The Shadi before you today is not that different from the one you may have met ten years ago. The bangs that hang down my forehead remain, but my goals and aspirations are still in the making.

Over the years, two forces in my life have remained constant: my undying love for my faith and my passion for music.

Raised as a Baha'i, I have always felt that the foundation of all faiths is love. I find that, through my music, I can express how my faith connects me to my heart.

Fortunately, my family was very encouraging and, in September 2009, with their support, I was able to merge the two loves in life through my first album, Leather Bound Book.

Within a few months of its release, I was touring all over the country. During my travels, I was honored to represent the International Bahá'í Community at the Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne as a performer. I appeared on ABC's Radio National and Triple J, and was featured on Radio National's 2010 compilation CD, Rhythm Divine.

In July 2010, I had the chance to travel to New Zealand. With the support of some very dedicated friends, I performed a series of shows in Auckland and Wellington. I was also honored to be featured in a documentary series called 'Baha'i's on Air'.

The success of Leather Bound Book was beyond our wildest expectations. It has been distributed to almost every country in the world, and I feel so grateful to everyone for their support. I've received many emails, where people have expressed diverse experiences and emotions evoked by the music. People have emailed me photographs of red tiles, and informed me that they have played my music at births, weddings and funerals. I've been sent audio clips of children learning and singing my tunes, and many of my friends have even managed to parody my melodies. Bless :)

It has been eighteen months since the release of Leather Bound Book. Since then, I have completed my Bachelor's degree, sung at a ton of weddings, and even released an accessory line with my mother. Even still, I couldn't tell you what I want to 'be' when I 'grow up'. However, in typical T-W fashion, I found a way to be productive, and saw this as a chance to record once again. The great Louie Shelton agreed to come on board a second time and, after a few chord progressions and many dinner table discussions, we were off!

It is here that I introduce to you Verdant Isle, a collection of songs and prayers inspired by the Baha'i Writings and my personal experiences as a Baha'i. Verdant Isle is a name for a very special place for Baha'is: The Ridván Garden. This majestic garden is a testament to the grandeur of God's creation and, for me, represents a place of breathtaking beauty, joy, and spirit.

I find the overall atmosphere of Verdant Isle to be reminiscent of my childhood and the melodies I was taught in those tender years, with a bit of an edge. I hope the more stripped back and organic nature of this production leaves enough room for you to have your own spiritual journey.

I would like to express my infinite gratitude to my family, the Toloui-Wallace's (also known as the T-W's), who have often been compared to the Vontrap or Partridge family. I'd like to think we're cooler than that, even though there hasn't been a movie made about us [yet]. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each member individually:

• My father, Paul, for his undying support and belief in my music and the project at large, and for overseeing many of the administrative responsibilities.
• My mother, Shidan, for her wisdom, encouragement, and performing administrative duties such as my very own 'marketing officer'. And let's not forget her soul stirring vocals, which you may have heard in a little number called 'Radiant Heart'.
• My sister, Hoda, for her unconditional support, belief, encouragement, sheer enthusiasm, and heartfelt and honest advice.
• And finally my brother, Josh, for his patience over long dinner conversations relating to the album, his innate musical genius, and his astute ability to share knowledge with others.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all my friends and extended family members countrywide and internationally, who have helped me put shows together and promote the album in their communities and local media. The album's success is really a testament to the bonds of friendships I've made over the years, their belief in my music and its ability to affect the hearts of its listeners. I am eternally grateful for their loyalty, hospitality, ingenuity, initiative and sheer love.

Special thanks go out to Sara Momtazian, who filmed the launch in Brisbane and spent countless hours editing, to Jono Hancock & Roger Wee, who photographed me with the utmost skill and care, and last but not least, to Mars El-Bougrini, who masterfully and with great professionalism and enthusiasm created this website and related media.