Sultry Sally Gypsy Woman

Holding the record for the shortest formation time these young, sexy, sassy girls - aka Sultry Sally - have been working with some of Australia’s top producers to record the bands debut single, a cover of the hit song made famous by american singer Crystal Waters in 2001, ‘Gypsy Woman’.

The group has been working with Michael Szumowski, who has produced music for Disco Montego, The Veronicas and Candice Alley and producer Michael 'Felix' D'Arcy, who has worked with Human Nature, Sophie Monk and Bardot.

Andrew James Hawkins, CEO of Purple Orange’s and the group’s manager, comments "I'm really excited to be unveiling this all new girl group to Australia with a full band showcase. After going through a concentrated and unique process of putting the group together, we've worked with the cream of the crop of Australia's music writers, producers and directors to create a world class Australian pop-dance act."

The group, consisting of Anne Robertson, Nicky Kurta, Sera Monson and Natalie Conway, is set to take the Aussie music industry by storm.

Anne Robertson made her national appearance on the third series of Channel Ten's Australian Idol, finishing in sixth place and labelled by judge Marcia Hines as "one of the strongest females vocally in the history of Australian Idol." Labelled as the series' sweetheart and heralded as one of the most promising performers and vocalist in the competition, she won a dedicated legion of fans in both the viewers and judges. .

Young singer and songwriter, Nicky Kurta, currently performs around Sydney’s hub. Recently working with the boys from DNA Songs, Nicky performs her own material, some of which were written with Australia’s most respected artists such as Brian Cadd, Rick Price and Phil Buckle of Johnny Farnham fame.

Sera Monson is a past student of the Australian Institute of Music and was an advanced student at Jaanz School of Singing with Catie Halliday. She has shared the stage with Australian legends such as Glenn Shorrock, Rhonda Burchmore, Peter Dawkins and Ross Ryan.

Fourth member, Natalie Conway, is newest to the music scene. Natalie started out being involved in semi-professional musicals and then moved on joining a cover band, gigging to advance her career and become involved in the Sydney music scene.

‘Gypsy Woman’ is available via itunes now

www.sultrysallymusic.com

Sultry Sally

Anne Robertson is best known for finishing sixth place on Network Ten's Australian Idol, season three. Anne has learnt from her experiences and now teamed up three other girls to launch Sultry Sally, an all girl pop group! Sultry Sally's debut single is called 'Gypsy Woman' which is a cover of the song made famous by American singer, Crystal Waters in 2001.

Sultry Sally consists of four fabulous performers, Anne Robertson, Natalie Conway, Nicky Kurta and Sera Monson. Anne Robertson was labeled by Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines as "one of the strongest females vocally in the history of Australian Idol." Nicky Kurta is a young singer and songwriter. Natalie Conway grew up in Sydney and admits her passion is horses. Sera Monson has been described as having "extraordinary talent".

What did you learn from Australian Idol?

Anne Robertson: Idol exposed me to a lot, I was a shyer person back then and I was able to become more confident in myself and in singing in front of other people. Idol also gave me the chance to meet people and see what else is out there. It really did change me, I became more outspoken and it helped me get to the next level. It has also helped me experience gigs that are out there and that I have performed at. I have been singing at church since I was three and Idol was a totally different thing to that, it did change my confidence in singing but I am still the same person.


Did you choose the song Gypsy Girl, why did it appeal to you?

Anne Robertson: We choose four great songs, we did love the song Gypsy Girl back in the day and we thought we could change it and make it out own hit. As a group we choose four familiar songs that we thought people would like changed and that they could enjoy again. We have changed the dance songs in our own way, still keeping them as great dance songs.


How did the four of you come together and why did you choose 'Sultry Sally'? Does it have anything to do with the potato chips?

Anne Robertson: It was an open audition. The four of us were selected from 100 and we were lucky enough that Sultry Sally potato chips sponsored us. We love the chips and the brand, they have a glamour, retro vibe that we love and works for our music. The four of us are so grateful that we have Sultry Sally on board and it has been so great that we have been chosen as one of their great new acts.


Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Anne Robertson: I love Australian music, I didn't really know what was out there before Idol though. I knew there were a lot of unsigned artists out there that wanted to be musicians, I wasn't the type of person to approach a music label either. Idol really changed my perspective on music and I knew I had to work really hard to shine through as contacts weren't handed out on a silver platter. I kept working hard doing my own thing whilst keeping my profile up and I have learnt many things.


Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Anne Robertson: I do, before Sultry Sally I was working with some major names in the producing industry. My inspiration comes mostly from life and love, I am a sucker for love. Young people, my youth, and now all inspire me. Life inspires me, the way we go through it.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Anne Robertson: I am never not listening or playing my music, (laughs) but I love so many artists. Whitney, Beyonce is a favourite of mine, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill is a big inspiration, Mariah, I also like the Divas and the Presets. I love R&B Pop music.


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Anne Robertson: Live. That is my all time favourite thing to do. I love interacting with the crowd and having the music and the mike whilst singing. I don't mind recording, it is great, but it's just you and one other person in a booth.


What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Anne Robertson: My Mum and Dad. I have seven brothers and sisters and we all sang together. Growing up I saw my cousins singing in church and I thought 'That's what I want to do'.


What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Anne Robertson: The music and the realism. I now know this is what I really want to do. This is a goal and a passion of mine. I want to succeed in this industry. I know I have a lot more to learn, but I am ready for the future.


If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Anne Robertson: Michael Jackson, Neo, Stevie Wonder and Beyonce, she is so great!


Where can copies of Sultry Sally's debut album be purchased?

Anne Robertson: At the moment it can only be purchased on iTunes. You can listen to it and see the video clips and tour information on our website though: www.sultrysallymusic.com


Brooke Hunter