The Musebox today announced that Australia’s sweet and soulful export, Dioni, has followed in the footsteps of singers Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé and Ella Fitzgerald with the release of the single and video for her charming cover of “It’s A Blue World.” The song was originally written by Chet Forrest and Bob Wright in 1940, and received an Academy Award nomination for “Best Song.” Dioni’s self-titled EP will be released on July 17th and “It’s A Blue World” is available now on iTunes. More information on Dioni is available on her official site.
Compared to ’60s icons Dusty Springfield and Sandie Shaw, the renaissance woman from Sydney has traveled extensively throughout Greece, performing in ancient theatres and stadiums in support of bands such as Faithless, Soft Cell, and The Chemical Brothers. Dioni has performed as a solo artist in Australia, France, Germany, Greece, and Qatar. She has a multilingual repertoire (including seven languages) and the ability to sing in multiple genres.
In 2001, Dioni co-founded her group Astyplaz, of which she is still the lyricist and vocalist. She soon caught the attention of veteran promoter Gilles Petelle, formerly of BMG Canada. Dioni played around the world, including Quebec City and Montreal, where her label Chic Vinyl Records is based. She has since released two albums, Name Your Slippers and Bi, with Astyplaz (Universal and EMI, respectively), and a third collaborative EP. Dioni has also had tracks featured in numerous compilations, including the internationally recognized Buddha Bar XI series.
Dioni has worked voluminously as a voice-over artist, contributing her mellifluous voice to animated film, television jingles, documentaries, video games, and educational videos. Integrating strong theatrical elements in all her shows, Dioni has been particularly influenced by Bertolt Brecht, Theatre of the Absurd, and German Expressionism.
Charity is close to Dioni’s heart. She has participated in various events, including the International Red Cross and a UNESCO concert for the International Day of Peace. Dioni was present for the Special Olympics of 2011, and enjoyed entertaining the Australian athletes in the presence of Tim Shriver.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaR3L8l_FbI