Acclaimed singer/songwriter Bloom is one of Australia’s greatest power vocalists and a seasoned touring artist, with sold out shows across the country. In her role as a Shake It Up Ambassador, Bloom and her fans (aka, Bloomies!) have raised over $31,000 for game-changing Australian research to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s.
We chatted with Bloom to learn more about what drew her to first support Shake It Up Australia, her music career and her advice for people wanting to make a change for a better world.
Hi Amanda! Can you tell us how you first got into the music industry?
My dad and Nonna were both singers so it was just something that was nurtured and encouraged from a young age. My first performance was at age 4. I actually started out playing piano but quickly gravitated towards singing. My mum took me to lessons every weekend through my school years and I started performing professionally by the time I was 14. I then went and studied from teachers around the world. Along with performing, learning about the anatomy of the voice is a passion of mine.
What does a typical day in the life look like for you as a touring musician?
A typical travel day involves 4am starts and flights from Perth followed by time in the car. We either go straight to the venue or check into the accommodation for a quick 1 hour nap and then off the show! We usually do 2-3 shows minimum per weekend so it is a 72 hour whirlwind. We aim to perform around 60 shows per year. This lifestyle definitely keeps you on your toes, in lots of different timezones and always looking forward to a toilet stop, comfortable bed or fresh food.
Why did you choose to become an ambassador for Shake It Up Australia?
We were celebrating the songs of Linda Ronstadt and Linda can no longer sing due to her Parkinson’s. I thought I would bring deeper meaning to touring and try to help Australian’s with Parkinson’s. I am so glad I found Shake it Up because to date we have raised over $31,000 for research!
What inspires your commitment to a cure for Parkinson’s?
After every show I either meet someone with Parkinson’s or someone who has a family member or friend with Parkinson’s. I am touched by their individual stories.
Why do you feel it’s so important to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and funds to support research?
Imagine waking up one day to the news that they have found a cure for Parkinson’s? We can’t all be studying to find a cure, so I think it is important that we do what we can to assist those working hard to find the cure. We all have our role to play. My job exposes me to people all over the country so it’s important for me to use my platform for good, to help.
What advice do you have for anyone else looking to shake things up to make a difference for Parkinson’s?
Get involved! Clyde and the team are dedicated and they won’t stop until a cure is found. Whether you are donating, fundraising or sponsoring – you are making a difference.
Shake It Up ambassador Bloom says while we can’t all be studying to find a cure, it's important to do what we can to assist researchers. That's why she has raised over $30k at her shows for Parkinson's research! Share on XIn October and November 2023, Bloom will celebrate the hits of Adele with her effortless and soulful vocal resonance of the English singer, performing the powerhouse album that was 2011’s 21 in full, plus some other great hits from Adele’s catalogue. In this concert production, you can hear the fan-favourites: “Rolling in the Deep”, “Someone Like You”, “Rumour Has It”, “Turning Tables”, “Set Fire to the Rain”, “Send My Love”, and many more!
Bloom will be fundraising for Shake It Up at each performance, so treat yourself to her vocal powerhouse performance while supporting much-needed Parkinson’s research.