Kingston Arts’ SHAPES! program is giving underage music lovers the chance to catch some of the best rising talent perform live.
A love of local music doesn’t just begin the moment a punter is old enough to step into a licensed venue. Not only are some of the biggest fans in music underage, but so are some of the best musos themselves. Now, thanks to Kingston Arts’ newest program SHAPES!, teens are getting the chance to discover the brightest new stars in Naarm.
Aimed at 13 to 17-year-olds, SHAPES! is an exciting new initiative that is placing young people both centrestage and frontrow. With two shows already announced and a bucketload of gigs and workshops promised for the future, Kingston Arts is showing its commitment to making sure everyone in the community – no matter their age – has the chance to participate in the arts.
SHAPES!
- With The Belair Lip Bombs, Lotte Gallagher, Sophie Maree, Betty Taylor and Gnome
- Sunday, April 27 and Sunday, June 29, from 2pm to 5pm
- Tickets to April 27 here and June 29 here
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
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Taking place at the Kingston Arts Precinct in Moorabbin, the local and safe environment will ensure a drug, alcohol and vape free event. Tickets to the gigs are only $20 a pop, meaning young punters don’t have to fork out an arm and a leg to see their favourite musicians play live.
The local artists that will be taking to the stage across the 2025 SHAPES! program will include emerging rockers The Belair Lip Bombs, Lotte Gallagher, Betty Taylor and Gnome. Later in the year, the SHAPES! music industry workshops will cover things like group guitar lessons, studio time, being radio ready and more.
The Belair Lip Bombs and Lotte Gallagher
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To kick off 2025’s SHAPES! on Sunday, April 27, indie darlings and award-winners The Belair Lip Bombs will be taking over the Kingston Arts Precinct.
Originally hailing from Melbourne’s southside suburb of Frankston, this dazzling four-piece is sure to rock up a storm. Their debut album, Lush Life, cemented the band as one of the best in the game with a Victorian Music Award win for Best Rock or Punk work in 2024.
The Belair Lip Bomb’s catchy hooks and kinetic live energy has made them a favourite newcomer on the scene amongst every demographic of music lover. None more so, however, than the young fans that would flock to their gigs if only they could. SHAPES! is now giving these listeners the rare opportunity to witness the rockers play live.
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Joining The Belair Lip Bombs are rising stars Lotte Gallagher and Sophie Maree.
With a songwriting prowess and poetic lyricism that has earned the young powerhouse a dedicated listenership, Lotte is certainly one to watch out for. Having already graced the stages of major music festivals like Laneway and NYE on the Hill, there’s no doubt you’ve already heard her name – now’s your chance to catch her live.
Betty Taylor and Gnome
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Round two of SHAPES! will be inviting another pair of exciting young bands to Kingston Arts Precinct on Sunday, June 29. Indie rock outfit Betty Taylor will be sharing the bill with fellow rockers Gnome. They promise an explosive show of music mayhem and thrilling energy.
If you’re a fan of Julia Jacklin, The Beaches or Middle Kids, you’re going to love Betty Taylor. Consisting of Sophie Patrick, Kayla Smart, Claire Chittick and Katie Ishaque, this four-piece has already stolen plenty of hearts around the country with their addictive sound and syrupy harmonies.
The last two years of music has seen them release a collection of singles and an EP chockfull with ear-worms. Don’t miss these guys when they take over Kingston.
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To top off a day of incredible music, the bright young stars in Frankston’s own Gnome will be delivering a set of epic proportions. Led by frontman Jay Millar, this bedroom rock project combines ‘60s pop melodies with boisterous energy.
Gnome’s songs are as captivating as their electrified stage presence. They’re another unmissable act for young punters looking for a taste of great local music. Fans have compared their sound to The Beatles and The Lemon Twigs. Truth be told, they exist in a league of their own.
The Pretty Littles, Canisha
Melbourne cult heroes The Pretty Littles are set to ignite the Kingston Arts Centre’s youth music initiative, Shapes!, this August. The garage rock outfit, riding high after their rebirth with members of Neighbourhood Youth, will headline the third instalment of the series designed exclusively for teens aged 13-17.
First Nations soul-pop sensation Canisha supports with her lush, emotive sound fresh from her debut EP DON’T BE SCARED. The drug and alcohol-free event costs $20 and runs from 2-5pm on Sunday 24 August at Moorabbin, offering young music lovers a rare chance to experience live bands in a safe, local environment.
Intro to guitar with Rock Academy
Would-be guitar heroes are set to discover their inner Hendrix at Kingston’s teen-focused Shapes! program this winter. Rock Academy’s eight-week beginner guitar course kicks off July 21, promising to transform novices into confident players through weekly evening sessions at Moorabbin’s Arts Centre.
Metal maestro Damian Dixon of Wallet Inspector fame will guide just ten lucky students through everything from fretboard navigation to pentatonic scales. The $160 course runs Monday nights until September 8, with financial assistance available for those struggling with costs.
BYO acoustic guitar (help available for those without), boundless enthusiasm, and teenage status – this strictly 13-17s affair won’t just teach chords but build the foundation for Melbourne’s next generation of axe-wielders. Booking essential.
Music Industry 101
Forget TikTok tutorials – Kingston’s Shapes! program is offering something infinitely more valuable for teen music obsessives with a free masterclass on cracking the industry. Velvet Bloom’s Maddy Herbert will share seven years of hard-earned wisdom from both sides of the stage at Moorabbin’s Arts Centre on August 26.
The two-hour workshop promises a deep dive into everything from artist management to festival programming, with Herbert’s experience spanning iconic venues including The Espy, The Night Cat, and even Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Participants will design their own mock music business based on personal strengths.
This strictly 13-17s session runs from 4:30-6:30pm, with accessibility support available. Bookings essential for what’s essentially a cheat code to navigating Melbourne’s notoriously tough music scene from someone who’s actually done it.
For more information on events and programs at the Kingston Arts Precinct, head here.
This article was made in partnership with the City of Kingston.
