WakingUgly

Rank #22 Melbourne, VIC, AU Pop / Pop Rock / Synth Pop

About

Members: Lydia Gardner & Darren Pace

Sounds Like: Katy Perry, P!nk, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani

Label: Future of Vintage (FOV) Records

Manager: Lydia Gardner

Bio: Waking Ugly is a pop/rock band from Melbourne, Australia, fronted by co-writers Lydia Gardner (vocals) and Darren Pace (guitar).
They have combined the best elements of Top 40 pop and distinct Oz rock, resulting in an irresistible mesh they describe as “ear candy that’s a little crunchy”.
Gardner... See Full Bio

More Info

Status

: Hoping to get featured in Steam Magazine! http://t.co/X6pcvgqBxV

Press

“Talking about a signature Australian sound, Waking Ugly has found it with this song. It’s an audio anthem of distinct musical influences, uniquely Australian, powered by superb studio production. Very impressive music for just two talented musicians. I bought all their downloads it is that good, my friends. And to all the radio station Program Directors listening, give your head a shake and start charting Waking Ugly in North America. The sound of the songs will fuel more requests.”

— King Minion, The King Minion Music Podcast

“It was great to finally meet Darren and Lydia in person! Their song, 'You Know You Wanna', went all the way to #1 on my radio show a few months ago, and they recently won the award for "Best Pop Band" at the Indie Music Channel Award here in Hollywood. It is great to see them get the recognition they deserve! Being the DJ of a popular show like 'The Radio Cafe', I listen to hundreds and hundreds of songs every week, searching for only the BEST songs to break each week on my show. It's hard enough for an artist to even get on my show, and if their song goes all the way to #1, then that's even more amazing! 'Waking Ugly' is one of those rare, independent bands who really 'get it'. They've got great songs and Lydia's voice is absolutely incredible!”

— Christopher Ewing, The Radio Cafe

“Unashamedly commercial in sound and about as catchy as P!nk, Katy Perry and Gwen Stefani combined, Lydia Gardner and Darren Pace have been quite easily one of Melbourne’s best-kept songwriting secrets – until now. ”

— Birdie, Beat Magazine

“Production and performance elements have been professionally, meticulously optimized for cool slammin’ young fun, and the package delivers a pumped listen for the young-at-heart of every age. With expert capture of fresh, high-spirited angst, it’s a slick and superbly crafted collection that engages on many levels, in many ways.”

— Mike Ososki, Review You

“'Guess It’s Over' is the EP’s only real ballad and it’s a good one. This song could easily crossover into the mainstream, with it’s slower beat it background harmonies and the heartfelt vocal, this is the cream on the 'Say Something Sweet' cake. ”

— Paddy, Only Australian Music

“Fittingly, the duo’s first single You Know You Wanna takes the place of opening track. As a positive and motivational pop anthem, it tells us that we should always follow our dreams and immediately introduces Gardner’s pop-perfect voice – one which is sugar-sweet but with enough strength to carry a bus load of school children.”

— Briony Jones, Beat Magazine

“This EP is solid from beginning to end, with good composition, obvious talent on the part of Lydia and Darren, and a sound that is simply brilliant. With talented instrumentation throughout, exceptional production and thoughtful writing, WakingUgly seems determined to take the world of music by storm.”

— Rhonda Readence, Review You

“'Girlfriend' is the edgiest track on the disc, with a heavier sound that Waking Ugly has shown to this point, and may be the sleeper hit of the bunch. Don't be surprised if a licensing agreement lands this song on a movie or television soundtracks on multiple continents. ”

— Wildy Haskell, Wildy's World

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Songs

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Play "You Know You Wanna"

You Know You Wanna

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Play "Zombies"

Zombies

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Play "Must Be Love"

Must Be Love

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Play "Guess It's Over"

Guess It's Over

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Play "Girlfriend"

Girlfriend

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Videos

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Shows

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Fri
Feb 15

Pie Jam @ QV Summer Sou…
Melbourne, 3000, AU | 5:00pm
Pie Jam @ QV Summer Sounds
Melbourne, 3000, AU
Fri Feb 15 5:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Waking Ugly on at 5pm. Acts from 11am - 6pm. Pie Face is a strong supporter of striving singer songwriters in Australia and does so by hosting 'Pie Jam' concerts all around the nation. Featuring six singer-songwriters, Pie Jam will showcase fresh talent from the city of Melbourne between 11am and 6pm, all vying for first prize. They will also be giving away free Pie Face mini pies throughout the day! Bonus!
Sat
Feb 9

Pie Jam
Melbourne, 3000, AU | 12:00pm
Pie Jam
Melbourne, 3000, AU
Sat Feb 09 12:00pm
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- Tickets
Details

Pie Face has invited us back for another 'Pie Jam'. Waking Ugly play acoustic tunes from 5pm. Free pies & coffees!
2012
Feb 2

SOL Studios Presents
Wollongong, NSW, AU | 8:00pm
SOL Studios Presents
Wollongong, NSW, AU
Thu Feb 02, 2012 8:00pm
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SOL Studios Presents @ Dicey Riley's, 333 Crown St
2012
Feb 1

Mars Hill Cafe
Sydney, NSW, AU | 5:00pm
Mars Hill Cafe
Sydney, NSW, AU
Wed Feb 01, 2012 5:00pm
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2012
Jan 29

Grill'd
West End, QLD, AU | 12:00pm
Grill'd
West End, QLD, AU
Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:00pm
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Hope
HEY VERY NICE JOB ON THE MUSIC CHECK MINE OUT AND LEAVE FEEDBACK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2ATW99FD2M&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watc...
Canopus
Dope tracks! really feeling your tracks, check me out & let me know what you think! Also follow me & i'll follow back @chronicminds
Frownz
Hey, Great page! ..would be good if you could check out mine and the music video for my new single 'Up and Coming':http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNNCDaSYsYI ...Peace...
Cecilia McLaren
This is true POP music! I'm a fan!!!
Pat Branch... Bass Pl...
Terrific sound and song…So great to be here today! Pat Branch in NYC SONGWRITER/BASS PLAYER ♪♪♪♪♪♪
Kerry Leigh
Well-crafted, provocative compostions combined with well-executed performacne & production! Nice work -- Kerry