A proud South Sea Islander and Bundjalung man, Jason Kafoa is a seasoned performer with a powerful voice and commanding stage presence. A singer-songwriter with two albums to his name, he has performed extensively across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, both as a solo artist and with a range of bands. Jason brings depth, soul and connection to every Soul’d performance and is currently also performing with The Joe Cocker Express.

Maddy Monacelli brings a fresh dynamic to Soul’d, with strong lead vocals, tight harmonies and a natural stage presence. With over a decade of performance experience, she has worked as both a solo artist and in smaller ensembles. Also an experienced vocal coach and educator, Maddy works across the Byron Shire running choirs and teaching singing, adding depth and musicality to the band’s sound.

With more than 30 years on trumpet, Derek Siddon has performed across a broad spectrum of bands, genres and live settings. A career highlight includes performing “The Fanfare” with James Morrison at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Derek holds a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) from ANU and a Bachelor of Education from UC. As Soul’d’s Musical Director, he leads the band from the stage, keeping the sound tight and the energy high.

Josh Booyens has over 20 years’ experience performing across a wide range of musical
settings, from orchestras to big band jazz and musical theatre. He began his live career with the Queensland Youth Orchestra before going on to perform extensively after relocating to Sydney. A core member of Soul’d, Josh brings both musical precision and professionalism to every show.

Eddie Bray is a highly accomplished musician and standout soloist with a long career in both performance and education. He spent 20 years as a professional musician with the Australian Defence Force Bands, including a posting as Woodwind Specialist Teacher at the Australian Defence School of Music. Eddie was awarded an Australia Day Medal for outstanding service to the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

Jake Bryant has over 25 years’ experience performing across a wide range of bands and festival stages, including Woodford Folk Festival. A career highlight was performing with James Morrison’s youth band Toe Jammin’ in Sydney. He holds a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) from ANU and a Graduate Diploma of Education from UC.
 

Steve McLeod is a highly respected guitarist with more than 50 years’ experience performing with leading Australian and international artists, including The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jeff Lang, Sara Storer, Chain, Marc Hunter and Angry Anderson. He brings depth and versatility to Soul’d.

John Conley began his musical career on classical guitar before moving to double bass with the Canberra Youth Orchestra. He later completed the Jazz Studies program at the NSW Conservatorium of Music and has performed and recorded with leading Australian artists including Winifred Atwell, Don Burrows and George Golla. He is also a longstanding member of Galapagos Duck.

Dan Brown has over 30 years’ experience as a professional musician, performing with a wide range of artists and ensembles. Highlights include performing with Pete Murray and the South Australian Symphony Orchestra at the Adelaide Festival, as well as appearances at Woodford Folk Festival and Blues on Broadbeach.