The results from last year’s Grass Roots Indie Development (GRID) series have arrived, with artists involved sharing music that resulted from the program.
The initiative included sessions with Ecca Vandal, Lior and Antonia Gaucci, industry professionals Melody Forghani and Nick Lynaugh and producers Anna Laverty (Courtney Barnett, Paul Dempsey, Peep Tempel, Ruby Boots), Konstantin Kersting and Ngaiire.
We caught up with some of the participants involved to chat about the singles they released following GRID.
Flewnt (WA)
“[Children Of The Files] started off as something and then it evolved into something else. I actually rang up my uncle and I was like, 'I’m a little bit lost, I’ve got this concept but I'm trying to find an artistic way to tie the song in.' We talked for a while and he said when he did a lot of re-dress for the stolen generation mob, he came to understand that these people were the 'Children Of The Files' and I just connected to that straight away.
“I feel like these days us young indigenous artists, we’re almost like creating new indigenous songlines in what we’re doing. I was speaking to my uncle and he was like, 'You’re making music and starting to lead the way for other Noongar hip hop artists and singers so they can come and do the same as what you’re doing and tell their truths and stories as well.' That’s what the old songs were, to tell stories, and that’s what we’re doing with our music so as long as we keep true to that fact, that you’re always trying to educate your people or others in what’s going on with you, your life and your culture, then I think you’re doing the right thing.
“We’re trying to build a scene, for artists that don’t get that sort of chance, you know? Unless you know people in Perth, it's so hard to get shows, it's so hard to do anything. I’ve been growing up for years trying to get a name and its so important that we got these guys (GRID) to create that opportunity for us.”
Elaura (VIC)
"The song touches on the feeling of allowing something new into your world, fear and trying so hard to be someone or get something. So it was kind of ironic that the program allowed me to let go of the fear of releasing my music. Since the program, I've joined a femme record label called God Queen. It's a collective of badass artists put together by ALPHAMAMA. I've also been working hard on my debut EP. GRID was a defining moment in my music career, to have a team of experienced creatives all supporting me to get my music out there. Super grateful."
Tina Muzondo (WA)
“Midnight is about knowing you want to be with someone, and going on a journey that starts with being unsure if they’re serious about you, and ends with a bold proclamation that you want them, and also assuring them that you’re not going anywhere either.
"I had a rough vocal draft and I brought it into my studio session with Arik and Beni. They loved it and helped me to develop my lyrics and put some chords behind it. We spent the whole day in the studio, recording harmonies, testing unique sounds, and just jamming together.
"Since GRID, I’ve begun working on writing an album, wrote a love song for a start-up fashion brand, and have done a few gigs around my city, Perth. The future is definitely bright and GRID has really helped me to embrace it!”
Clarissa Mei (NSW)
“The track Woman came together seemingly enough with the help of some awesome women in the industry that I highly admire and respect! The initial stages and ideas for the song were brainstormed with the help of Ngaiire who is an absolute legend! With myself producing the song and with the tag team of audio engineer Antonia Gauci we were able to put together my song Woman. Since GRID I’ve been able to hit 60k streams on Spotify and I’ve been collaborating with different artists and playing more gigs around Sydney."
Katherine Waria (QLD)
“Love Isn’t was written after a horrible break-up and expresses all the things that I wish I had said to an ex but didn’t. This song is about recognising the lesson in the loss and for me, that was learning what love is or more so what love isn’t.
"I’ve never recorded or released anything before I was part of GRID. I knew I wanted to create a song with real instruments and have an impact whether in a full band or acoustic setting. I’m so grateful to have Ariel and Russel guide me through the entire session and I’m so proud of the song we created.
"Since GRID, I continued gigging throughout 2019 and writing new songs. In light of recent events, I have no upcoming gigs for 2020 so I’m dedicating this time to being my utmost creative and completing my full-time studies.”
Jacki Tut (VIC)
“The idea for Good For Now came about while I was driving one day and listening to a podcast episode about the annoying aspects of seeing somebody, when they uttered the three words, 'good for now'. I immediately pulled over and started writing some lyrics because I related to it so much.
"So when GRID happened, I realised I had this untouched and unfinished idea sitting in my phone notes that would be dope to create something with. Getting into a studio space with Arik and Allysha Joy was the icing on the cake that birthed a whole vibe! Since GRID, I've been overwhelmed with the support and feedback from the track and am really just looking forward to creating more dope music and telling more stories (which is currently in the works!).”
Srisha (NSW)
“The process with GRID was really autonomous. As an artist in the beginning stages of my musical journey, I was all ears to learn more about the industry, and I've made lasting connections with people who I will continue to work with down the line. I've taken the skills I learned during GRID and am applying them towards my next project.”
Syrup (QLD)
“GRID was a fantastic thing to be involved in for us. It connected us with Kon Kersting and Yanto to be able to bring Collision Course into our life. The song sort of came out of thin air. Collision Course summarises what was a very exciting time for us and this project I think that bleeds through in the music. “
For more details on GRID, click here.
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