Merenia
Australia
Merenia is a multitalented, musician, of Maori, Welsh and Romany heritage who sings in 5 languages and is quickly becoming one of Sydney’s most inimitable and popular female recording artists and live performers - particularly in the Soul, Club and Latin Genres.
Often described as a soulful Latin infused Sharon Jones, Merenia is currently signed to ABC music publishing, and is now working in support of her debut Australian release “Libertine”, out now through catalyst recordings, available on iTunes and distributed nationally through Inertia.
A powerhouse performer on stage with instinctive vocal talents, Merenia works extensively as a live performer and studio musician touring interstate, nationally and also performing in Asia.
Creating and performing using the traditional styles of her ancestry as a platform for layering hypnotic beats and sultry, soaring vocals which then translate into accessible pieces of music which slip into the decks of club land as easily as they might slip into the lounge room stereo.
Constantly in demand to collaborate on both studio and live performances. Since relocating from New Zealand to Australia, she has collaborated and lent her musical style to a variety of international acts and leading Australian artists including;
Paul Mac, Son Veneno, Omega Man, All Good Funk Alliance (US), Richard Earnshaw (UK), Stephen Allkins (Love Tattoo), Kate Munroe, The Bamboos, Declan Kelly, Rephrase, Russ Dewbury, The Sound Conducterz, Afro Moses (Ghana), Watussi, Oscar "el Duro" Jimenez, Reyes de la Onda and Steve Hill (Aust / UK)
Check out these excerpts from reviews of 'Libertine'... Paris Pompor in the Metro / Sydney Morning Herald
".... Singing in 5 tongues, Kiwi born Sydneysider Merenia has a especially distinctive tone that is instantly identifiable...it prickles with a sassy attitude that is all the more likable for eschewing the silly gymnastics favoured by wannabe urban divas. Gillies is smoother and earthier, though she can certainly single-handedly slap down younger stars. This overdue album delivers Latin greased soul and jazz, funky breaks and gospel/rnb...."
3D World Album Of The Week 9/10
".... This debut album from Merenia is so damn impressive it should put her in the forefront of the Australian Music scene...her greatest strength is her soaring versatility...she can switch from seductive soul siren to feisty MC all with the affirmation of oneself overcoming adversity...a funky percussive Latin soul driven delight...Ms.Gillies delivers a winning album"
