Jordis
About Jordis
Jordis Unga shot to international stardom within seconds of the launch of reality TV show 'Rockstar INXS'. Prior to being picked for the competition, for which the prize was the chance to sing with veteran Australian Pop act INXS, Unga had fronted two local acts. Minneapolis / St. Paul Alt-Rockers Liars Club evolved from antecedent act The Fighting Tongs. This former band, taking their title from the movie 'Big Trouble In Little China' and active on the live circuit from early 2002, recorded a self-financed EP, 'Horseshoes And Hand Grenades', at Sunland Studios in St. Paul. The band would be novelly fronted by three singers, Jason Smith, Jesse Johnson and Tongan born Jordis Unga. The Fighting Tongs supported Anthrax, Damageplan, Twisted Sister and Sevendust. Jordis would gain national recognition in 2004 as a contestant on CBS' 'Star Search' show, unfortunately getting knocked out in the first round.
The Fighting Tongs dissolved but ex-members, including Unga, guitarist Moose Hitchcock and drummer Corey Frazee, formed Liars Club. Unga then step up to international notoriety in 2005 as a finalist of the 'Rock star - INXS' TV program, the youngest contestant at just 22 debuting on the show with her rendition of The Whos's 'Baba O'Riley' (prompting judge Dave Navvaro to state "Let's close the competition now!") then scoring highly in the second round with Nirvana's 'Heart Shaped Box'.
Mid way through the 'Rock Star INXS' series Jordis was invited by Dave Navvaro's band Camp Freddy, featuring former The Cult touring bassist Billy Morrison on guitar and ex-Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, to perform a version of The Clash's 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' on 5th August at the Hollywood House Of Blues.
Her rendition of David Bowie's 'Man Who Sold The World', which she dedicated to the late American Head Charge guitarist Bryan Ottoson, proved to be so powerful Unga's name became hotly tipped for superstardom. Further impressive performances of 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' and John Lennon's 'Imagine' followed but the singer visibly tired of the competition and exited in early September. Nevertheless, two of her songs would be featured on the official album of the show.
