Newton pursued an interest in jazz and classical music academically in Perth, where she studied clarinet at the University of Western Australia. She took a jazz vocals course at the Conservatorium, meanwhile singing with the Western Australia Youth Jazz Orchestra. Newton then entered and became a finalist in the Australian Singing Competition. In 1990, she moved to the UK, quickly establishing a reputation on London’s jazz, pop and Latin scenes. Among her musical associates at this time were acid-jazz guitarist Ronny Jordan and the Latin jazz fusion band Cayenne, of which she became lead singer. She also became the first singer to work with Steve Rubie’s Latin band, Samara. Late in 1994, Newton became lead singer of dance-pop act Strike, a move that led to extensive live performances and some recording dates, the band’s first single ‘U Sure Do’ reaching number 4 in the UK charts and also selling well in continental Europe and Australia. With Strike, Newton toured Spain, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany and Japan. The band had more UK Top 40 hits and their I Saw The Future was a critical and popular success.

Having a wide-ranging repertoire, Newton has become an in-demand performer at many of London’s leading hotels and clubs. She also sings in Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. In 2002 she sang with the London funk band 3 Bean Salad. In addition to the other bands with which she works, Newton also leads the all-female Katmandhu and is a member of Oxala, a band playing Brazilian music. In 2004 she released her first own-name jazz album to generally approving critical and audience response. Among jazz musicians with whom she has worked are pianists Jonathan Gee, David Newton, Gwilym Simcock and Gareth Williams. In addition to performing, Newton also teaches on the Trinity College of Music Jazz Studies course and is a respected vocal coach.