AHEAD of the Golden Plains Shire Battle of the Bands in Inverleigh in August, the afternoon\u2019s headliner has been announced.<\/p>\n
Geelong neo-soul artist Gloria Ragesh is set to perform at the gig under her stage name of Wild Gloriosa.<\/p>\n
Ragesh is inspired by classic soul performers including Bill Withers and Aretha Franklin, who she listened to growing up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat still has a big influence on my music now; rich old-school soul,\u201d she said. \u201cI like to keep that feel around because it\u2019s just so good, and it\u2019s authentic to me.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy kind of music is smooth, gentle melodies, and kind-of groove based, with lots of harmonies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having the opportunity to get up on stage at gigs like Battle of the Bands is something Ragesh said she loves to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes me really happy,\u201d she said. \u201cI feel so comfortable in that state of performing, and sharing my music with people, allowing them to feel whatever it is they feel as I\u2019m singing to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a really joyful, intimate experience to share with someone, when I\u2019m playing music.<\/p>\n
\u201cYoung musicians are also getting better and better every day, and the next generation of musicians are going to be better than the last, so encouraging them through an event like Battle of the Bands is important for their confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s such a great opportunity to network. It shows them that they can collaborate with people, share and develop their ideas even further.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ragesh has been a Geelong local for 15 years, formerly based in Singapore.<\/p>\n
She has been singing for as long as she can remember, was a member of the Australian Youth Choir, and performed in school musical productions.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was consistently in music-based extra-curricular activities and from there I honed my musical abilities,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was a really lively musical kid, and kept up my music practice outside of my bedroom.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AHEAD of the Golden Plains Shire Battle of the Bands in Inverleigh in August, the afternoon\u2019s headliner has been announced. Geelong neo-soul artist Gloria Ragesh is set to perform at the gig under her stage name of Wild Gloriosa. Ragesh is inspired by classic soul performers including Bill Withers and Aretha Franklin, who she listened […]<\/p>\n