 Nat Ripepi calls Perth home but has been making waves with her ‘gutsy, powerful and sexy’ (The West Australian) music across our shores and, more recently, across the UK where she resided and performed solidly for three years (2002-2004). returned to the UK in June-July 2005 for a hugely successful eight-week follow-up tour that saw her perform 14 gigs in seven cities across the UK, including Ireland. In 2007, Nat embarked on a second solo tour of Europe to promote her EP The Moment, made possible by a contemporary music touring grant from the WA Department of Culture and the Arts.
Ripepi started her career off in Perth in 1995 with a Sunday residency at the Brass Monkey Hotel. She quickly became one of Perth’s top acoustic performers, performing solidly for the next five years until relocating to Melbourne in 2000. During her time in Perth, Ripepi was nominated for several Western Australian Music Industry Awards (WAMis), including most popular acoustic act and most popular female vocalist. Her songs Stronger and I Will Not Fall were nominated for WAM song of the year awards.
“A true must-see for some exquisitely polished performances… A joy to the ear (& soul!)”
– www.healthyconcerts.com/reviews/ (UK)
Her debut solo CD Universe was released in July 2000. It debuted at #3 in the 78 Records Independent Charts (WA) and #4 in the Mills Records Chart (WA). It also gained national and international airplay on both commercial and independent radio. The album was described as “beautifully polished and intoxicating” (West Side Observer). It is now into its fourth pressing.
“A stunning collection of skilfully crafted songs...will have the words ‘tidal wave of talent’ inextricably linked with the performer.”
– X-Press Magazine (WA)
High-profile supports include Pat Benatar and The Bangles, Billy Bragg, Ben Folds Five, Luka Bloom, Kate Ceberano, Deborah Conway, The Waifs, Tex Perkins, Jonathon Richmond, Mark Seymour, Tiddas, James Reyne, James Blundell and James Morrison.
Festival appearances include Brighton’s Pride Festival main stage in the women’s performance tent for three years running (UK), the Green Fair Festival in London, several Perth Pride Fairday appearances on the main stage, Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival, the Fairbridge Festival (WA), YAC It Up Festival (WA), Sista Jive Women’s Music Festival (NSW) and an appearance in the finals of the Dandenong Ranges Folk Festival Songsmith Award in Victoria.
“Her music instantly grabbed everyone’s attention; the sheer emotion and power that came from a single acoustic and voice was stunning. Nat has a voice and song-writing talent that should be granted a much larger stage.”
– www.healthyconcerts.com/reviews/ (UK)
Ripepi has also received exposure in the US and Canada with an interview on the TV show Round Trip Ticket which has aired repeatedly on LGBT station Logo on the MTV network. It has an estimated audience of 14 million people and has also been shown here in Australia on the FOX Network.
Ripepi regularly volunteers for many community projects, most recently with the Music Feedback Project that promotes mental health awareness through music. Her song Change features on its most recent CD and she was interviewed for the DVD.
Other compilation CD appearances include You Are MY Right on the Sista Jive compilation, My Enemy and Shiver on The Living Room Sessions CD, Stronger on a Kiss My WAMi compilation and The Fall on APRA’s Composer Exposer compilation CD and another Kiss My WAMi compilation.
Ripepi’s brand new CD, Piece By Piece, is released nationally on October 30 through Firestarter Distribution.
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