The Story of my life – So far!

From the very Beginning..

I came into the world on December 6th, 1986 to the two most beautiful people on the planet, my Mum and Dad, Michelle and Stephen Simmonds. I started my life living in the beautiful coastal town of Port Macquarie, NSW, where my Grandma and Grandad, Aunty’s and Uncles, cousins etc still live.

When I was 4 years old my little sister Karlee came along, followed some 5 years later by my baby sister Sarah. It feels like only yesterday, but it still seems they have grown up way too quick.
I completed my Primary schooling in Port Macquarie at St Joseph’s primary, a wonderful school where I made friends that I will have for life. My first singing teacher was at the school, I guess mum and dad figured they might as well encourage me as I lived and breathed it!!

Soon after I met a lady who I have the greatest respect for, Robyn Ryan who became my singing teacher, to this day I think of all she taught me and try to make her proud!!

High School came around so fast and I loved it!! At the end of year 7 my parents decided we would move to Tamworth NSW, a decision I wasn’t very happy with at first!! Looking back on it all now, it was such a fantastic move, I have met so many beautiful people since living in Tamworth that I couldn’t imagine never knowing, including Joan Douglas who was my first Manager.

I finished my High schooling at Calrossy Girls School in Tamworth in the hope of getting into uni and studying Music Education to be a music teacher. Of course my dream was to be a famous singer but I thought it was my ‘wildest’ dream rather than an achievable one. I did get into Uni, but decided that instead, I would dare to dream, follow my heart and see where it would take me.

We had been traveling to Tamworth for the Country Music Festival every January for 9 years before we moved there and loved every bit about it! In 2005 I decided to compete in the Telstra Road To Tamworth, a nationwide talent quest that was only in its second year & I was lucky enough to win the competition!! I'll never forget the way I felt when they read out my name as the winner, it was so overwhelming, I was crying so much I could only manage to say “Oh my Goodness!” This experience was priceless, not only did I win a trip to Nashville to record my debut single Mighty Mighty Love, it led to appearances on Sunrise, The Today show, Mornings with Kerri-Anne, Channel Ten News and open many other doors but back stage after the TRTT, I met many people who now hold a very special place in my career.

I have also been writing with Suzy Connolly, Rick Price, Graeme Connors, Erinn Sherlock, who are all incredible songwriters. I signed a development deal with Sony BMG in ’06 which is something I’m very proud of. To be associated with a company of such prestige is a dream come true. I also signed a Fender Guitars endorsement deal in ’06 – the first guitar I ever saved up for and bought with my ‘own’ money was a Fender so I thought that was pretty special!!

Now based in Sydney, It’s been great to be so close to the airport as I’ve had a busy time over the last few years touring with my friends Dianna Corcoran, Amber Lawrence, Kirsty Lee Akers and Adam Harvey to name a few and have also been traveling round this beautiful country performing at the many Music Festivals..
Music is my life, It’s the first thing I think about when I wake and the last thing I think about when I’m falling asleep (and it sometimes occupies my dreams.) A Life without music would be a life without soul, it evokes so much emotion, it transcends all languages – what else does all that?? I pray that my music will be thought of as genuine, honest and personal, something that people can relate to. And more than anything, I will strive with all my heart to make the people I love proud.

MY STORY GROWS!!!! On the 24th August my brand new single, THE KEEPER goes to radio!! I’m so excited and hope you all enjoy it as much as I have recording it!