Young Women Musicians Shine in Mullum Youth Mentorship
This year it’s young women who step into the spotlight with four out of the five categories for Mullum Music Festival’s Youth Mentorship Program being won by up and coming female musicians. This reflects the strong representation of women artists at Mullum Music Festival every year, nurturing a music culture that celebrates gender equality.
Young musicians from NSW Northern Rivers and sometimes as far afield as Darwin submitted their applications on line to be judged by industry professionals, with the winners receiving an hour with their judge/mentor prior to their 20-minute performance at the upcoming Mullum Music Festival (17-20 Nov)
Festival patron Suzannah Espie judged the Singer/Songwriter section, and chose 15 year old Byron Bay High School student, Lorelai (Isabella Cox). For her music is a way ‘to express my feelings. I love that songs can be interpreted in different ways, it makes them even more special’ she says. Suzannah, who will mentor Lorelei, said ‘I chose Lorelei because she has a good swag of songs already that are really nicely recorded, with some great catchy little hooks helping to deliver some tender and personal lyrics.’
Winner of this year’s Vocal Section was Ballina’s Chloe Mason. Judged by musician Shelly Brown, 14 year old Chloe says ‘Singing is such a big part of my life.’ A stand out who started singing quirky covers, Chloe has just started writing her own music. Her judge and mentor was very impressed. ‘Her vocal tone is stunning’ said Shelly, ‘Her delivery is strong, unique and relaxed. I chose her because I want to hear more.’
In a coup for this year’s Youth Mentorship Program, respected music writer for The Australian Iain Shedden was guest judge for the Wild Card Entry. Won by 14 year old Byron girl Hannah Parrington who describes her music as ‘folky – pop.’ Iain said ‘I was impressed by Hannah’s grasp of live looping and its role in song structure, but also liked the song and the confidence in her voice. ‘ Hannah is passionate about music and is keen to develop a career in the music industry, so a mentorship is exactly what she believes will help her focus on the years ahead. Hannah will be mentored by musician Renee Simone.
Nattali Rize of Blue King Brown chose East Atlantic from Byron Bay High School for the Band section. The grunge and blues based band features Maayan Barnatan on vocals and guitar, Vinnie Sebastian on vocals and drums and Bon Soric on Bass. Influenced by Nirvana, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix with a touch of Black Sabbath for good measure, these lads add some serious rock to program.
Chris Mallory of Two Lions judged the Under 15 section, won by Byron Steiner student, Monica Brandolini. The youngest daughter of music teachers, Monica is from a highly talented family. Older siblings Gabe and Cecelia went on to be finalists in The Voice after coming through Mullum’s Youth Mentorship program. Last year Monica and sister Bridget were the Director’s Pick for the Youth Mentorship. Young Monica has been singing with her siblings since she could walk. Strongly influenced by Regina Spektor, Montaigne, Liana La Havas and Justin Bieber, Monica has a musical maturity way beyond her years. Chris Mallory was very impressed with Monica’s flawless live delivery and went on to say ‘What a fantastic song!!! I love the chordal structure and the surprising melodies.’
Festival patrons will hear Monica perform her song at the sold out Gala event on opening night. Chloe Mason, Lorelai, Hannah Parrington and East Atlantic will perform on Saturday at the festival.