About

Gretta Ziller, a critically acclaimed and classically trained artist, made her unforgettable debut in the Australian country music scene at the 2011 CMAA College of Country Music graduation concert by playing the bagpipes—a unique entry that set the tone for her diverse and genre-defying career. Growing up in the Upper Murray region of  Victoria, amidst a family of farmers, Gretta’s musical journey began early, as she was able to whistle before she could speak and started playing the violin at just three years old. This early passion for music led her to master a range of instruments, including the bagpipes, and ultimately earned her a Bachelor of Music from Melbourne University, where she majored in voice and began her career as an opera singer and bagpipe instructor.

Over the years, Gretta has proved herself to be much more than a one-trick pony. She was a finalist in the Telstra Road to Discovery in 2012 and 2013, won the 2013 TSA/APRA New Songwriter of the Year award, an honorable mention in the 2014 Unsigned Only songwriting competition and was a top 3 finalist in the Toyota Star Maker in 2015. Her debut EP, *Hell’s Half Acre*, released in 2014, was followed by two full-length albums the critically lauded *Queen of Boomtown* (2017) and *Judas Tree* (2021), which defied categorization and showcased her eclectic influences spanning jazz, blues, rock, pop, and classical music. Both albums were recognised by The Australian Music Prize gaining a place on their prestigious ‘Long List’.

Gretta’s diverse sound is inspired by a wide range of artists, including Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, and Bishop Briggs, which she seamlessly blends into her own unique style of modern Americana, alt-country, and blues. Her debut album, *Queen off Boomtown*, pushed the boundaries of these genres even further, earning her a nomination for the 2018 Alt Country Album of the Year at the Golden Guitar Awards and a 2018 CMC Music Award nomination. The album’s lead single, “Slaughterhouse Blues,” received honorable mention in both the 2017 Unsigned Only and International Songwriting Competitions.

In 2023, Gretta released her third album, *All These Walls*, which continues to explore themes of love, self-belief, and self-worth, all while maintaining her signature blend of authentic narratives and captivating compositions. She was recently honored as the first recipient of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) Academy of Music Scholarship which sent her  to Nashville, where she gained an official showcase at the 2023 Americana Fest.

Now based in Melbourne, Gretta remains a powerful force in the music industry. In 2024, she embarked on “The Long & Writing Road,” a year-long challenge involving 52 co-writing sessions in 52 weeks, marking a decade of her dedication to music and further solidifying her place in the industry. Whether performing live with her unique mix of sweet folk, gritty blues, and modern Americana or crafting songs that resonate deeply with listeners, Gretta Ziller continues to break new ground, proving that first impressions aren’t always right and that she is an artist who defies easy categorization.