Wendy Rule
The Wolf Sky
Earthy and Shamanic, Wendy Rule's latest studio album draws on her deep love of magic and nature.
The release of Wendy Rule’s fifth studio album, The Wolf Sky, firmly establishes her as one of Melbourne’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. 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.
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. Through her musical collaboration with cellist Rachel Samuel and pianist Craig Patterson, Wendy’s music was evolving into something truly special.
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 initially 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. Australian film and television has begun to recognize Wendy’s gifts as a composer. She has helped provide music for Australian Independent film “Max – A Cautionary Tale” by Nick Verso, and SBS animation “The Magic Drum”. Her music recently featured on the Channel 9 production “Little Oberon”.
After years of local shows and national tours, Wendy’s music is now being recognized internationally. She regularly performs in the USA and UK, as well as her home country, to an every growing body of dedicated fans, and has recently returned from her 8th international tour. With the support of Shock Records, who have distributed her albums in Australia for the past decade, Wendy has managed to remain an entirely independent artist .
Releases:
Full Length Studio Albums
Distributed in Australia through Shock Records
2006 The Wolf Sky
2003 The Lotus Eaters
2000 World Between Worlds
1998 Deity
1996 Zero
Collaborations and Side Projects
2004 A Night of Jazz with Wendy Rule and Friends Shock Records
2004 Deep Within a Faerie Forest Sequoia Records, USA
Other Works
2000 Video release of the musical play
An Underworld Journey
1997 Live album ,
1996 Continental Isolation (three track CD single)
1999 Artemis (four track CD single) Shock Records
Contact
email: wendy@wendyrule.com
website: www.wendyrule.com
PO Box 402 Clifton Hill
Vic 3068 Australia
World: World Beat