Originally, I wanted to be a music producer. I was studying Music Production and writing my own music when I had the opportunity to travel overseas and take part in an International Songwriting Week in Germany. I quit my day job to go, and when I returned, I had no real sense of direction for how to progress my career. At the time, I didn’t feel experienced enough to charge people for production work, and I was struggling in retail, so I decided to take a risk. I spent the rest of my savings on a quality speaker, power supply, and the equipment I needed to start busking. I could already accompany myself on piano, and having played violin since I was three years old, I knew I had the musical foundation. My vision was to combine my musicianship with my production skills and create something a little different from the typical busking act. After passing the audition process for Bourke Street Mall, my busking journey officially began three years ago. I had no idea what to expect. I’d never really busked properly before, especially after COVID had kept people indoors for so long. But over time, I kept experimenting, writing new music, refining my performances, and building confidence. Before long, people were starting to recognise me, come to my shows, and follow my journey. For a while, I was performing in the mall three to five days a week, and that’s what really launched my career. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to perform on festival stages, headline shows around Australia, and work on countless gigs and production sessions. It’s been a rollercoaster, but I genuinely owe so much of my success to those three years of busking and the decision to keep going when it all felt like a silly little dream. Looking back, taking that chance was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

To be honest I don’t even think I’m in it yet, I still feel very much on the outskirts and I’m trying to fight my way in! For me the only shot I had was busking, but this also doesn’t work for everyone – busking is sooooo brutal.

The internet is also an unbelievable tool for artists, musicians, songwriters and producers to be able to share their art and work online for free. This is probably the easiest and most accessible way to start your career is just posting every day and try different styles of content until something works!

If I’m honest I don’t know that I wanted to necessarily “get into the music industry” because the industry is tough and I’ve heard people struggle, but my whole life has revolved around music at some capacity, throughout both primary and high school and then university! It’s all I’ve ever known and I can’t imagine not incorporating music into my work life so the best way for me to do that was find a way to make a living off playing/producing music.

I think it really depends on what you want to do in the music industry and what kind of person you are. Studying Music Production was incredibly valuable for me because it gave me structure, opportunities, and a sense of accountability. I’m someone who works well with deadlines, so having that environment helped me stay focused and keep progressing. Starting out in music requires a lot of resilience, and there were always things I didn’t know how to do. Studying taught me how to problem-solve, keep learning, and continue working towards my goals even when things got difficult. That said, if you’re self-motivated and disciplined, you can learn a huge amount online through practice and experience. I also really valued the community at Collarts, they’ve been incredibly supportive of my career and have provided opportunities even after graduation. For me, that made studying there well worth it.

Honestly, I think it’s hard every day in some capacity. Staying motivated all the time is tough, especially in an industry where everyone is constantly posting their highlights. It’s so easy to compare yourself to other musicians and feel like you’re falling behind. I’ve had countless knockbacks, festival applications rejected, emails ignored, opportunities that never eventuated. But every now and then, after what feels like a thousand setbacks, you get one step forward. Those moments feel incredibly special, and they’re what keep me going through the next thousand knockbacks. I think a music career is really all about consistency. It’s a bit like going to the gym, you don’t notice much changing day to day, but if you look back at where you were a year ago, the difference can be huge. The key is just to keep showing up and doing the work, even when progress feels slow.

I’m incredibly lucky to have such a supportive group of people around me. My mum has been cheering me on since day one and has always believed there was something special in my music. My nan is probably my biggest fan, I’m pretty sure she only listens to my music! My family and closest friends never fail to show up to my headline shows, and you’ll find them supporting me in the comments of almost every post I make. I also can’t forget my amazing fiancé, who has been nothing but supportive, encouraging, and positive since the day we met. Having people who believe in me, especially during the harder moments, has made all the difference.

My favourite thing someone said to me when things were really really bad, is that things can’t be really good or really bad forever, they always have to come back to the middle. You can’t ride the high or the low forever, it always keeps me grounded and appreciate when I do have those highs, but allows me to have perspective when I feel like I’ve hit rock bottom.

The dream is to play at festivals all over the world. I’m hoping I can perform for the rest of my life, I can’t imagine my life any other way. I also want to create the best music possible and make a real difference in the music industry and other people’s lives.

Maribou State when they toured and came to Melbourne!! Honestly one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, there was not one dull moment. Hozier was also incredible, he had so many musicians onstage with him and it felt so lively and magical.

The gym!!!! and of course venting to those closest

The gym is a non-negotiable for me, for my head and mental health I have to exercise 6 days a week to regulate myself… It’s seriously saved/changed my life.

Also therapy is a must just to unload, make sure there’s nothing you’re holding onto and help you continue moving forward healthily. I’m a huge advocate for therapy!!!

I am so so so so lucky with my work/life, I genuinely love what I do and if I didn’t have to earn money I think I would still busk, perform, write/produce music. I think I could probably work a little harder at admin and content, but I’m getting there and trying to hold myself accountable. It’s hard for me being self employed, I rely on self motivation and urgency which definitely lacks sometimes, but I’ve found ways to try make it better.

THE GYM!! A great workout fixes everything. Also calling a friend, someone close to you to make you laugh and put things into perspective, because a bad day isn’t a bad life.

I may or may not be working on my debut album… Hopefully coming within the next 6-12 months!

Rolling in the Deep after a few drinks really hits hard…