring, support acts – you name it, she has to admit “I’ve never really connected with a music scene anywhere. But, after finding some spots to play around Dee Why and Manly, the local vibe is growing on me” and she’s staying put.

A stand out gig on the peninsula was December last year at DECK Bar’s Launch for Baja Sundays. Playing with Fernando Aragones, Cats are Black and Benjalu - local and locally loved musos, Miss Mannix was called up onstage by Benjalu and had a blast of a little free style session.

Benjalu is coming back to Northern Beaches this Sunday at DECK Bar’s Baja Sundays and she admits “I may or may not have to get up with them and have another Jam, Benjalu is just way to much fun not to!”

Since moving to Dee Why, Miss Mannix has quickly embraced the Northern Beaches. She is proudly sporting new photos from local photogs, David Maurice Smith and Justin Crawford. Her new website was created by local “design distillery” The National Grid, even her management, is locally based. To all that she has to say “I’m a Northern Beaches girl now…it was always gonna happen.”

Find out more about Ashleigh Mannix Online at ashleighmannix.com - Sprout Daily

A few years back Miss Mannix took herself from Canberra to Bondi, but she still wasn’t home. To kick off the 2012 she made her way over to the Northern beaches… home it is.

After years of working in the music industry festivals, touring, support acts – you name it, she has to admit “I’ve never really connected with a music scene anywhere. But, after finding some spots to play around Dee Why and Manly, the local vibe is growing on me” and she’s staying put.

A stand out gig on the peninsula was December last year at DECK Bar’s Launch for Baja Sundays. Playing with Fernando Aragones, Cats are Black and Benjalu - local and locally loved musos, Miss Mannix was called up onstage by Benjalu and had a blast of a little free style session.

Benjalu is coming back to Northern Beaches this Sunday at DECK Bar’s Baja Sundays and she admits “I may or may not have to get up with them and have another Jam, Benjalu is just way to much fun not to!”

Since moving to Dee Why, Miss Mannix has quickly embraced the Northern Beaches. She is proudly sporting new photos from local photogs, David Maurice Smith and Justin Crawford. Her new website was created by local “design distillery” The National Grid, even her management, is locally based. To all that she has to say “I’m a Northern Beaches girl now…it was always gonna happen.”

Find out more about Ashleigh Mannix Online at ashleighmannix.com - Sprout Daily

Black Hole is a new song from Ashleigh Mannix at a time when she says the way she writes songs has changed. She says she is now writing with far greater honesty. "I'm being brutally honest and I like it a lot," she said just before this session was filmed. She says she is letting go of a lot of things she's been holding on to that have turned into anger and with her recent songs she's finding a way to get them out. This song is a powerful vehicle for her always explosive performance.
7 June, 2012 1:28PM AEST
Black Hole - Ashleigh Mannix
By Bill Brown Black Hole is a new song from Ashleigh Mannix at a time when she says the way she writes songs has changed. She says she is now writing with far greater honesty. "I'm being brutally honest and I like it a lot," she said just before this session was filmed. She says she is letting go of a lot of things she's been holding on to that have turned into anger and with her recent songs she's finding a way to get them out. This song is a powerful vehicle for her always explosive performance.

(See link for video from ABC)

We filmed and recorded the song in Merimbula where she was supporting Kim Churchill along with Benjalu.

Check out the related link for audio of my chat with Ashleigh just before we made this. - ABC

Black Hole is a new song from Ashleigh Mannix at a time when she says the way she writes songs has changed. She says she is now writing with far greater honesty. "I'm being brutally honest and I like it a lot," she said just before this session was filmed. She says she is letting go of a lot of things she's been holding on to that have turned into anger and with her recent songs she's finding a way to get them out. This song is a powerful vehicle for her always explosive performance.
7 June, 2012 1:28PM AEST
Black Hole - Ashleigh Mannix
By Bill Brown Black Hole is a new song from Ashleigh Mannix at a time when she says the way she writes songs has changed. She says she is now writing with far greater honesty. "I'm being brutally honest and I like it a lot," she said just before this session was filmed. She says she is letting go of a lot of things she's been holding on to that have turned into anger and with her recent songs she's finding a way to get them out. This song is a powerful vehicle for her always explosive performance.

(See link for video from ABC)

We filmed and recorded the song in Merimbula where she was supporting Kim Churchill along with Benjalu.

Check out the related link for audio of my chat with Ashleigh just before we made this. - ABC

Late last year, I got gussied up on a rainy night and took myself off to a glamorous magazine event. It was Madison’s Frock & Roll party at the Ivy’s rooftop restaurant, Ucello and it was to celebrate the feature commissioned by editor (and v.close friend) Paula Joye where a bunch of fashion designers were asked to re-create an iconic music image for the magazine.
The entertainment for the evening (a sit-down dinner for about 60 people) was several live performances. Axel Whitehead (cuter in person and beautiful voice), Brian McFadden (naughty sense of humour), George lead singer – the beautiful Katie Noonan. All famous powerhouses with many a hit record amongst them.
There was one other performer. A girl I’d never heard of. I think she was about 20, she looked 15 and she didn’t even have a record label. Her name was Ashleigh Mannix and she blew everyone away.
When she got up on the tiny, makeshift stage in bare feet, long blonde hair everywhere, a guitar strapped over one shoulder and long, hippe-ish clothes, I worried for her. Playing at a party like that is notoriously awkward because people are rude and they talk instead of listening. It’s almost impossible to control an industry crowd intent on drinking free alcohol, especially when they haven’t paid to see you.




But when Ashleigh began to sing - just her and her acoustic guitar - the entire room stopped. It was electrifying and she captured everyone’s attention in a way even the other infinitely more experienced artists couldn’t quite do. I think she’s from Canberra. Her parents came with her to the gig as her roadies. She was delightful.

Ashleigh writes her own songs and her voice is just extraordinary. You can listen to her music here on her site and if you like it, you can download it on itunes (go to the store and search under her name). Here’s a taste. My favourite songs from her EP are this one, Pieces of You (a poor quality record of it above) and Power Of A Girl. And Angela…and, well, the whole thing. What an amazing talent. Read more about her on her myspace here.… - Mama Mia

Late last year, I got gussied up on a rainy night and took myself off to a glamorous magazine event. It was Madison’s Frock & Roll party at the Ivy’s rooftop restaurant, Ucello and it was to celebrate the feature commissioned by editor (and v.close friend) Paula Joye where a bunch of fashion designers were asked to re-create an iconic music image for the magazine.
The entertainment for the evening (a sit-down dinner for about 60 people) was several live performances. Axel Whitehead (cuter in person and beautiful voice), Brian McFadden (naughty sense of humour), George lead singer – the beautiful Katie Noonan. All famous powerhouses with many a hit record amongst them.
There was one other performer. A girl I’d never heard of. I think she was about 20, she looked 15 and she didn’t even have a record label. Her name was Ashleigh Mannix and she blew everyone away.
When she got up on the tiny, makeshift stage in bare feet, long blonde hair everywhere, a guitar strapped over one shoulder and long, hippe-ish clothes, I worried for her. Playing at a party like that is notoriously awkward because people are rude and they talk instead of listening. It’s almost impossible to control an industry crowd intent on drinking free alcohol, especially when they haven’t paid to see you.




But when Ashleigh began to sing - just her and her acoustic guitar - the entire room stopped. It was electrifying and she captured everyone’s attention in a way even the other infinitely more experienced artists couldn’t quite do. I think she’s from Canberra. Her parents came with her to the gig as her roadies. She was delightful.

Ashleigh writes her own songs and her voice is just extraordinary. You can listen to her music here on her site and if you like it, you can download it on itunes (go to the store and search under her name). Here’s a taste. My favourite songs from her EP are this one, Pieces of You (a poor quality record of it above) and Power Of A Girl. And Angela…and, well, the whole thing. What an amazing talent. Read more about her on her myspace here.… - Mama Mia

A PR girl came into SW two months ago and dropped off an album by Ashleigh Mannix to review in the mag. But I just let it sit there because PR people never give you good albums. Then I saw Ashleigh play live in Dee Why and it turns out she is a super talented mega babe with an amazing voice and guitar pluckin’ fingers to boot. Now I can’t find the dang CD anywhere. – ashleighmannix.com - Surfing World Magazine

A PR girl came into SW two months ago and dropped off an album by Ashleigh Mannix to review in the mag. But I just let it sit there because PR people never give you good albums. Then I saw Ashleigh play live in Dee Why and it turns out she is a super talented mega babe with an amazing voice and guitar pluckin’ fingers to boot. Now I can’t find the dang CD anywhere. – ashleighmannix.com - Surfing World Magazine