Sally Cameron trained as a classical singer from an early age and went on to study both classical and jazz at The Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide.
Since 2001, as the compere and solo singer of The Band of the South Australia Police, Sally sang and played daily in many ensembles including concert band, stage band, rock band, small jazz combo, marching band, Dixieland jazz band and vocal group. Her versatility as a musician and instrumentalist have served her well in the world of musical employment. Besides performing she also currently enjoys teaching and adjudicating.
In 1995 and 1996 Sally won the Adelaide Junior Vocal Championship two years running. As an Elder Conservatorium orchestral scholarship student for 1997 and 1998, Sally was able to further her skills as a saxophonist in conjunction with studying vocal jazz performance with the world renowned, Connaitre Miller.
Sally was a founding member of Pure Harmony Vocal Quartet (along with Naomi Crellin) that recorded and performed together for 10 years until 2002 when Naomi joined TION. Joining The Idea of North (TION) in February 2007 has given Sally the opportunity to combine two great loves – vocal jazz and a cappella music.
Anagram of your name: Ally romances.
Anything strange about your name? My mother said, "names are one of the only free things in life", so I have 4.
Who or what inspired you to sing? I started singing earlier than my first memories and it always felt so natural, so I've pretty much always planned on being a professional musician. Talent and a supportive family is how I got here.
If you weren't a singer in The Idea of North, what would you be doing? Working with animals in some capacity.
Any on-tour shenanigans you wish to share? Absolutely not.
How do you prepare for a gig? Steam, gentle vocal exercises, listening to some vibey instrumental music.
Top 5 favourite singers: Bobby McFerrin, Eva Cassidy, Michael Jackson, Michael Franti, Stacey Kent.
Top 5 favourite bands: Earth Wind & Fire, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, The Bamboos, Propellerheads
Top 5 favourite albums: Dangerous (Michael Jackson), Circle Songs (Bobby McFerrin), Live at The Basement (Vince Jones), Room For Squares (John Mayer), Songs For Jane (Maroon 5).
If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, it would be? Greek.
As someone who started as a fan of TION and is now a part of the group, how would you describe that transition from audience to stage? Trippy at first and then there's a stage where it just switches over and becomes normal. That moment is bitter sweet as it's like a dream come true to be singing with these people, but over time you lose the romance of being so close to people who used to seem "famous" in your eyes.
Favourite types of TION gigs? Small intimate theatres where we are close enough to mess with people ;-)
Favourite or most memorable TION gig so far? Hey Hey It's Saturday reunion show. So weird meeting those people from my childhood face to face. I felt like we were friends immediately. I'm not sure they felt the same...
Best part of this job? Traveling the world and being able to make a living from something I absolutely love.
Worst part of this job? Being away from loved ones so much.
What were you like in High School? Scatterbrain. I hated school- I just wanted to sing.
What do you love about the other TION members? Nay blows me away musically, even after working closely with her for almost 20 years. She's also a very maternal and caring girl. Nick is a super generous guy. On stage he has great comedic timing. Andy is possibly the funniest person I know. He is polite and adorable and this makes him really good at meeting people.
Favourite TION tour so far? Amazing Voice Seoul, South Korea 2007; beautiful friendships were born there.
Who does your hair, make-up? Any secrets? Usually I do my own, but have learnt a lot from professionals who've done our hair and make-up for tv and the like. I'd be nowhere without a teasing comb and my ghd hair straightener. My advice is: on stage = double it.
Who would play you as the starring role in the movie of your life? Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Anniston and Charlize Theron.. ..I'm changeful, but not too much.
Who would you invite to your ideal dinner party? All of my top 5 favourite singers plus John Scofield, James Muller and my best friend Jane- she's a cack; "The Gale to my Oprah" as she puts it.
Anything else we should know about you? I was a police officer for 6 years.