Beba
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia | SELF
Music
Press
Enchanting the crowd with incredible vocal versatility both in terms of style and range. Her sweet-yet-sad songs speak of life the way it is, music with honesty and integrity. Using looping techniques, Burger created layers of gorgeous vocals, ukulele and some creative percussion - most notably the accented, bare-footed stomping.
- Mallory Steele Fringe Benefits
Heather Taylor Johnson
“I COULD call Michaela Burger’s debut album Breathe “pop”, but I don’t want the classification in this case to be misunderstood.
The formulaic approach to much of today’s pop music is missing in Burger’s work. Her songwriting and composition are a testament to artistry, and her versatility of style begs me to seek a more complex grouping for her music.
Grounded in a narrative of loving oneself and therefore allowing oneself to let love in, Burger explores her own identity and the complexities which arise from sitting quietly alone and trying to find meaning. It would seem as though, through this album, she reached some major point of acceptance – she can finally breathe.
This is a strong motif for Burger, so it’s a very compact album thematically; what makes each song on the album stand apart from the work as a whole is her approach.
Ultimately, yes, she is a pop musician, but she also excels in jazz; in fact “I Just Wanna Fly” reaches toward the bossa nova realm.
Her experience in musical theatre and cabaret shines through in a number of her songs, particularly “Get Away from Myself’, which reminded me of Kate Miller-Heidke. And like Miller-Heidke, Burger’s also practised in opera, which is obvious.
So you can see why I want to avoid labelling her as a “pop singer” for fear she will become lost among so many wannabe artists adored by 13-year-old girls. Burger is for mature, contemporary listeners: something much more than pop.” - In Daily Magazine
Heather Taylor Johnson
“I COULD call Michaela Burger’s debut album Breathe “pop”, but I don’t want the classification in this case to be misunderstood.
The formulaic approach to much of today’s pop music is missing in Burger’s work. Her songwriting and composition are a testament to artistry, and her versatility of style begs me to seek a more complex grouping for her music.
Grounded in a narrative of loving oneself and therefore allowing oneself to let love in, Burger explores her own identity and the complexities which arise from sitting quietly alone and trying to find meaning. It would seem as though, through this album, she reached some major point of acceptance – she can finally breathe.
This is a strong motif for Burger, so it’s a very compact album thematically; what makes each song on the album stand apart from the work as a whole is her approach. Ultimately, yes, she is a pop musician, but she also excels in jazz; in fact “I Just Wanna Fly” reaches toward the bossa nova realm.
Her experience in musical theatre and cabaret shines through in a number of her songs, particularly “Get Away from Myself’, which reminded me of Kate Miller-Heidke. And like Miller-Heidke, Burger’s also practised in opera, which is obvious.
So you can see why I want to avoid labelling her as a “pop singer” for fear she will become lost among so many wannabe artists adored by 13-year-old girls. Burger is for mature, contemporary listeners: something much more than pop.” - In Daily Magazine
“Michaela Burger...stands out for her vocal and acting talent” The Advertiser - The Advertiser
“Michaela Burger is a highly talented singer/songwriter with an extraordinary voice (and vocal range) that has echoes of the great chanteuses like Piaf. Her catchy songs and bright personality entertain and delight audiences.” SCALA
- SCALA President
“ The temperature really shot up when Michaela Burger stepped on stage...a musical powerhouse with personality to match...seriously good singing. She was mesmerizing accompanying herself on piano...unforgettable!” The Advertiser
- The Advertiser
A big crowd came to Fowler’s and even though there were some initial rumblings about the lack of seats, they were soon forgotten when the band took the stage. This was a tight, professional unit, complete with three fine backing singers. Michaela changed from guitar to ukulele, cello and keyboards and even threw in a costume change! And what a voice! With so much power and a phenomenal range, she was able to move from tender, passionate ballads to hard driving, rock beats with ease. The superb arrangements contributed to the high energy displayed in her performance. The appearance of Carol Young on accordion was a fine addition to a well-designed and diverse set. Michaela’s songs and music are hard to categorise but who needs a category when you’re that good. The audience were treated to a solo encore from a wonderful performer.
Final Word: Polished. Rip it Up
- Rip It Up
“ Michaela is raw emotion made musical!” The Advertiser - Advertiser
“She has one of the finest voices this state has produced. Miss this show and it is your funeral” The Sunday Mail - Sunday Mail
Discography
Breathe [2012]
Zeitgeist [2013] [tour EP for tour promotions only]
Photos
Bio
“Her songwriting and composition are a testament to artistry, and her versatility of style begs me to seek a more complex grouping for her music [than pop].” In Daily
“The temperature really shot up when Béba stepped on stage...a musical powerhouse...seriously good singing…mesmerizing... raw emotion made musical” The Advertiser
"With so much power and a phenomenal range, she was able to move from tender, passionate ballads to hard driving, rock beats with ease...her songs and music are hard to categorize but who needs a category when you’re that good!" Rip it Up
“She has one of the finest voices this state has produced.” Sunday Mail
"Enchanting the crowd with incredible vocal versatility both in terms of style and range. Her sweet-yet-sad songs speak of life the way it is, music with honesty and integrity. Using looping techniques, Béba created layers of gorgeous vocals, ukulele and some creative percussion - most notably the accented, bare-footed stomping." Fringe Benefits
At 4 foot 11 inches audiences are never quite prepared for the powerful voice that comes from Béba's tiny frame. Her range is impressive and the quality, expression and emotion in her voice and songs are an experience not to be missed.
Growing up with the backdrop of the vast Australian desert of Coober Pedy Béba knew, from an early age, that music was her life.
Writing her first song at age 12 her music has been likened to Kate Miller-Heidke, Tori Amos, Missy Higgins, Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush.
While performing Béba plays: cello, piano, ukulele or guitar as a solo artist or with any combination of her band; double bass, violin, percussion and keyboard.
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