A Soulful singer & musician

Hailing from Sydney, Susie Hobday has performed in a wide variety of contexts over many years. Having studied performing arts & acting at The Q-Theatre & N.I.D.A. (National Institute of Dramatic Art), she also studied music at the Australian Institute of Music, Sydney N.S.W. (Diploma of Performing Arts & Bachelor of Music).

Susie has toured interstate & nationally with music in communities & music theatre, including Australian tour of the hit musical HAIR. As a local Sydney artist, she’s also been musician & front person for many different bands including ; pop duo Earth Angels, rock band Junction Dolls & soul band State of Groove.

She has performed regularly at Sydney’s most iconic music venues & events from ; Lazybones Marrickville to Miss Celies Ashfield, Marrickville Festival to City of Sydney Festival, Star City Casino to Darling Harbour.

As Director of Sydney’s popular Earthbeats Music, Susie performs and teaches music full-time, including singing, piano & cultural music. She currently performs regularly with popular danceband Soulcraft, blues-soul-jazz duo Two Piece Sweet & soul-groove band The Soul Collective.

Two Piece Sweet

Combining the funky stylings of Scott Leishman (bass / guitar) & smooth vocals of Susie Hobday (vocals, keys, percussion), Two Piece Sweet plays R&B, blues, soul, jazz. An upbeat funky approach to classic soulful songs with a contemporary sound, the duo can suit any occasion, from casual to more formal settings.

Scott Leishman

A graduate of NSW State Conservatorium Jazz Studies, Scott is one of Sydney’s finest bass player / guitarists & has played alongside some of Australia’s greats.

A consistent performer, Scott has played & recorded in a wide variety of contexts including ; recording sessions for Paul Mac, recording and performing with singer/songwriter Nic Cassey, Dorian Mode & regularly performing with Drey Rollan, Dave Weir, The Roslyns.

Performing with the Barry Kosky directed, Paul Capsis show Burlesque, at Enmore Theatre, Scott travelled with both Melbourne & Adelaide tours. Having toured Europe with Jackie Orszaczky ensembles, Scott has performed with ; Louis Tillet, Marcia Hines, Nikka Costa & Tim Finn.

Three Piece Sweet

An extension of Two Piece, the duo can also play as a trio.
With Susie & Scott, adding Aykho on percussion & drums, it’s a feel that’s energetic & even more dynamic!

Aykho

Raised in Holland percussionist and drummer Aykho Akhrif has played alongside the likes of Bob Dylan and the Gypsy Kings in countries ranging from Cuba to America to most of Europe. Now an Australian resident he is one of the most in demand session drummers in the country playing regularly with James Morrison. He has also played most venues in the Sydney live music scene, from jazz to latin, blues to R&B. With Cameron Douglas & La Fiesta Sound System, they form some of the most formidable rhythm sections in Sydney. Aykho has been playing drums & percussion for 25 years, there is no one who can rock the cajon & conga’s quite like Aykho Akhrif in Australia!

Soul Collective

A four piece band or more, Soul Collective plays R&B-blues-soul-jazz. Featuring some of Sydney’s finest musicians, Soul Collective has included the talents of ; Paul Mitchell Brown, Matt Moore, Jodie Michael, Rob James, Aykho Akhrif, Scott Leishman, Susie Hobday.