Solo Artist Of The Month,August 2016 "Fiona Moran"

London-born singer/songwriter Fiona Moran’s musical career began with a BA (Hons) degree from Southampton University, England in 2006.

In 2006/07 she wrote and directed two musicals. One was a new adaptation of the Dickens’ novel Nicholas Nickleby and the other was named “Hotpopping”, loosely based on the classic movie Trainspotting.

During this time Fiona was voice coaching in high schools, learning a lot about her voice while also singing in bands, writing songs and recording three albums; Miles (recorded in Southampton), So Loud (recorded in London) and Progress (recorded in Toronto, Canada in collaboration with Tyguy Productions).

In 2008 Fiona joined the band The Lip Bombs and recorded her fourth album Halo with Neil McSweeney, Steve Davies, Larry Freeman and Mag Raynor.

Since moving to Australia in 2009 she has made a name for herself on the Queensland music scene through regular weekend gigs in bars, restaurants, hotels, corporate functions, weddings and markets. Joining Katie Richard’s band “The Detales” in 2011 gained her exposure at Queensland Festivals such as Palm Creek , Yungaburra and Mission Evolve and also further introduced her to the original music scene in the region.

In 2014 she premiered her own act, Fiona & the Sweepers (previously named Dougwell & Sweeper) at The Palm Creek Folk Festival, which led to a spot the following year both there and at The Wintermoon Festival in the paradise of the Eungulla National Park. Later that year they released their debut single Girl, which attracted vast local media attention over Christmas that year.

2015 saw the release of Fiona & the Sweepers debut album Music Harmony Soul, launched on Magnetic Island in August and toured down the East Coast of Queensland and New South Wales through September and October.

Fiona is currently half way through writing the second Fiona & the Sweepers album Boys in Bands are Trouble, planned for release late 2016/early 2017 and also has plans for an international tour in the following years.

She can be found singing in many of Townsville and Magnetic Island’s live music venues, either by herself or with the reggae/jazz/world/funk band she has joined, The Chit Chats.

Music Harmony Soul is available for purchase from all major online music stores, Arties Music Shop in Mundingburra or for sale at each of Fiona’s gigs.

To contact Fiona for solo, duo or band entertainment at your next function, call 0408263939.

Facebook: Fiona Moran Music

Fiona & the Sweepers

The Chit Chats

Picture- Paul Freeman