In a world littered with disposable pop Missy Higgins is a welcome relief.. passionate, sincere and proudly Australian.

The 23 year old singer/songwriter from Melbourne has enjoyed phenomenal success in her homeland in spite - or perhaps because - of shunning the usual synthetic packaging and tabloid tackiness. Instead she's adopted a more timeless approach, relying on her undeniable songs and unforgettable live performances to build a genuine and gimmick free connection with her audience.

Missy's new album, "On A Clear Night", retains the hallmarks of her earlier work - irresistible melodies and 'arrow through the heart' lyrics delivered by a voice that clearly means it. However, this time around the tracks benefit from the empathetic production of Mitchell Froom who helmed the first three Crowded House albums as well as works by other quality artists such as Ron Sexsmith, Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney and the Finn Brothers.

The new album also showcases the changing world view of a more self assured artist. There's a quiet strength to these new works which suggests a more confident young woman. She's grown up in public and "On A Clear Night" is the diary she's kept along the way.

"The album hopefully reflects where I'm at right now", explains Missy. "I just feel a lot clearer about who I am and what I want to be doing with my music. Working with Mitchell was a big part of that process too. I've still got so much to learn but I think I've moved on from most of the confusion and self doubt I felt when I was just starting out. I'd say that's themain difference between the old songs and the new ones."

It's certainly been quite a journey. In a story that's now well known, Missy started off singing standards with her older brother's band when she was only 13. She was thrust into the limelight in 2001 when she won Triple J Unearthed while she was still at high school. Instead of rushing into a recording studio she chose to go backpacking around Europe before coming home and releasing an eponymous EP that topped the indie charts in late 2003. In August the following year she released the "Scar EP" in Australia. Off the back of tours supporting George, The Waifs, John Butler Trio and Pete Murray the disc entered the national charts at ..1. Her debut album, "The Sound Of White" achieved the same feat soon afterwards.

It was quite an arrival.

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