Local musician Rhiannon Gale is in the midst of touring the South West with her new band, South Jam.
Ms Gale said experience from a young age, including regular appearances at the Collie Idol song competition, have helped her to prepare for a life on tour.
“I started singing probably in my first year of high school and that was with the Paul and Jane band just out in Cardiff and just going out there for practices,” she said.
“We started doing a few gigs around town and sang out in Boddington just busking and then did the Boyup-Brook competitions.
“It takes, I suppose, a lot of practice and to be really tuned in.”
The singer has teamed up with cover artists including guitarist and vocalist Harvey de Guzman, drummer Ronnie Dayrit and bassist Louie Villafuerte, all specialising in rock, blues and southern classics.
“I’ve known the lead guitarist for this band, I’ve known him since I was 18, and he saw me at the start of this year and said: ‘I’m interested in starting a band, would you be interested?’,” she said.
“I was already really familiar with the music that he did so we just joined forces, did a bit of practice and added a few more songs to the mix.
“We’ve really only been a band since February/March this year but we all get on like a house on fire and the music is really suited to my voice which is probably the reason why I want to stay with them.”
The group recently performed shows in Collie and Bunbury.
Ms Gale said live performance was an important and exhilarating factor in any musician’s career.
“I have done recordings, I have done my own CD, but being in front of a crowd is quite exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time,” she said.
The band has set it sights on gigs in Perth and across the South West, including the 2016 Collie Show later this year.
