Renowned composer and vocalist Susanna O’Leary is a creative powerhouse, delighting fans young and old with her incredible talent and infectious enthusiasm.
Her latest project, Happy Singing Kids, is a joyful musical adventure that captures her playful spirit, featuring fun-loving and sometimes downright silly tunes that have listeners tapping their toes and singing along.
This exciting venture was born from a challenging time when Susanna, like many artists, faced the unexpected halt of her music career due to Queensland’s COVID lockdown in 2020. Instead of stepping away from music, she embraced the opportunity to create at home alongside her two young daughters and husband, Keiran. What started as a homegrown project soon became a joyous and liberating experience, culminating in an album that reflects her warmth, creativity, and deep connection to family.
Despite its humble beginnings, Happy Singing Kids quickly gained momentum. Susanna collaborated with Grammy-nominated engineer Beau Vallis to mix and master her tracks, and her EP "Uh Oh Spaghetti-oh!" has since earned international acclaim. Used as an educational resource worldwide and praised by Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej, the music continues to inspire young audiences and educators alike.
A well-respected figure in the Australian music scene, Susanna has an impressive list of accolades, including numerous songwriting awards and performances at prestigious venues. Her soaring vocals have enchanted audiences with the Brisbane City Pops Orchestra (2021) and the Gold Coast Philharmonic Orchestra (2022), and her track "Exiled" (released under the pseudonym "Zannah") earned highly commended recognition in the Queensland Music Awards' World Music category (2020). She is also a sought-after vocalist, music educator, and adjudicator, most recently selected for the Queensland Choral Fanfare 2023 regional finals.
The popularity of "Uh Oh Spaghetti-oh!" continues to grow, with its title song named a finalist at the Queensland Music Awards, and additional tracks receiving highly commended accolades in the Children’s Music category for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023). Susanna’s presence in children’s entertainment has expanded further, with Happy Singing Kids featured on ABC Kids Listen, Funky Kids Radio, Lollipops Radio, and more. Her high-energy live shows and workshops have captivated audiences at major children’s festivals across Queensland, including the Moreton Kids Festival, Spark Ipswich Festival, and Redcliffe Kite Fest.
Beyond live performances and streaming platforms, Happy Singing Kids’ presence on YouTube continues to grow, with their educational videos gaining popularity around the globe. Families and educators worldwide have embraced Susanna’s fun and engaging approach to music and learning, making her content a go-to resource for young audiences.
In addition to her success in music, Susie has now expanded her creative journey with the release of her first children’s book, adapted from the hit song "Uh Oh Spaghetti-oh!" The book was previewed during her interactive, literacy-based music tour across Brisbane libraries, where it delighted young readers and families with its playful and engaging storytelling.
Fresh from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 tour, where they received two four-star reviews, Happy Singing Kids are here to bring the joy of music, movement, and storytelling to life. With upcoming shows and national tours in the pipeline, 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for Susanna and her growing audience.
