PRESS RELEASE: ‘NEW KID ON THE BLOCK’ MAKES HER MARK IN THE CHILDREN’S MUSIC CATEGORY AT THE QMA’S

Happy Singing Kids is the latest musical venture of local musician and mother Susanna O’Leary. Having just released her debut EP “Uh oh spaghetti-oh!”, Susanna is excited to be selected as a finalist amongst other established Children’s music artists in the upcoming prestigious Queensland Music Awards.

Susanna describes her latest undertaking “Happy Singing Kids” as a labour of love, with songs that manifested organically from bringing up two young daughters with her husband, Keiran. With the covid lockdown state wide last year, Susanna was among many artists who saw her performances and musical plans come to a grinding halt. In her attempt to ‘make the most of a difficult situation’ Susanna felt inspired to start recording music at home. She jokes about her “less than ideal” studio positioned at the only room available in her house next to the front door. She piecemealed together a studio from an old keyboard, a flute gifted to her from a musician who was moving interstate and some free software she found online. She describes the overall experience as “joyful and liberating” as she recorded and produced the songs completely by herself using midi instruments and backing vocals from daughter Mischa (aged 9) and husband Keiran.

Although humble in it’s creation Susanna sought the expertise of Grammy nominated engineer Beau Vallis (“Happy” by Pharall Williams, Beyonce and Sia) to mix and master her tracks. Her EP “Uh oh spaghetti-oh!” is already gaining traction worldwide as a teaching resource in continents such as South America and has received high praise from Grammy Award Winning World Music composer Ricky Kej.

Susanna is no stranger to the Australian music scene with several awards under her belt as a songwriter and performances at notable venues around Australia. Last year, Susanna was also awarded “highly commended” in the Queensland Music Awards 2020 for her track “Exiled” under her pseudonym “Zannah” in the World Music category. She is a sought after vocalist and teacher in her own right, with a Masters degree in Music and latest vocal performances with the Brisbane City Pops Orchestra in March this year.

A testament to Susanna’s song writing prowess, this new venture has seen her latest release and title track “Uh oh spaghetti-oh!” take the finals in the Queensland Music Awards 2021 under the Children’s music category. The annual Queensland Music Awards returns to celebrate Queensland’s best new music under the decadent chandeliers of The Fortitude Music Hall on Wednesday 5 May 2021 where winners of each music category will be announced.

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