The NearAway Project ... because everyone's emotional health matters.
Our Contributors
Introducing the talented vocalists & performers behind NearAway
These talented vocalists and musicians appear on a variety of the NearAway tracks produced to support our upcoming NearAway Spotlight Performance Competition and open invitation for Theatre in Education and Community Theatre.
Wylie J Miller
Vocalist
Wylie joined Grand WaZoo - Kings of Soul late 1998 and has been in the band’s front line ever since, he’s currently the GW MC and lead soul man.
With a velvety soul voice and cheeky onstage persona, the NearAway Project is delighted to highlight his vocals on Neptune's powerful track, Where Heaven Earth Meet.
Kate Johnston (aka Kate del Rio)
Vocalist (& nurse)
Kate is a vivacious, fun, friendly powerhouse entertainer with a voice that warms your soul. From easy listening Jazz, to Pop, to Rock, Soul, Blues, Roots and more.
NearAway Project is delighted to highlight Kate's exeptional vocals on a number of tracks, Where Heaven Earth Meet,
Power Behind The Throne & The Giggle Bridge.
Anastasia Aspeling
Vocalist
Born in South Africa, Anastasia moved to Australia at a young age where she completed her formal tertiary education, which always included singing, ballet and piano.
In her late teens she began singing with prominent Jazz ensembles in Melbourne. Around 1980 she was invited to join the cast of Khalari, an African folk opera, that toured through Europe and the USA. Upon returning to Australia in 1981, she performs in John Montesante’s Soul Extravaganza, Grand WaZoo, as Venetta Fields did in later years.
Concurrently, Anastasia lead her own jazz ensembles, working in Sydney across genres and again touring through Europe and Asia. She then became an intrinsic part of various Sydney bands, performing jazz, blues and soul.
Returning to Melbourne after decades away, she has been writing and recording her own songs, performing in jazz showcases and coming full circle - returning to her soul roots. She rejoined the band family of Grand WaZoo as a lead singer and also occasionally appears in band-leader, John’s jazz ensembles too.
NearAway Project is delighted to highlight Anastasia's dulcet vocals on Where Heaven Earth Meet.
Sienna Stebbing
Vocalist
Sienna Stebbing is a talented singer and cellist who has performed in several musicals including Cats. She is currently studying Marine Biology in Melbourne. Vic.
Sienna has provided her velvety sweet vocals on a number of tracks including;
Be Here, Be Now.
The You That You Know
Beginnings & Endings
The Giggle Bridge
One Breath
Keira Murugasu
Vocalist
Keira Murugas is a gigging musician and backing vocalist, guitarist and cellist who has performed in the Australian Girl's Choir. She is currently studying for her Bachelor of Music (Jazz and Improve) at UCA and also enjoys being a singer teacher.
Keira had provided her powerful vocals on a number of tracks including;
Faces (Hello)
Caught On A Thought
Giggle As You Go
Chess Winter
Vocalist & Consultant
With a diverse background in business, publishing, marketing, events and entertainment, Chess has worked with national and international corporations implementing and developing new media, marketing and business growth strategies on a wholistic basis.
Having completed a Diploma of Performing Arts by her late teens, Chess registered her first business at the age of 16 and simultaneously accepted a hands-on apprenticeship in marketing, media and television production. Having accepted the invitation to become a partner in the business before her 19th birthday, Chess went on to establish her own full services boutique advertising, visual communication and production company in her early 20s. Her clients included Network Ten, the Seven Network, Salton USA (touring the George Foreman Grill promotion across Australia twice), Harley Davidson USA, Gary Van Egmond Productions, EMI, Sony Music, Rays Outdoors, Ted’s Camera Store, Sanity Music Stores, Toll Transport, Moose Toys and … well, countless others!
Having spent the last decade scaling down her business interests to focus on the formative years of raising her three amazing children, and after the challenges of the COVID ‘hiatus’, Chess has returned in full force to bring her extensive experience across many industries, and her wealth of knowledge and business acumen, to Firestar Studios and its diverse client base.
The NearAway Project is delighted to have the dulcet tones of Chess' voice on a number of tracks.
