HELEN AUSTIN
Helen was recently chosen as one of Taxi.com's top artists
Her song 'You'' recently won the Americana/Country catagory for the PSA Annual Song Contest.
Helen's Relay for Life song has just been voted the winner of the RelayForLife.org/SharingHope.tv Video Contest Award
Past
Music has always been a large part of Helen's life. She started as a classical musician, playing the flute in national orchestras and reaching the quarter finals of UK's Young Musician of the Year. So, apart from briefly singing in a band called Action Man Not Included (don't ask), Helen spent most of her time playing classical music. But it was her move to Middlesex University, London, UK where she was able to expand into the world of popular music.
''As an artist, she works hard to create songs that speak to and inspire others. She has also dedicated much of her time to supporting and encouraging other songwriters.'' - CV Arts and Culture Awards Ceremony
Helen spent 20 years performing as a musical stand-up comedian, regularly headlining the Comedy Store in London. But throughout her comedy career Helen wrote and sung original compostitions on the side and spent a couple of years fronting a band, Smithers, playing venues in London such as The Dublin Castle and Dingwalls, Camden and recording their album, Release Candidate One. But it was her move to Vancouver Island in Canada where she was finally able to make it her main focus.
Present
''Her ability to bring new, original songs right to the heart of her listeners has inspired many. She keeps us wanting more!''
Kisa Macdonald
Comox Valley Community Arts Council.
Since her move in 2002, Helen has performed at Vancouver Island Musicfest several times and in 2004 and 2005 she also appeared at Island Showcase in Nanaimo . She is a regular at local jams and Helen's music is often featured on CBC radio and on the Songwriters Circle at CHLY 101.7FM -Fridays from 7 - 9am.
Future
Helen's career is taking a new direction once again and she is going to be dedicating her time to writing, collaborating and recording in a push to getting her songs published.
Other projects
Comox Valley Songwriter's Circle
Helen founded and hosts The Comox Valley Songwriters Circle on the first Wednesday of each month at the Muir Gallery, Courtenay.
Strathcona Symphony Orchestra
Helen has recently returned to her classical roots and is a playing the flute as well as taking on the role of president for the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra.