Bree-Arne Manley

Location: Point Lonsdale, VIC

Challenge: Multiple Sclerosis

Website: facebook.com

Bree-arne Manley singer, songwriter, musician, wife and mother.

Growing up in the little seaside town of Clifton Springs, Bree-arne Manley was introduced at a young age to music by her parent's love of singing and teaching as well as playing piano and guitar. On the weekends Bree's dad would put on his vinyl records of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Roy Orbison & Travelling Wilburys. These influential artists sparked a curiosity for the music scene. From the age of 3 Bree would watch her mother play the piano and discovered that she had the ability to mimic the position of her hands.

Over the years Bree was able to learn to play a song just by listening. As she got older and matured more with her music Bree discovered a natural talent for composing and writing songs. Picking up the guitar at 12 opened up new doors for writing and composing in different styles.

Eventually Bree's skills became highly accomplished. After 20 years of composing and writing she has branched out into collaborating with other musicians and songwriters around the world which has led to an interest in singing in different languages.

In 2005 at the age of 19 Bree-arne was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune disease which makes it difficult for the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. As she was exhibiting minimal symptoms Bree took the risk of leaving her permanent position at a hardware store to pursue a career in music while she was still able. Bree began the hard task of earning a living by being a full time busker in Geelong and along the coast; gaining a reputation as far as N.S.W. After barely a year Bree lost the ability to walk, drive and carry her equipment due to her illness.

Since then Bree's level of commitment and determination to continue with her music have only been enhanced. At an open mic night she was introduced to a man who later became her husband and they started a 'Reggae' band. This encouraged Bree to further learn how to blend with other musicians.

Taking every new challenge in her stride, the limitations of Bree's body has forced her to be to be more creative in the areas of playing and performing. Some of the accomplishments that Bree has achieved include performing at Victorias best known music festivals such as Queenscliff, Port Fairy, Apollo Bay, The Grampians and Myrtleford. She has released 2 EPs and the full double-disc album 'Release Me' which has also been printed on vinyl.

Bree has also appeared in a multitude of media articles and television programs and regularly donates her music and time to various health and environmental charity groups.

As well as meeting the challenges of her illness Bree balances family life with a husband, 2 young boys, a multitude of hobbies, exercise and her music. Bree's mission is now not only to pursue her music but to encourage others to see the potential in people who suffer from an illness.

After several years of hiatus Bree has recovered enough to continue with her music and looking forward to new directions and opportunities.

Bree-Arne Manley - "Miss You"