This Ausmusic Month, we’re shining a spotlight on emerging musicians and Collarts staff who are already making waves in the industry. Here are some talented artists to watch:
Oliné is an independent artist, producer, and songwriter from just outside Oslo in Norway, based in Naarm/Melbourne.
What are you most proud of?
"I’m so proud to have released my debut EP Irregular Symmetry this year - that was such a milestone for me, especially getting to perform the launch with my band! Another highlight was the songwriting week in Germany, where I wrote toplines for songs pitched to Universal for other artists. I feel like this year I’ve taken a huge step forward; both in shaping my own aesthetic and artist project, and in growing as a producer and songwriter for others."
Hailing from Villa del Rio (Bogotá, Colombia), Sebastian Lugo began his music career playing keys with Biograma, inspired by Rock, Reggaeton, and Electronic sounds. In 2015, he moved to Melbourne and quickly became a recognised name in the Latin community, performing at major events like the St Kilda Latin Festival.
What are you most proud of?
''This year, I’m proud to have finally put a band together to gig around Melbourne. I’ve done justice to the songs I’ve written in the studio through live performances with some great friends who also happen be incredibly talented artists. It’s been 10 years since I arrived in Melbourne, and starting my music degree this year has made this a truly special moment in my life.''
Meet Hannah Donnelly. Characterised by a warm groove, her debut single ‘Questioned Your Intentions’ is set to enter the Melbourne scene and leave a mark on R&B and Soul/Pop music.
What are you most proud of?
''I have recently released my debut single 'Questioned Your Intentions' and was super stoked and surprised to hear it get played on Triple J, thanks to Tanya Bunter and Dave Woodhead. This has been a dream of mine, so I was really grateful to have the song appreciated by people I respect a lot in the industry. I've got my headlining show coming up this Thursday, the 13th of November, at The Bergy Bandroom, with a band of Collarts alumni, and opening for me is Collarts alumni Connor Callahan.''
''I was honoured to support ZZ Top on their recent AUS/NZ Arena Tour in May this year — a dream come true to share the stage with Hall of Famers responsible for some of the most iconic riffs ever written.
Earlier this year, I was also a finalist for the Outstanding Songwriter Award at the Australian Women in Music Awards, standing alongside incredible artists like Missy Higgins. I honestly felt like I’d already won before I even arrived — it was such an inspiring night, surrounded by so many talented Australian women.''
What are you most proud of?
''This year, I’m genuinely proud of myself for finally building up the courage to pursue music which has always been my truest form of self-expression. I’ve been passionate about it since I can remember, however, after leaving high school I found myself denying and suppressing that part of me in order to achieve something other people wanted for me.
Over time, I’ve really internalised the fact that we are all human, and the most fulfilling thing we can do is trust our instincts. Studying at Collarts has made me realise that if it’s possible for one person, then it’s possible for all of us. All it takes is the courage to start.''