Spektor's sensational musical journey (Updated December 26, 2012)

She plays songs she writes on the piano. She's been known to drum on a wooden chair, belt out verses in Russian, and counts the President of the United States among her biggest fans. But perhaps what is most memorable about Regina Spektor is not just her quirks or the musical journey she has taken, but that she never compromised the music she wanted to make in order to succeed.

A Russian-born singer, songwriter and pianist, Spektor was the daughter of musical parents and grew up with dreams of becoming a composer and classical pianist. When her family moved to the Bronx in New York City, her tastes shifted to the Beatles, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, among others. And since her debut album bowed in 2001, she has given fans an eclectic mix of material that has ranged from pop to folk and everything in between.

Spektor is currently touring Australia promoting her latest project, "What We Saw From The Cheap Seats." The album is her sixth to date, and is a collection of new material along with the very first studio recordings of some of her older live songs. She plans to head home to New York at the end of 2012 and has told multiple news outlets she's looking forward to taking some time to reflect on all the experiences she had on a tour that began with three sold out shows in the US and extended to several European countries (including Russia, to which she had never traveled since emigrating from it as a young girl).

Seeing Spektor in concert is an experience with no big screens, light shows, graphic, fireworks or elaborate costumes. But what the show lacks in scenery it more than makes up for in her voice and personality, so be sure to get your tickets to this phenomenal performer today.