atalana

Atalana is a singer/songwriter in every essence of the word. Her evocative music makes a connection with folk, blues, pop and other traditional influences, and through them, still finds a place to call her own. As a self-taught guitarist, Atalana has found herself an individual and organic sound to accompany her soaring and heartfelt vocals. Over the years Atalana has honed her writing skills, and has arrived at a point where she is truly excited with the results, and with the prospect of furthering her career as a musician. Moving to Sydney in 2001, and while developing her music, Atalana matured as a performer, playing a number of shows at the Metro, The Basement, and many other clubs in and around Sydney, forging a steady and loyal following. Atalana even performed in the production; HAIR, in Sydney and Melbourne, under the direction of David Atkins.

The decision was then made to head to Tasmania to consolidate in 2004, and Atalana's writing hasn't looked back. With a swag full of new material she looks expectantly into the future.

Atalana auditioned for the Channel 7 series; Popstars 2, and notably, was offered a solo recording contract, external of the final group.

“There are moments that affirm who we are in life, as an artist, one of mine was during the experience of being a “contestant” on Popstars 2. I have always written and performed my own material, for as long as I can remember, but have never been told that “it is ok to follow your dreams”. So, when I was handed a recording contract, it was more a pat on the back and a word in the ear that told me that I was on the right track”.

“In hind site it was fortunate for me, the record label fell apart, and I was left to go it alone, and since then I have grown immeasurably as a musician and a person, and have arrived at a place in my writing that I am truly happy and excited about”.

Since the experience of being thrust head-long into the music industry, and then just as quickly finding herself on the other side again, Atalana has struggled to find the right producer to work with. A number of attempts have been made with various producers, but the results have not fully realised the potential of Atalana's work.

A colourful life to this point, has given Atalana a wealth of experience to draw upon when writing her emotion charged songs, with many people waiting after at a gig to say “thankyou that meant so much to me” through teared eyes.

“I hail from a the tiny island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, called Groote Eylandt. I grew up there, but left when I was 12, to attended boarding school in Perth, WA, then onto Theatre and Communications at Uni. The stint in Sydney taught me so much about myself, as a person and a musician, but since arriving in 2004, and living in Tassie I have really found my muse, and the songs are really flowing naturally. I just know that this is a great base for the creative juices to take hold”.

Tasmania was to be a time of writing and recording for Atalana, but she has still found time time to gig, from playing at the Republic Bar, and Irish Murphy's, to supporting the Waifs. The future is bright for this untapped talent. Her passion and desire are sure to see her succeeding at an international level in years to come.