Wendy Rule

Wendy Rule Biography

"...There’s no one quite like Wendy Rule. Her albums are always visionary journeys full of the extremes of passion, from the most gentle to the most sweeping". - Rip it Up Magazine, Adelaide

"...Dark, sensual, sonic theatre...compelling stuff." - Rolling Stone Australia

"...Blessed by a voice that purrs and soars..." - The Age Good Weekend, Melbourne

Wendy Rule

The release of Wendy Rule’s fifth studio album, The Wolf Sky, firmly establishes her as one of Australia’s most uniquely gifted and prolific artists. A passionate union of her incredible voice – moving from soaring heights to intimate whispers – and her beautifully dark and visionary lyrics, the album is strong, Earthy and Shamanic and once again features the work of her long time musical collaborator Rachel Samuel on cello. More so than any of her previous studio offerings, it celebrates and reflects her unique live performances – a combination of music, ritual and story that continues to entice an ever growing audience into her otherworldy realm.

Inspired and heartened by the incredible public response to The Wolf Sky, Wendy took time out to write a long dreamed of Meditation album. The result, Meditations on the 4 Elements, was released in 2007. A soft, dark and healing album of great beauty, it is a gentle detour from Wendy’s well known epic soundscapes. Cello and vibraphone weave around vocal melody and poetry, creating a soothing haven that celebrates a union with Nature.

Ten years ago, when Wendy’s first album, Zero, was released to critical acclaim and strong sales, she had already established a strong local following. Having sung in various jazz outfits since her early twenties, she was an accomplished performer, but her original music brought in an entirely different element. It was now not only her voice, but a passionate commitment to exploring the depth of the human experience through Magic, ritual and poetry that was captivating audiences.

Zero was followed in 1998 by her second studio album, Deity. Wendy and her band toured Australia extensively, including two tours with the legendary 60’s performer, Donovan. In 1999 Wendy conceived, produced and performed in the theatrical production An Underworld Journey. A third album, World Between Worlds followed in 2000. In keeping with her previous albums, this was a deeply personal work, exploring a time of turmoil and sadness. Her moving songs were placed in a warm, evocative sound-world, the lush keyboards of previous records replaced by the acoustic beauty of guitars, strings and percussion.

2001 saw Wendy finally take her talents overseas, touring to the UK, Europe and the USA and then returning in October to the USA just after September 11. Wendy arrived in New York, a city beautiful, but sad and grieving. It was during this trip that she wrote the material for her fourth album, The Lotus Eaters, in a process of meditation and sorrow. Released in 2003, this extraordinary collection of richly emotive Siren songs flows on an oceanic soundscape of strings, vibraphone and guitar.

In between national and international tours, Wendy has worked on a number of side projects, including the release of a live album of jazz standards. Her music has been utilised in a number of Australian independent films, as well as National television. Teaming up again this year with musical collaborator Craig Patterson, Wendy created the musical score to the short film Hugo, a dark fairytale directed by Nicholas Verso. This music has been adapted into the soon to be released full length album, Beneath the Below is a River.

Wendy has toured extensively through the USA, UK, Europe and Australia and has gained an international following that recognises her truly unique vision. Renowned for years amongst the world’s alternative spiritual communities, Wendy is now deservedly gaining a much broader following. She is about to embark on her 11th international tour.

Releases:

Full Length Studio Albums

2006 The Wolf Sky

2003 The Lotus Eaters

2000 World Between Worlds

1998 Deity

1996 Zero

Collaborations and Side Projects

2007 Meditations on the 4 Elements

2004 A Night of Jazz with Wendy Rule and Friends

2004 Deep Within a Faerie Forest (Sequoia Records, USA)

Other Works