GRID Series Geelong 2023
For the very first time, we are bringing our Artist Development Program to Geelong, Victoria.
Check out the incredible group of artists who will be a part of this year’s program, teaming up with an all-star team of mentors, producers and content creators to supercharge their careers.
ARTISTS
Wild Gloriosa
The brainchild of Gloria Ragesh, Wild Gloriosa takes her name from Tamil Nadu’s state flower Gloriosa, or flame lily, Wild Gloriosa creates music that feels familiar yet unique, hypnotic yet forthright, prayerful yet seductive - a marriage of undertones that is sure to hold her audience on a journey beyond the here and now. She has the influence of Bill Withers, Erykah Badu and Lianne LaHavas but delivered through the vessel of a South Indian flower that was grown in the suburbs of Geelong.
Follow: @wildgloriosa
Baraka The Kid
BARAKA THE KID, the brilliant Hip-hop, R&B, and Pop Rap Artist hailing from Geelong Victoria, has carved a prominent niche for himself in the music realm. Renowned for his infectious melodies, captivating lyrics, and an artful blend of samples and beats, Baraka effortlessly crafts an irresistible musical aura. Seamlessly navigating the rap/hip-hop genre, he infuses every track with an electrifying energy that leaves a lasting impact, establishing himself as a significant force making him unique.
Follow: @officially_btk
Photo - Patrick Callow
LENNi
Lenny is a 21 year old aspiring singer/songwriter originally from Clifton Springs. Lenny completed a music performance degree last year and is currently working as a disability support worker, yet music is an everlasting passion of Lenny’s that she is working on pursuing professionally.
Follow: @lnni.official
Photo - Paul Huynh
Ridzyray
Wemba Wemba rapper Ridzyray, is a groundbreaking First Nations rapper who is igniting a revolution in the music industry. With his powerful and authentic voice, Ridzyray is breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. His music is a mesmerizing fusion of traditional storytelling and contemporary beats, creating a sonic experience that transcends boundaries. Ridzyray fearlessly tackles social issues, amplifying the voices of his community. With his magnetic stage presence and undeniable talent, Ridzyray is paving the way for a new era. Prepare to be captivated by the trailblazing artistry of Ridzyray, a force to be reckoned with.
Follow: @ridzyray
Daisy Kilbourne
Daisy Kilbourne, is an acoustic folk singer-songwriter raised in the small town of Daylesford, and now living in Geelong. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Laura Marling, Damien Rice and Bon Iver, Daisy’s storytelling through song will captivate and comfort you.
Writing of love, loss and heartbreak, Daisy shares tunes from her own personal life and struggles along with some of fiction with the hope of connection through similar situations and strains.
Follow: @daisykilbourne
Our free program is an end-to end process, cutting through the noise to provide artists access to a huge range of resources, activities and connections that will expand their creative work and remove barriers for them to realise their artistic ambition.
Artists involved in the program receive:
a fully produced, mixed and mastered track, made in collaboration with one of the program’s producers. Across 4 x full day studio sessions, artists will be working intimately with a producer to craft a song and sound that best represents them and their story;
intensive one-on-one mentoring with the music industry’s sharpest minds to help build pathways for their work to connect with audiences;
an artist documentary film, made in collaboration with a collective of the industry’s most in-demand directors to deep dive into their personal story as an artist providing audiences a window into their creative world;
live performance opportunities in Geelong and beyond
Accompanying them along the journey will be their “hype person” - a friend/collaborator/community member nominated by the artist to join them in all the program’s activities as an extra layer of support throughout the program.
Proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, in partnership with City of Greater Geelong and the VMDO
PRODUCERS
Joel Ma
Producer, rapper, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist, Joel Ma is recognised as a unique voice in the Australian music scene with a reputation for innovation and sonic experimentation. Listen to Joel’s work
Becki Whitton
Becki Whitton is an engineer, songwriter and producer working out of Melbourne’s Carriage Studio. Her approach in the studio balances focus and ease, and centres on a thirst to find the most powerful expression of a song’s emotional core. Becki has received ARIA, AWMA and Music Victoria Award nominations for her sound work. Listen to Becki’ work
Ariel Blum
Ariel Blum is a Melbourne-based producer and songwriter whose distinctive sonic palette and co-writing can be found on countless releases both from underground and established artists. Listen to Ariel Blum’s work
MENTORS
Monique Matosic
Monique Matosic is the Director of Broken Leg, a Melbourne-based PR agency renowned for delivering tailor-made campaigns for artists and creative brands. Her resolute belief in the power of real connections and real communities serves as the foundation of the agency's approach, solidifying its reputation as a catalyst for meaningful engagement.
Her artists have been featured on the pages and airwaves of prominent platforms worldwide, including BBC Radio, Complex, triple j, Wonderland, Okayplayer, Acclaim Magazine, MTV, and Apple Music. Beyond her professional achievements, Monique is a fierce advocate for the artists she partners with, championing their unique visions and safeguarding their creative journeys.
Rich Moffat
Castlemaine-based Rich Moffat got his first job booking bands in pubs at age 17, and spent several decades programming artists for venues such as The Punters Club (1992-1998), Corner Hotel (1995-2014), Evelyn Hotel (1990-1992), Northcote Social Club (2004-2014) and more.
In the early 2000s, he started programming festivals, including Queenscliff Music Festival (1998-2003), Falls (2005-2015), Parklife (2009-2014), Splendour in the Grass (2014) and currently programs Groovin’ the Moo.
JPS (The Operatives)
Jerry Poon (AKA JPS) is a multifaceted individual with over 20 years experience in all areas of organisation in music, hospitality and events. An independent music manager, Festival Director, agent, venue booker, tour manager, DJ, he is respected globally as a pioneer of modern day music and culture in Melbourne. As the founder and visionary behind The Operatives, a collective that unities musicians, tours and the infamous Espionage events, he spearheads a movement that elevates electronic music across Australia to unparalleled heights. The renowned collective, events platform, record label, management, design and consulting company has consistently pushed boundaries and championed forward-thinking music across genres like hip-hop, bass, future beats and experimental sounds.
Claire Mooney
Claire Mooney is the Assistant Music Director in the triple j music team. Previously the Australian Music Producer of triple j Unearthed, Claire has a passion for Australian music and is often the first to hear new songs which you end up hearing on triple j and Unearthed radio. She spends most of her time listening, as well as programming music and radio for triple triple j, triple j Uneathed and Double J. Claire also presents our new music releases program TOPS each Friday, works on competitions and campaigns including Hottest 100 and Unearthed High and helps curate the songs and artists that are supported by triple j and Unearthed.
Paul Huyhn
A Melbourne-based filmmaker, Paul’s background in anthropology and his love of visual arts allows him to explore stories and culture through a creative lens. His career as a director and cinematographer has led him to work with some of Australia’s most talented artists, as well as a few international names, crafting music videos and cultural documentaries.
His filmography includes co-cinematographer for Disco Robo (TBA), a short documentary about the intersection of hip-hop in Japan, and Sunny Side Up (2018), exploring the evolving jazz scene in Melbourne. Paul’s collaborations, including a number of independent and commercial projects, and a feature film, have been featured across Japan, Australia, the U.K. and the U.S., on MTV, Rage, at festivals as well as in publications (Billboard Japan and Okayplayer).