Sam O’Connell
Tell us a little about the song you entered into Melbourne Music Bank.
I’m Not Okay was the very first song I wrote. At the time of writing, I was just left heartbroken from a very meaningful relationship and I was in a dark place. My emotions were getting the better of me. I decided to just write what was on my mind and what I felt inside. Not only did it make me feel a lot better getting it out of my system, but I managed to create a song that I’m stoked with.
How would winning Melbourne Music Bank assist your music career? What prize are you most excited about?
As soon as I turned 18 at the start of the year I knew this is what I want to do, and a part of me feels like my purpose is to entertain. I am massively excited at the prospect of having a single launch at The Worker’s Club.
Tell us about your songwriting method and style.
The best way to describe my music would be indie-folk. I write very emotionally driven songs and my influences all mash into one act. I listen to lots and lots of different artists and I write and play what I feel is true to myself.
Who is your greatest source of musical inspiration?
I have quite a few musical inspirations which I like to base my style off. Mainly there is Passenger, Mumford & Sons, Matt Corby, Ziggy Alberts, John Butler Trio and Sticky Fingers to name a few.
DL
Tell us a little about the song you entered into Melbourne Music Bank.
The development of my song Until Today began way back in 2008. In short, it’s about having doubts about being successful in the industry. I turn it around at the end and pronounce that I’m going to make it, and I’ve been nothing up until today.
How would winning Melbourne Music Bank assist in your music career?
Winning the Melbourne Music Bank would be the perfect response to me knocking on the door for nearly ten years. This would give me all the tools to finally get a single off the ground with a strong execution and a dedicated team to support it.
Tell us about your songwriting method and style.
I grew up loving poetry in songwriting, hence why I veered toward hip hop, which allows the opportunity to get deeper into the meanings. I grew up writing to beat breaks within songs I’d hear on the radio and pretend I was the featuring artist.
What kind of qualities do you think make up a great musician?
I’m a sucker for a great singer. A tone in a singers voice and capabilities of what they can do with their voice will get me every time. But as for a musician in general: dedication and perseverance are the most attractive features to me.
Who is your greatest source of musical inspiration?
I have to go back to what made me want to become an artist on the big stage, and that’s Peter Andre. Nah I’m kidding. It has to be Snoop Dogg.
Jade Alice
Tell us a little about the song you entered into Melbourne Music Bank.
The idea for the melody of my song Kick Drum actually came to me in a weird dream I was having. Kick Drum projects this feeling of effervescence and uncontrollable happiness; a feeling that I hope becomes contagious for listeners. I was 15 when I wrote the song and have received incredible support and positive responses about it ever since.
How would winning Melbourne Music Bank assist your music career? What prize are you most excited about?
Being a part of Melbourne Music Bank has already helped me in so many ways with how to promote myself and has provided opportunities to meet incredible people in the industry. Winning Melbourne Music Bank would be an invaluable experience, with a prize that covers so many areas of the industry and the opportunity to record at Sing Sing Studios, who wouldn’t be pumped for that.
Tell us about your songwriting method and style.
My process of writing songs is different every time, which makes them so unique from each other. I might be in the middle of a conversation with someone about how great pugs are and then mid sentence will say “Wait one second I have to write something down, I’ll be right back, no time to explain.”
What kind of qualities do you think make up a great musician?
I think that musicians are natural storytellers and the great ones can make you see yourself in their music and even learn things about yourself through how it affects you.
Napier
Tell us a little about the song you entered into Melbourne Music Bank.
Shake! Shake! Shake! is an uplifting track with a healthy dose of modern groove. We were inspired by the vintage rhythms and soul of the ‘60s, and the song was fleshed out from the guitar riff.
How would winning Melbourne Music Bank assist your music career?
What is most exciting is being able to get our music out there and have access to the right avenues to do so and support along the way. It’s a rare opportunity to get our foot in the door and meet incredible people and audiences.
What prize are you most excited about?
Having the opportunity to work with some of the best industry professionals would be incredible. Also, having a mentor and support would be invaluable.
Tell us about your songwriting method and style.
Most of the time I start with an idea, be it a guitar riff, piano line, a lyric or even a beat. Then I’ll flesh out a structure for the composition before writing and re-writing lyrics until I feel comfortable with them.
Who is your greatest source of musical inspiration?
Whenever I’m suffering from writer’s block or lacking confidence in my own music I like to throw on a Jimi Hendrix record and just listen in awe of the pure talent, not only in his guitar playing but the songwriting and composition. There’s always something new to take away from every rotation.
