After five months of intensive industry mentoring, Tonite, Madeliene Cope, Emilia Fol and FARAH will debut new tracks at the GRID (Grass Roots Indie Development) Series Geelong Release Party on Thursday 1 May.
These talented early career musicians will take to the stage at the Geelong Arts Centre's Open House to perform their music to a hometown crowd of music fans, industry professionals, VIPs and their GRID team of producers and mentors.
In support of these new releases, captivating documentaries about each artist and their diverse journeys will be premiered.
Directed by Paul Huynh, Nick Rae, Emily Seif and Sam Biddle, the films take a deep dive into their personal stories, challenges, motivations and dedication to their craft.
GRID Series empowers early career artists outside inner-city music hubs through one-on-one mentoring with an industry leader, collaboration with a producer to create a new track, recording sessions, live performance opportunities and the creation of a short film documentary.
GRID Series Geelong is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and the Community Support Fund, in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong.
The release party will feature live performances by all four artists who have undergone intensive mentoring from industry stalwarts including award winning songwriter and producer Joel Ma (Mo'ju, TZU), critically acclaimed songwriter and producer Beatrice (Haiku Hands, Kardajala Kirridarra), multi-award nominated producer Anthony Liddell, Sweetie Zamora (Director of Labels and Project Management at Remote Control Records), Anika Luna (triple j Unearthed Community Producer), Adam 'Weez' Booth (Affinity Music Group, EMI) and director of Broken Leg PR Monique Matosic to create their new releases, out on Thursday 24 April on all streaming platforms.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
Victoria's music scene is brimming with talent, and initiatives like the GRID Series give emerging artists in Geelong the support and platform they need to thrive.These powerful new releases show just what's possible when we back local creatives to tell their stories, their way.
Christine Couzens, Member for Geelong
Congratulations to Madeleine, Tonite, Emilia and FARAH for all the work they have put into their musical careers, and their upcoming performance at the Geelong Arts Centre.The State Government is proud to support the GRID Series Geelong to provide mentoring and support for young emerging local artists.
This highlights the depth of young, creative talent we have here in Geelong, and the vibrancy of the local music scene.
I wish the four artists every success on the 1st May and in their future musical careers.
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The young musicians are truly engaging performers.We're throwing a big party to celebrate Tonite, Madeliene Cope, Emilia Fol and FARAH and showcase the depth of progress they've made over the last five months while participating in GRID Series Geelong.
As part of our efforts to strengthen the region's live music scene, Council is excited to back these emerging artists as they get their start in the industry with the support of mentors and producers, refine their musical and professional skills and challenge themselves.
This is a chance to discover local musicians and follow their journeys as they become staples in the Aussie music scene.
Don't miss these four up and comers light up the stage at the Geelong Arts Centre and enjoy a night of innovative and distinctive music.
GRID Series Managing Director Ariel Blum
Geelong may well be the most exciting music community hub we have in this country.The talent coming out of this region is boundless. In our second year working in Geelong, we were once again so privileged to be able to work with four supremely talented and hard-working artists and four of their incredible hype people.
We can't wait for the world to hear and connect with the irrepressible sounds and stories of Farah, Madeliene Cope, Tonite, and Emilia Fol.
