For as long as I can remember I've sung. Grandma would have me sing 'music hall' songs standing on a table at 5 yrs. Mum studied at RADA, she acted in & directed many stage shows. So I followed suit & by the time I was 18 had performed in 20 stage shows.

In the 80's I was lead vocalist in 'Get Smart' & 'Pleasure Pulse' both bands based in Sydney. I've travelled to many countries including USA, India, Turkey, Thailand. I lived in London for 3 years doing 'temp' work, taking time off to travel around the UK, Ireland & Europe.

In 1992, shortly after having my first of three children I moved to Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The music went on the 'backburner' for a while with only social jams.

In 2001 I joined 'Halkian' with Jo Peace & 'Mister Bob' Greaves, I was also in 'Indigo Dingo'. I sang mainly backup vocals with some lead. Both bands recorded CD's.

Recently, Jeff MacDonald who was the drummer in 'Pleasure Pulse' with me during the 80's, suggested I 'stand in' for their singer who couldn't do a gig due to family commitments. The gig was in Newcastle over 1000 kms away! I was honoured that Jeff, Mark, Steve & Tim from 'Hell-Bent' felt they could rely on me. Since then I've been back a few times 'standing in' as lead singer. You will find these songs on my music page or see my blog below.

Improved versions of live performance with Hell-Bent:

Black Saturday - see my blog below: On the 7th February 2009 in Victoria, Australia, a bushfire killed 173 people. It also injured 500 others and left 7,500 homeless, as well as killing native fauna and farm animals.

The song in the blog below is dedicated to all those who lost their lives, their loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods and their treasured memories and possessions. It is also dedicated to the brave fire-fighters, most of whom volunteered their time to fight the firestorm tirelessly. Some of these fire-fighters came from other states in Australia and others came from other countries like New Zealand, Canada and the USA. It is also dedicated to those other people who also gave their time to suppor...

Black Saturday - Words and Music by Susan Raines:

Blood red sky, smoke in the distance
Black Saturday
Deadly fury, Flames engulfing
Fast encroaching that day

Like a war zone, beyond recognition
Devastation,
Dozens of Towns razed, Hundreds of homes destroyed
It’s hard to comprehend

So many lives lost, So many loved ones
So many friends gone
So many homeless, Treasured possessions
A lifetime of Memories in flames

Somebody’s mother, Somebody’s father
Somebody’s partner
Somebody’s children, Somebody’s sibling
Some missing to this day

Chorus

But I believe, we can begin again
A Phoenix rising from the ashes
Now I believe we can build again
We just need faith in ourselves

Fire-fighters came from every state
At...

Lost Boy :
He said, I seem to live from day to day, never knowing where life will lead
No plans for the future, no dreams to fulfil
And he wonders if this is what he is destined to be
The lost boy feels hurt and anger when his spirit should be free

He said, I need a chance to prove myself, Oh Mamma, can't you see
The boy that left you has got a heart after all
Oh Mamma can you give me a chance, just you wait and see.
The lost boy needs your guidance, can you give it to me

CHORUS
The lost boy looks in the mirror and doesn't like what he sees
He sees only failure, not the potential he could be
The lost boy feels pain and anger, he lives beneath a cloud
Dark thoughts are held ...

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