As I prepare to bring “Hear My Voice” to Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar on May 10th and a second performance to the Arts Centre at Port Nourlunga on June 7, I wanted to share a glimpse into the musical path that has shaped my development as a vocalist and performer.
A Life in Music
My relationship with music has been a lifelong love affair. Growing up surrounded by diverse musical influences, I found myself drawn to melodies and harmonies that stirred something deep within. The rich tapestry of sounds—from classical, choral music and opera to jazz, blues and soul—that colored my formative years continues to weave through my musical sensibilities today.
My formal vocal journey started at school, singing alto in the Cabra Dominican College Choir and then continuing with the Adelaide University Choral Society. I have fond memories of choir competitions in Ballarat led by Sister Alphonsus, our Choir Director and amazing friendships formed. At Uni I will never forget those incredible choir camps, long rehearsals, great meals together and the likes of visiting conductors such as Hilary Weiland who brought us together to perform with a level of precision and emotion that to this day inspires me. Mozart’s requiem will always be a highlight of my performance career. There’s really something magical about being part of a collective voice—those moments when dozens of individual voices breathe as one to create something larger than themselves can’t be compared to anything else. These early choral experiences shaped not just my understanding of harmony and musical structure, but taught me the power of musical connection and creating collectively.
A pivotal shift came when I joined several early music chamber choirs, where with only two singers per part, my individual voice began to emerge from the collective. I’ll never forget the flutter of nerves and exhilaration that accompanied my first solo performances—stepping out from the safety of the group into a more vulnerable, but ultimately more fulfilling musical space.
The transition to jazz and blues wasn’t something I planned—it was more like a homecoming I never expected. My naturally low voice seemed to find its truest expression in these genres, as if they’d been waiting for me all along. I fell under the spell of voices that could convey a lifetime in a single phrase: the magnificent Ella Fitzgerald, the soul-stirring Nina Simone, and contemporaries whose authenticity spoke to me like Diana Krall and Tracy Chapman. In their distinctive voices, I found not just inspiration but permission to embrace my own unique sound.
What draws me to these artists goes beyond their technical brilliance—it’s the way they inhabit each song, and bring emotion and soul to each song. During my French studies in high school with Madame Fennell, I discovered another treasure in the tradition of French chanson, where storytelling and emotional expression intertwine so beautifully. These musical influences have shaped not just how I sing, but how I connect with audiences through authentic musical storytelling.
Finding My Place in Adelaide’s Music Scene
Adelaide’s vibrant music community has been my creative home and haven. From my early performances in intimate venues where you could see the expressions on every face in the audience, to larger stages where energy flows differently but no less powerfully, each experience has shaped my evolution as an artist.
There’s something special about Adelaide’s music scene—a warmth and supportive spirit that has allowed me to take risks, find my voice, and grow into the performer I am today. Those early gigs—some nerve-wracking, some exhilarating, all formative—taught me not just about music, but about connecting with an audience in authentic ways.
Discovering cabaret was like finding a missing piece of a puzzle I didn’t know I was solving. The tradition of storytelling through music that defines this art form resonated deeply with my desire to create performances that touch people beyond just entertainment. Working with established cabaret artists and generous mentors such as Amelia Ryan and Michael Griffiths helped me understand how to craft not just individual songs but complete performance experiences—journeys that audiences and performer take together.
When I think about my musical development in Adelaide, I’m filled with gratitude for the venues, fellow musicians, and audiences who have been part of this ongoing experience. Each performance has added something valuable to my artistic journey—teaching me about connection, timing, and the subtle art of musical storytelling.
Musical Partnerships
My journey as a performer has been shaped by meaningful musical collaborations that helped me find my true voice. It was Corey Stewart, my talented guitarist and bass player for many years, who first gave me the space to develop my confidence—starting at the Daniel O’Connell open mic and evolving into professional performances together. Our work in duos and with my band became known for our soulful arrangements, eclectic repertoire and distinctive vocal harmonies, often surprising audiences when I would take the lower part. We shared that rare gift of vocal blend that can’t be manufactured, only discovered between compatible voices. It was a long and celebrated musical partnership.
Those formative years performing with Corey taught me to trust my distinctive sound and embrace what made my voice unique rather than trying to conform to expectations. Each venue, each audience response, each musical conversation on stage helped solidify my identity as a vocalist.
One of the most treasured aspects of my musical life has been finding these kindred spirits who speak the same wordless language. My 10 year partnership with pianist Ed Heddle stands as testament to the magic that can happen when musical minds connect deeply.
There’s a rare alchemy that develops between musicians who perform together regularly—a sixth sense that allows anticipation of each other’s musical choices, breathing patterns, emotional intentions. With Ed, I’ve been lucky enough to be challenged and grown remarkably as a performer . We have had those those moments where piano and voice move as one entity, where a slight variation in tempo or dynamics is felt rather than discussed and supported each other when we’ve had the inevitable slip ups that come with live music.
These collaborative relationships have nurtured my growth as an artist in ways I couldn’t have achieved alone. When we perform together, there’s a dance that happens—sometimes Ed leads, his piano creating emotional landscapes for my voice to inhabit; sometimes I lead, with Ed intuitively following the emotional thread of my interpretation. And in the most magical moments, the distinction between leading and following dissolves entirely. His ability to improvise and weave his classical and jazz training into each performance brings a natural synergy that connects with my own musical background at a very felt level.
This musical conversation, refined over years of performing together, forms the beating heart of “Hear My Voice.” It’s a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to serving the music and the stories above all else.
Creating “Hear My Voice”
The development of “Hear My Voice” as a cabaret show represents an exciting new chapter in my artistic journey. Created with the guidance of mentors Amelia Ryan and Michael Griffiths, this performance brings together musical elements and personal exploration in a way that I’m eager to share.
While I won’t reveal too much about the specific content—that’s best experienced firsthand—I can say that the show explores themes that many of us can relate to: the search for authentic expression, the courage to embrace what makes us distinctive, and the connections we find through sharing our stories.
The intimate setting of Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar provides the perfect environment for this type of performance. In a space where live music is supported and celebrated and the ambience of the environment allows the subtle nuances of musical expression and storytelling to be fully appreciated.
Looking Forward
As I prepare for the May 10th performance at Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar, I’m excited about the opportunity to connect with an audience in such an intimate setting. There’s something magical about the relationship between performer and audience in a small venue—a shared experience that feels immediate and genuine.
I invite you to join me on May 10th for an evening of music that spans jazz, blues, and beyond. Whether you come for dinner at 6pm or arrive for the show at 8pm, I look forward to sharing this musical journey with you in a setting designed for connection.
The vintage ambiance of Gingers, the exceptional accompaniment of Ed Heddle, the support of a community of friends and the carefully crafted musical program come together to create an experience that goes beyond typical entertainment. I hope you’ll be part of it.
Alexandra Frost performs “Hear My Voice” at Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar (109 Goodwood Road, Goodwood SA 5034) on May 10th, 2025. Dinner from 6pm, show from 8pm-10pm. Limited seating available – book via Trybooking or by calling Gingers directly at 08 7073 2361.