GRID Series launchpad: Five Geelong artists take flight

Five of Geelong’s most exciting emerging artists have today launched new music across all streaming platforms.

It marks the final days of their tutelage under Geelong’s first Grass Roots Indie Development (GRID) Series program, an artist development initiative supported by the Victorian government, the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Music Development Office.

Over the past six months, the program has exposed each of the artists to the mentorship of an all-star team of industry experts including acclaimed producers Joelistics and Ariel Blum, resulting in the release of five new singles

From Wemba Wemba rapper Ridzyray comes “Light Shine”, a feel-good hip-hop track about forgiveness and reconciliation.

“Light Shine started off as a bit of a reminder to myself to have faith and take chances, so I hope it can inspire people to reach out to their loved ones and reconnect with old friends,” he said.

Clifton Springs musician, LENNi’s offering is “Leave It To Me”, a pop/R&B track about the unforgiving desperation of young, unrequited love, while Wild Gloriosa’s neo-soul track “Lover Girl” reflects on love and vulnerability in a culture marked by causal dating and disconnection.

Congo-born and Zambia-raised Baraka The Kid’s single “All My Life” is a heartfelt song about his appreciation for his mother’s love and protection.

The afropop and hip-hop track features a heavily percussive beat and, in celebration of his African heritage, switches between English and Swahili.

Finally, wannabe 70s child Daily Kilbourne’s folk track “Mother” is an emotional journey of loss, written as a conversation between a mother and her child.

“I wrote this song after the passing of my father, watching my mum lose parts of herself with him as he left,” Kilbourne said.

The deeply personal song also features harmonies sung by her three sisters.

“It isn’t easy talking about these things, but if it’s something that can help people overcome their grief, then it’s worth it.”

Each single is also accompanied by a documentary about its creator, providing a closer look at their journey and motivations.

“Working with this group of supremely talent and hard-working artists from Geelong has been testament to what GRID Series stands for,” Ariel Blum, GRID Series co-founder and managing director, said.

“The potential for outer suburban and regional artists to create compelling work that resonates with audiences is not limited by a lack of talent and work ethic, but by challenges due to a proximity to music ecosystems and industry that are centred around inner city hubs.

“This group of artists from Geelong have created world-class releases and we can’t wait to see their names become staples in the Australian music industry in years to come.”

An all-ages release party featuring live performances by each of the GRID Series artists will take place on Wednesday, April 17 at Geelong Arts Centre.

An additional 50 tickets, priced at $10 plus the booking fee, have now been released for the event.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, head to geelongartscentre.org