Ones to Watch in 2011: Zoë Badwi

    Thanks Prophet for the heads up on this JAM. It’s the latest single from Aussie pop star Zoë Badwi. Born in Melbourne, the talented Badwi first gained recognition as a member of Australian girl group Sirens, replacing the third member of the group who left to pursue modeling. After experiencing some minor chart successes with “Like Fire, Like Rain,” and a cover of “I’m So Excited” (originally done by The Pointer Sisters) Badwi parted ways with the girls to pursue her dreams as a solo artist.

    Soon after leaving Sirens, Badwi was “discovered” by Grant Smillie of the Australian electro-duo TV Rock and she speedily signed with Neon Records, with whom she released her debut single “Release Me” (not the Agnes song), taking it straight to the top of the ARIA Clubs Chart. While Badwi did release a couple more singles after “Release Me”, it wasn’t until her forth single, the Denzal Park-produced, Amy Pearson-written “Freefallin’” that she started to gain international recognition, signing with Atlantic Records in the States and in the UK. {SOURCE} “Freefallin,” which peaked at #9 on the ARIA Singles Chart transformed Badwi from a dance club diva to an all around pop star with lots of cross over potential. Badwi is hard at work on her debut solo album, working with the likes of Static Revenger, Stuart Crichton, Rogue Traders, Pearson, and (of course) TV Rock. When asked whether or not the album will be all dance, Badwi promises some elements of surprise. “I’m a fun, happy-go-lucky girl. There won’t be any melancholy stuff on there. I want it to be like that old saying, all killer no filler. You can tell when people have rushed a few songs on there, I’m happy to wait for the right songs.” The album should be out sometime in 2011. {SOURCE}  As a follow up to “Freefallin‘” Badwi will release a new single called “Accidents Happen” in her native Australia. Produced by frequent collaborators, TV Rock, the music video is expected to premiere this weekend. {SOURCE} I look forward to hearing more from Badwi in the coming months.

    It’s interesting to me that she signed with Atlantic, rather than a dance label like Ultra. Let’s hope that they promote her properly in the States. I’d hate to see her talent squandered. U.S. fans can download the “Freefallin‘” EP on iTunes HERE.  Listen to “Accidents HappenHERE and check out the hot video for “Freefallin‘” BELOW.

    Check out Zoë Badwi on the web: