When I discovered my authentic voice through the development and performance of “Hear My Voice,” the journey didn’t end—it deepened. The success of that show at Adelaide Fringe and its subsequent May performance at Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar opened a door to something even more profound: exploring the musical influences that shaped not just my sound, but my understanding of what it means to communicate truth through song.
This journey helped me understand there was a clear pattern in what my voice was drawn to over many years. I found myself gravitating towards vocalists who mirrored my deeper sound and natural vibrato—voices that showed me what was possible with vocal range, colour, and style. But more importantly, beyond the technical elements, the artists I connected with needed to reach something deeper. They had to move me emotionally, transport me to a different place in that moment. I needed to truly feel their artistry, not simply admire their skillful vocal delivery. Most importantly, they needed to be memorable for something that transcended technique.
As I explored in Hear My Voice, I realised I was never going to be a pop singer—my voice and style stepped too far outside that norm. But this truth isn’t only about my range or style; it is also about the impact I want to have on an audience and on myself when I perform. I strive to connect authentically with audiences in a way that feels universal, whether that connection is vulnerable, joyous, or pensive. Above all, it must be real.
The Search for Authentic Musical Connection
Music lovers understand the frustration of attending performance after performance, hoping to discover that rare artist who doesn’t just entertain but truly connects. You’re seeking more than technical proficiency or familiar repertoire—you want to witness the moment when music becomes a bridge between people from different backgrounds, when a performer’s authenticity resonates so deeply that it transforms your understanding of what live music can achieve.
Finding Familiar Voices: Range, Emotion, and Storytelling
My upcoming July 25th performance at Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar builds on the foundation I established in “Hear My Voice” by exploring the artists who have felt like natural companions to my own voice. This evening celebrates the singers I’ve gravitated towards—artists whose vocal range, emotional expression, and storytelling ability create a sense of familiarity and connection.
When you discover artists whose voices resonate with your own capabilities and instincts, something special happens. My selection draws from performers who share not just my deeper vocal range, but my understanding of how to use that voice as a vehicle for emotional truth and compelling narrative. With some artists such as Blossom Dearie and Peggy Lee, I learned to understand my voice through what it was not able to do, rather than what it was. With other voices such as Diana Krall and Gregory Porter, I learned to lean into the depth and sulty nature of my sound.
The artists who have shaped my journey are beautifully diverse: Nina Simone, Julie London, Sarah Vaughan, Blossom Dearie, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole, Bessie Smith, Etta James, Frank Sinatra, Gregory Porter, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Édith Piaf have all been essential companions along the way. Popular artists like Sting, Annie Lennox, Tracy Chapman, Liza Minnelli, and Adele have resonated with me at different moments in my development. Even earlier, my classical, choral, and early music foundations were influenced by voices like Pavarotti, Cecilia Bartoli, and Emma Kirkby.
The Natural Connection of Voice and Expression
What makes this approach particularly compelling is how my distinctive vocal range has naturally led me towards certain artists and songs. Rather than forcing my voice into incredibly unfamiliar territory (despite trying hard), I’ve discovered a repertoire that feels like home—songs originally performed by artists who understood how to combine vocal depth with emotional honesty and masterful storytelling.
I have struggled to define myself purely by genre, but over time I’ve realised that although my voice and sensibility naturally feel at home with jazz and blues, I’m drawn to any song where the lyrics, melody, and rhythm speak to me. I welcome the challenge of exploring different styles, and I’m now proud to be a singer who embraces a diverse repertoire held together by authenticity and commitment—to the song itself and to genuine expression of emotion, always.
This natural affinity creates performances that feel effortless and genuine. When I sing material from artists who share my vocal qualities and expressive instincts, I feel most at home and I can easily invite the audience into that world. Sometimes you are lucky enough to find a song that seems written for your own voice, even when they were created decades before you were born.
Ed Heddle: The dream accompanist of 10 years
Pianist Ed Heddle’s role in this exploration cannot be understated. His accompaniment doesn’t just support my vocals—it creates the musical space where these conversations between past and present influences can unfold. His understanding of jazz, blues, soul, gospel, classical and cabaret traditions provides the foundation that allows me to explore these connections without losing the intimacy that makes Gingers performances so compelling. His capacity to bring his classical influences in with improvisations drawing on such composers as Bach, provide a flexibility that is rare and greatly welcomed due to my classical and choral roots.
Together, we create performances where each song feels both familiar and fresh—familiar because of the natural connection between my voice and my chosen repertoire, fresh because of our own interpretation and the intimate setting that allows every nuance to be heard and felt.
The Gingers Experience
Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar provides the perfect setting for this kind of musical exploration. The venue’s intimate atmosphere and commitment to supporting musicians following their own path creates an environment where every nuance can be heard and appreciated.
The venue’s retro charm complements the timeless quality of these classic artists, while its excellent acoustics ensure that the emotional details of each performance reach the audience clearly. At Gingers, audiences don’t just listen—they become part of the musical conversation.
Creating Musical Connection
Previous performances at Gingers have shown what happens when authentic artistry meets an appreciative audience. The warm responses we have received demonstrate that people are hungry for genuine musical experiences—moments when technique serves emotion rather than the other way around and anecdotes and stories that help us understand the people behind the voices, including the artist standing right in front of them. Cabaret provides that beautiful capacity by drawing the audience into the experience and allowing them to be influenced by the context and narrative in which the music is showcased.
For music lovers seeking something beyond standard entertainment, these performances offer a chance to witness the beautiful connections between past and present voices. For venues like Gingers, supporting authentic artists creates the kind of loyal community that values genuine artistry.
Your Invitation to Something Special
The July 25th performance at Gingers showcases what happens when vocal range, emotional expression, and storytelling align perfectly. Whether you experienced Hear My Voice, seen me at other live performances in Adelaide or you’re discovering my music for the first time, this evening celebrates the natural connections between familiar voices across time and genre.
Join Ed and me at Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar on July 25th for an evening celebrating the connections between voice, emotion, and story.
Book your tickets now for the Alexandra Frost Duo at Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar, Friday July 25th. Experience the continuing journey from “Hear My Voice” to a deeper exploration of musical influences and emotional connection. Tickets may be purchased through TryBooking and dinner bookings/seats for the show through Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar.