Five local Geelong musicians have been selected from a competitive pool of 50 applicants to be mentored and supported in the GRID Series (Grass Roots Indie Development) development program.
This innovative initiative empowers emerging artists through one-on-one mentoring, collaboration with a producer to create a new track, recording sessions, live performance opportunities and the creation of an artist documentary.
The Geelong GRID Program is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO).
A launch event last night announced the successful local Geelong artists selected for the curated program which runs until March 2024:
- Ridzyray: Ridzyray is a First Nations hip hop artist.
- Baraka The Kid: Fiston Baraka is a Congolese artist.
- Wild Gloriosa: Gloria is a South Indian neo-soul creative.
- Elena Nichols: Lenny is a young Samoan musician.
- Daisy Kilbourne: Daisy is an impressive singer.
This year’s excellent team of producers and mentors include award winning songwriter and producer Joel Ma “Joelistics” (Haiku Hands, Moju), ARIA nominated engineer, songwriter and producer Becki Whitton, acclaimed producer Ariel Blum (NIASHA, St.Ives), music festival programmer Rich Moffat (Groovin’ the Moo, Falls Festival, Splendour in the Grass), and director of Broken Leg PR Monique Matosic.
Artists such as Jacki Tut, Kill The Darling, Manorism, Matt Katsis and Stripping on Sunset are just some of the notable alumni of the GRID Series.
“The State Government is proud to support young Geelong musicians through the Geelong GRID program,” said Christine Couzens MP for Geelong.
“That young musicians, from different cultural backgrounds, can receive support and mentoring from experienced industry professionals, gives them the opportunity to grow as music professionals.”
“Congratulations to the successful artists; that there were 50 competitive applicants is testament to Geelong’s vibrant and diverse music culture.”