Ria Monique Loof is one multi-faceted artistic lady! She is involved in: teaching and performing music, musical theatre, visual and sculptured arts, performing or working behind the scene at festivals, session recordings and gigging as a session backing vocalist.
Her music career began at the age of 3 working the stage dancing and singing. She continued to perform all through her school years and in high school she began singing at weddings parties and everything under the guidance of maestro Michael Griffin. Ria joined a cover band not long after completing yr 12 and furthered her studies at the Conservatory of Jazz at Adelaide Uni.
With enthusiasm to perform, Ria associated herself with a local theatre group and began her Musical adventure. Performing in J.C Superstar '96, she met Ben Ford-Davies (brilliant musician!) who introduced her to motivated, welcoming and influential people in the Blues and Folk scene such as: (Ben's Father and Ria’s Music Mentor), Blues craftsman and story teller Chris Davies. Guitar/composer professor, master guru Julian Barnett, and heart and soul of folk music, Ray Smith.
Full of inspiration and support, she taught herself guitar and took to the long winding road to begin her song-writing journey. After 10 amazing months in the sun, she returned to Adelaide with ideas and tunes and started jamming/performing with some of Adelaide’s best musos in Soul/funk/jazz outfit ‘SpaCeJunK’ (01-05’) With full length album release '04 ‘Cosmic washing machine’ They played at numerous venues, corporate functions and festivals... and also formed Melodic acoustic outfit ‘Suite’ which also played around Adelaide at local venues, corporate functions and festivals. Releasing an E.P 'For the ones' in '05.
Ria has become one of Adelaide’s most sought after backing vocalists. Working with various local and overseas artists around Adelaide and nationally. Including, a national tour in '07 as backing vocals for Australian legend John Schumann from 'Redgum' and in June '08 as a choir member for Michael Buble. She has also been involved in many session recordings over the years at Sony studios, Sydney and at many Adelaide studios for independent songwriters. Ria also has recorded vocals on numerous albums as backing vocalist...including: Adelaide's JustaBoutEverything, ASD, Streamliners and Dwight Adams. She has also recorded numerous jingles for radio and TV.
In '04 Ria was approached to play electric guitar and help develop ‘Shock Rock’ girl band ‘Legless’. Enjoying numerous head lining gigs in SA/Vic and a tour to Japan they recorded a debut album in 2005 called "13 Killer tracks"…Ria has since left Legless after 4 years to pursue her solo and musical journey.
She has had two recent nominations in the South Australian Awsam music awards for Best Female vocalist and one for best female solo act. Ria has supported musicians such as: James Reyne (Suite), Michael Crawford (with The AUST Elvis show), Mal Webb (solo) Dave Mann collective (solo) Daryl Braithwaite (B.v's) Spiderbait (guest vocalist with A.S.D) as well as numerous national touring acts.
Ria has played lead and chorus roles in local musicals ‘Tommy’ as the Acid Queen. 'J.C Superstar', Alice, in children’s pantomime 'Medieval Madness', and lead in original musical ‘Get Down’. She wrote the music for a children’s musical called ‘Believe’ performed at Adelaide Fringe Festival 06' also played a main character in sell out seasons of cabaret show 'Do you remember?' through the 2008/09 Fringe Festivals for Ding Productions. Receiving 4 and a 1/2 star reviews.
Ria's other -other! Passion is spreadin' her Love of the craft of singing and music to the next generations! She recently formed a new theatre company ‘Creative Souls Theatre’ and is Co-Director/Musical Director along with Choreographer Becci Schembri and Director Judy Sampson. Their first show was Disney’s ‘High School Musical’ in July ’07 at the Arts Theatre, Adelaide. It was a huge success with rave reviews..which then led to a fantastic performance of "Magic of the far away tree" - at Dunstan Playhouse, Festival Centre S.A Aug '07. They now offer a Musical Theatre course located at Brighton, SA and currently hold two Theatre productions a year. First for '09 was and original concept show including musical nimbers called 'Shine'. End of year production is called 'A step through time' and will be held at The Arts Theatre 9+10th December.
Festivals...Ria’s there! Working for numerous years on the Adelaide Fringe, Womadelaide and previously on S.A folk festival, Medieval Festival and National Folk Festival as M.C/Stage Manager/Front of house manager/Backline/Performer relations, as well as, live performances at Fringe, S.A Folk and National Fest.
Ria has appeared as an extra in McLeod’s Daughters, and in a few student short films, she has also featured in short film 'Salvation Grey' and in a Fake film festival mocumentary 'Dial-a-dero'.
With all this from past to present... Ria is a generous, entertaining performer with a voice that is captivating! She is always looking forward to the next chapter in her journey of music. More beats, more magic melodies and cultured lyrics...the story continues...
Ria’s performances have been described as:
“Outstanding performer”
Sunday Mail
“Smooth and soulful”
Music SA
“Her loving and trusting personality shines through in her lyrics and Feel…reminiscent of 70s icon Karen Carpenter with the R&B sensibilities of Sade.”
Furry Red Records
