Named after a supermodel from the sixties, Western-Australian born singer/songwriter Veruschka Pestano is no shrinking violet. Her artistry has been birthed out of a desire to speak out against injustice and to propel people towards their dreams.   An accomplished dancer, having trained, performed & choreographed works with prominent artists in Melbourne’s contemporary dance fringe scene, Veruschka holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts Degree- Major in Contemporary Dance & minor in Drama (Deakin University) Certificate II Dance from WAAPA and online Songwriting Workshop Certificate (Writing Hit Songs) from Berkley University, USA.   While frequenting the United States to visit family over the years, her urban music roots were laid… Having grown up listening to artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to Vivaldi, it was thanks largely to her 'JAmerican' cousins that contemporary urban music such as Rn'B, Hip-Hop, and Dancehall, were added to her music vocabulary. As an adult, she supplemented Lauryn Hill, India Arie, John Legend, and Angie Stone to her influences as both a vocalist and as a songwriter, stating that they are all great lyricists and they are not afraid to write stuff that is deep and thought provoking!  Veruschka best describes her sound as ‘Neo Soul’.   Whether it was church or school, she was never far from the stage. The experiences she gained singing at church as a featured guest, provided a solid base for her as a vocalist. Veruschka has worked extensively as a vocalist in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney on the live gig circuit. Her credits include: solo vocalist for Perth based Mount Hawthorn Gospel Choir, and backing vocalist for West African band Soukous Bakongo in Melbourne.   In 2006, her song "Easier" received an Urban Music Oz Award nomination and she also scored a key performance spot at the MTV Music Awards After Party, Acer Arena Sydney. In 2007, she performed for the Sony Playstation 3 Launch, formed a band and started gigging regularly at Sydney's oldest jazz club, Bar Me.  2008 has seen Veruschka’s live performances continue to soar, including gigs at The Basement, The Cat & Fiddle, The Sandringham, and The Flinders as well as being a finalist in the Piano Room Singer/Songwriter competition.   Currently the songstress is working on her debut EP (soon to be released) with respected Melbourne-based Producer & Engineer Chris Corby (DEEPFACE: ARIA nominated-album, You Am I, Paul Van Dyk).   Veruschka took  part in the Australia Council’s Advance Australia Dare campaign, which is a program the council is running to invigorate pride in the Australian National Anthem in the lead up to Australia Day 2009.  As part of the campaign the singer has been featured performing her own version of the anthem on Channel 10, as well as being involved in other press related activities throughout Sydney.   A determined and passionate young woman, this is one artist with the drive, talent and motivation to carve her own destiny, and to see every dream she has come to life.   “If I had no mountains to climb, where would my dreams reside?” (from the song Easier). - Veruschka Pestano

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