Brisbane audiences will be the first to experience brand new music from both Luke Kennedy and Mark Sholtez when they go 'Off The Record' for two intimate performances at the Judith Wright Centre.
Having achieved national success as the runner-up of the popular reality television competition 'The Voice Australia' (season two), Kennedy kept the fan fires burning by touring with his 'Voice' mentor, Ricky Martin and a solo tour in support of his debut album, 'A Time For Us' which debuted at #6 on the ARIA charts.
For Kennedy, the ride since 'The Voice Australia' has been a learning curve which has lead him to explore with his music deeper with Sholtez. The duo create beautifully honest and alluring music that audiences will get to experience more personally during their 'Off The Record' performances.
“Writing my own music has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my career so far … The last 18 months have been involved a lot of exploration for me.
“Over the years, I’ve made a career out of singing as many different styles as I can. Whatever the gig, no matter the genre, I would say yes and then learn on the job. It's exactly how I came to sing classical music with The Ten Tenors … So to be faced with the challenge of writing and recording something in my own style... well, that took some discovery, and it started with Mark asking me the key question – 'what do you want to say'?"
Having performed on stages around the world, these are five of Luke Kennedy's most memorable performances:
1. My Blind Audition, 'The Voice Australia' 2013
Without a doubt this was the biggest 90 second roller coaster I’d ever been on. The nerves I felt beforehand, and the relief when Ricky turned around – unreal. After that first red chair turned, I just got to enjoy the moment.2. 'Roxanne' with Ricky Martin, 'The Voice Australia' Finale 2013
This was the best part about making the finale of 'The Voice'. Ricky’s vision for this number was incredible.3. The Ten Tenors at Euro Warsaw, Poland 2012
Performing in front of more than 50,000 people at the opening of the Euro 2012 Fan Zone, and a MASSIVE orchestra. I still can’t forget that buzz I felt throughout the show.4. Ricky Martin Australian Tour 2013
Ricky Martin – what a guy! Invited me to sing three songs with him on his 2013 Aussie Tour. I loved making my entrance via the “Toaster”.5. Melbourne Cup, National Anthem with The Ten Tenors 2008
This remains the largest live audience I’ve ever performed to. On Cup Day, Flemington attracts 110,000 people, which is twice what a sold out Suncorp Stadium holds. On top of that, all ten of us Tenors put $10 on Horse Number 10 ('Viewed') to win…and it DID!Luke Kennedy and Mark Sholtez perform 'Off The Record' at the Judith Wright Centre on the 21st and 22nd November.
