'Issy and the Gingers' (Bachelor of Music students at AIM), are a 4 piece alt country rock band who have recently formed as part of an ensemble project at The Australian Institute of Music. 

The band, who are excited to be playing together, have been honing their craft in various forms before coming together in this current lineup as 'Issy and the Gingers'. The project brings together Isabella Manfredi's rootsy rock vocals, with  brothers Curtis and Jeff Argent on bass and drums, and the melodic twang of Reece Doyle on guitar. With an air of anticipation about her, Manfredi is both enigmatic and grounded, having come from a musical background (her parents having played in a country rock band themselves). After a brief stint at NIDA and study of Advanced Arts Languages, she is now pursuing her music passions which she has held since childhood, something she never thought she'd be doing, and names Bob Dylan and Patti Smith as some of her inspirations.

Already with a wealth of gig experience under their belt, and 8 years of playing and practising, the Gingers' rhythm section brothers Curtis and Jeff, have previously performed at the Encore Sydney Opera House event in 2006, and Musicoz Awards after party in 2007. Jeff and Curtis are no strangers to the Sydney live music scene, performing regularly at the Opera Bar, and also form 2/3 of Flamenco Trio 'Lostresmonos'. Needless to say, when it comes to rhythm and groove, they are as tight as brothers. Lastly, on guitar is Newcastle born Reece Doyle, who will have travelled 15,000 kms by train once he has completed his Bachelor of Music degree, not to mention using the long distance commute to pracise his licks, now that's commitment. Reece is also from country musical heritage, his Dad having played with Golden guitar winning country band The Wolverines. With their fresh spin on country, and fresh gigs on the horizon in New Caledonia and Port Fest, 'Issy and the Gingers' will perform standards from country legends such as Johnny cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Kenny Rogers and more, and will no doubt appeal to country music fans and non country music fans alike.
 
AIM attracts a diverse range of performance students from contemporary to classical and music theatre, offering performance opportunities for those ready to take the stage.

Issy and the Gingers recently played PORTfest 08, and Mainstage at the Bourail Foire Festival in New Calendonia.