Website: http://www.biddyconnor.com/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/biddyconnor

Biddy Connor is the string wizard behind artists and bands such as Laura Jean, Kes Band, Super Melody and Magic Silver White –– and now behind new outfit Sailor Days.

A respected composer whose work traverses classical, experimental and pop genres, Biddy's music has been performed everywhere from the big and small screens to regional playhouses, from the Sydney Opera House to any number of sticky-carpeted rooms and dimly lit bars.

Formal recognition for her composition work includes a 2005 nomination for the APRA-AGSC Screen Music Awards in the category of Best Music for a Documentary for her work on the film Switch on the Night.

That same year, Biddy teamed up with Kate Neal and Wally Gunn for Dead Horse Productions, a company dedicated and committed to the presentation and promotion of new Australian composition. Over the next few years they performed new works to packed houses at The Meat Market in North Melbourne alongside Anthony Pateras and Brett Dean, upstairs at The Forum and at The Fairfax Theatre, Arts Centre. For this Biddy performed solo works for viola, voice and live loops. One of these pieces had 50 audience members joining in by playing music boxes resonating on small pieces of wood.

In her new project, Sailor Days, she finally reveals the compositions closest to her heart. Serpentine, dizzying and rich, Biddy's songs play gracefully with harmony, melody and structure, creating strange and beautiful architecture.

Completing the magic triangle to Biddy's viola, voice and organ are Laura Jean Englert (Laura Jean, Kes Band) on bass and Jen Sholakis (Laura Jean, Jen Cloher and The Endless Sea) on drums and bells.

On their self-titled debut album, strings pluck and hum. Voices call, respond and harmonise. Organs creak and bassoons murmur doubtfully while a viola becomes a ship to sail upon.  The album is reminiscent of Deerhoof in a reflective mood or Kate Bush minus the histrionics, but ultimately sounds like itself.

Sailor Days' self-titled debut album is out now on Gaga Digi, as is Species Counterpoint, the album's first single, which features remixes from Super Melody and Magic Silver White.