The music of Newcastle-born vocalist/pianist, composer and bandleader Steph Russell is a mercurial blend of prog-jazz, folk, neo-soul, and improvisational influences. A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and recipient of the Generations in Jazz Vocal Scholarship, Steph has collaborated with leading Australian and international artists including Kate Ceberano, Vanessa Amorosi, Paulini, Dami Im, Patti Austin, Jazzmeia Horn, James Morrison and John Paul Young. Steph is the 2026 recipient of the 2MBS Fine Music Ken Weatherley Scholarship, and the 2020 winner of the Australian Singing Competition (Jazz Category) judged by Katie Noonan. Driven by a deep fascination with nuanced, allegorical storytelling- and the philosophy that a good lyric lands best when paired with the right harmony (think a fine pinot noir meeting the right brie)- her capricious yet compelling sonic world draws from influences as diverse as Radiohead, Madison Cunningham, Ben Folds, Esperanza Spalding and Stevie Wonder.