Ms Athena Pavlis-Goard

I began writing songs at the age of thirteen. At that time I was significantly influenced by the likes of Neil Young, Ricki Lee Jones, Bob Dylan and Tom Waites and currently Shania Twain, Norah Jones, Troy Casa Daley, Lee Kernaghan and Melinda Schneider. Therefore my music has a country/highway sound with lyrics focusing on grief/loss and identity issues. My songs also reflect a spiritual depth that have been influenced by the likes of Keith Green, Amy Grant and David Meece to name a few.

I have recently performed my songs in local pubs and clubs around Sydney on my electric keyboard. Most songs When I write it starts with the lyrics first and then the melody. I rarely write down my music on paper as I can hear it all in my head!

I am a woman who has lived with Cerebral Palsy for 43 years and have also lived with a depressive and anxiety disorder most of my life. Writing songs therefore for me has really helped me to express all my emotions I have had to live with and still live with. '"This Girl" which I am most proud of is about me overcoming my anxiety disorder. When I haven't written for a while then I really feel the real me disapearing so its really important that I write!

When I don't writie songs I have worked as a lecture/supervisor of university students in disability studies. I thoroughly enjoy driving my wheelchair accessible modified van down the highway with the windows down and the music up loud! I also enjoy expressing myself through writing poetry, short stories and drawing and painting.