Rietta Austin

"Rietta IS music...she lives and breathes it...Truly a voice that needs to be heard." - Kirk Pengilly, INXS

 The Girl Who Opened O2:  “Rietta Austin was the Arena’s first Headline Act.  She went down a storm……”  London Evening Standard

 Originally from New Zealand, now based in London, Rietta Austin has performed around the globe. Rietta recently went to No 1. in Austria and No 8. in Germany with her duet with  “Falco” (Rock Me Amadeus) on major label Warner’s and due to the success of this is about to release her own follow up single in Europe in February 2010.

 Her debut album, "Cut Me Loose", released on Halo Records UK has received outstanding revues from the British music scene.  Rietta also released a worldwide hit single for Hedkandi following the success of her rendition of “All Night Long” on an international compilation album, alongside legendary artists Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Maxwell, Dionne Warwick and Earth Wind and Fire.  Rietta has recently signed a track to Ministry Of Sound USA for their Dance Nation America album which she co-wrote and is featured artist on.

 With a four octave range, Rietta’s vocal versatility is outstanding. As one of Australasia’s leading vocalists, she is versed in anything from Jazz, Soul and R’n’B, to Pop and Rock. After opening the award winning venue “The O2” in London she performed live at Glastonbury Festival with Dame Shirley Bassey, as well providing additional vocals on the Dame’s “Get The Party Started” album. Dame Shirley's dance mix featuring Rietta's vocals went to No. 3 on the US dance charts. Rietta has opened in Russia for Johnny Gill and was support act for Joe Cocker, also in Moscow.  Rietta headlined in Austria and Latvia last year with the acclaimed group “Diva Power” at The Harley Davidson Conventions.

 The voice of numerous Australasian television and radio commercials, and the new voice of Virgin Soft Radio, Rietta has recorded with some of the industry’s top names, including a charity song for the Australian Tsunami Relief Aid Project with INXS & Diesel.  Rietta also provided additional vocals for Oscar Nominee Elizabeth McGovern’s debut album. Rietta has done session work for Kirk Pengilly (INXS) and live work as a vocalist for Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads).  Other live and session work includes Australian Pink Floyd; Mike Harrison (Spookytooth); Bobby Davro, Linda Henry, Cheryl Fergison (Eastenders Cast); The Stylistics; Jon Stevens (Noise Works); Deni Hines (Rock Melons); Virgil Donati (Southern Sons) John Rowles; The Sound of the Supremes; The Jordanairs, D.J. Fontana and Pete Brown (writer for Cream).

 As a singer & dancer her Musical theatre credits include Cats and Jesus Christ Superstar.  A talented actor in her own right, television credits include "Xena", " Shortland Street", "60 Minutes" and "Jack of All Trades".

 Television & Radio performances include Big Breakfast UK, Alan Titchmarsh UK, BBC Radio 5, Channel 9 Australia, Bert Newton Show Australia, Good Morning NZ, What Now NZ and many more……..