Through an online application process, musicians aged between 13 and 25 on the South Coast applied for the program, a structured selection process enabled over 30 young aspiring musicians to complete the program and participate in the workshops during February to May at Culburra Beach.

Project manager Alex McNeilly has been impressed with the results of the program.

 “Over 16 original songs have now been written, produced and recorded for the Young Coasties CD Album which will be available at the Burradise Festival,” McNeilly said.

“Last weekend we hosted our last workshop to provide live on stage performance skills where each artist shared their songs and music to a panel of mentors and young people for feedback. The original sounds and tunes from this project are quite simply amazing.”

 We hope everyone can come along to the free seven hour live on stage performance on Sunday, May 14 (Mother’s Day) to hear and enjoy all of the artists and bands performing live on stage. Great food, a cool vibe and the first ever Culburra Beach Surf Bash event is happening at Culburra Beach from 10am until 5pm.” 

Marcus Adamson, Program Manager said, “It was great work watching the young artists and bands develop their strengths, their sound through the demo song stage through to the final recording process. We also had five bands that completed the project. We can’t wait to see them perform live on stage. It will be awesome.”

Sivan Mayhew, Song Music Mentor and member of indie folk duo The April Maze, said, “The workshops, online sessions and many calls helped everyone to develop their amazing songs and talent. It will be a very proud day for everyone involved at the festival live gig.”

Young musician Jaden Spence said, “It’s hard to believe this project has almost finished. One big idea from last year has led to 30 young artists completing their song and learning and collaborating together to produce the CD album and very soon the live on stage performance gig at the Burradise Festival. It’s going to wicked.”

Young Musician Chloe Dadd said, “It’s a been a remarkable program, not just from a song writing perspective but giving all of us the opportunity to get hands on and learn from the mentors and each other. I’ll be performing solo and with my band Fika on Sunday, May 14. I will also be part of the production crew working on stage sound and audio to develop my experience and skills, it’s going to rock! “

Thanks to a NSW Youth Opportunities grant, the Young Coasties Song Music Project was designed by local youth, musicians and industry mentors to support local young, aspiring and keen musicians who live on the South Coast of NSW to write, develop, produce and record their own songs and music at Culburra Beach.   

Over the past four months, participants ranging in age from 13 to 25 have received help, skills and guidance from experienced mentors, including Cam Little from The Vanns, Sivan Agam and Todd Mayhew from The April Maze, Luke Robins, Marcus Adamson for Recording, Ross Portener, Gaye Adlington, John Maratore, Alex McNeilly, Allison Tait and others through a series of workshops and online – phone sessions.  

The project culminates on Sunday, May 14 with the free Young Coasties Showcase performance, part of the Burradise Festival at Culburra Beach, and the release of the Young Coasties album, featuring one song from each of the 16 solo artist and bands who participated. You can grab your copy for new CD album on the day at the merchandise stand.

Find out more at youngcoasties.com.au or to purchase your free tickets to the Live on Stage beach gig visit www.culburrabeachfestival.org.au.

Young Coastie band The Wandering Souls.