Influences: Tarja Turenen (ex. Nightwish), Simone Simmons (Epica), Liv Christine (Leaves Eyes, ex. Theatre of Tragedy), Carmen Elise Espenaes (Midnattsol) and Tori Amos

 
Also like: Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Corvus Corax, Fintroll, Tristania, Devin Townsend, Tool, Faith No More, Fantomas, Ministry, Bjork, some folk & world music and various sound art.

"I began singing in senior high school  to accompany my guitar playing, first taking lessons from a local contemporary teacher while also completing a certifiicate in Music Industry Business. Since that time I have concentrated on developing my vocal skills and have had the opportunity to perform in various situations including functions, gigs and most recently in musical theatre as well as recording my own originals and collaborative work.

Over the years I took some lessons in opera but strayed from music while establishing a curatorial career in the arts industry. In 2008 I returned to vocal lessons and remain under the mentorship of my teacher Louise Smith. In 2009 I began working on the first concept of 'Awaken Solace' and recorded a demo with previous keyboardist Alex Ennever. In 2010 I met fellow members Robert Russell and Elspeth Johnson and began developing the project further. I recently left full-time employment to pursue my musical interests, I am currently completing a B. Fine Art (Sound Design) at QUT and work part-time as a singing teacher at Fine Tune Singing while concentrating more than ever on my work with 'Awaken Solace'."

Influences: Emppu Vuorinen (Nightwish), Zachary and Marco Hietala (Tarot, Nightwish), Jani Liimatainen/Elias Viljanen (Sonata Arctica), Darrell Lance Abbott (Pantera), Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple) and Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Brian May (Queen), James Patrick Page (Led Zepplelin), Saul Hudson (Guns n’ Roses), Joe Satriani, Johnny Allen, Jimi Hendrix.

Also like: Therion, Epica, Black Sabbath, Janes Addiction, Alice Cooper, The Tea Party, Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd.

 "I’ve been surrounded by music all my life and began teaching myself guitar at age 11. In 1999 I began taking lessons with Kevin Reily (Brisbane guitarist from Big Empty Circle), who introduced me to many of my early musical influences. From 2003 – 2006, I studied a Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane, during which I performed in underground music projects as well as being involved in several studio recording projects. After graduating in 2006 I formed Glam/Rock band Lord Byron with one of my contemporaries. I was introduced to the symphonic metal genre by the band's pianist Robert Russell, and was drawn to its powerful and uplifting mix of classical and metal elements. After gigging in Brisbane for a year and a half the band decided to move to London, UK to crack into the music scene over there. After 18 months of successful gigging in London I moved back to Australia and began searching for another band which has fortunately led me to Awaken Solace."

Influences: Tuomas Holopainen, Tony Kakko, Marco Hietala, Nobuo Uematsu, J.S.Bach, W.A.Mozart, Brian May

Also like: Nightwish, Sonata Artica, Tarot, Computer Game Music, Baroque and Classical Music, Musical Theatre.

"Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From playing violin at weddings, accompanying school choirs, and conducting a 40 piece orchestra and 40 piece choir in front of a few thousand people, I can’t seem to get enough of it!

I spent my youth fixated on music from the baroque era. I took piano exams all throughout school, and although I didn’t go on to further music study (doing a couple of mathematics degrees), I continued to stay very involved in the Brisbane musical scene, performing on the musical theatre circuit, and playing in some bands, including keyboard for Lord Byron, who I went to the UK with in 2008 and 2009.

I consider myself a composer first and foremost. I have a high interest writing music for computers, and also for musical theatre. I’ve been lucky enough to have an original musical, Living Dangerously, performed on the stage in late 2010.

The world of symphonic metal found me in 2006, where I was introduced to Nightwish by a friend. I was immediately spellbound by their beautiful songs and melodies. Later, I found Sonata Artica, who even further threw me into a world of escapism and dreams. So much so, that I wished to start my own symphonic metal project. Luck would have it that Awaken Solace’s guitarist, Elspeth Johnson, introduced me to Maree Nipperess, and the rest is history."

Influences:  Aquiles Priester, Dino Verdade, Neil Peart, Marco Minneman, Mike Mangini, Mike Portnoy, Ricardo Confessori, along with many others

Also like: Angra, Death, Dream Theater,  DynaheaD, Helloween, Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, Liquid Tension Experiment, Nightwish, Queensrÿche, Rhapsody of Fire, Soul Legion, Stratovarius, Symphony X, etc

"I started playing music in 2000, by taking keyboard lessons at a local music school. I enjoyed it heaps but something would catch my attention even more - I could hear drummers playing next door and I could not get that sound out of my head. It was in one of those days that I watched Neil Peart's drum solo video, and that's where it all started to make sense. I enrolled in a local Drumming school where I studied for many years... I would play anything, with anybody, anywhere. Through the years I didn't play too much due to a busy work life, and it always bothered me that I wasn't pursuing music... And it was recently then, that I decided that it was time for me to come back into the game, with a renewed passion and play the style I enjoy most - power metal! An opportunity then presented itself to join the fantastic power symphonic sound of Awaken Solace, and I cannot wait to show the world what we have to offer."