No bones about it

The winner of this year’s Queenscliff Music Festival’s triple j Unearthed competition is rising indiepop star Libby Steel.

Born in Cobden and now residing in Jan Juc, the singer is forging a career off the back of her hit 2017 song Bones, with vocals described by triple j presenters as “big and versatile” and “part Lily Allen, part Saskwatch”.

This year QMF teamed up with triple j Unearthed to give one lucky musician the chance to join this year’s stellar line-up and Libby said she had no idea she’d won until she got the call.

“I got the phone call and it was totally out of the blue, I was so excited. Singing has always been a hobby and something I’ve had on the side but over the last few years I’ve really prioritised it,” she said.

“I started working with a studio in Melbourne and they gave me a great opportunity on a couple of overseas tracks. It all kind of took off and I realised it was something I could pursue and haven’t really looked back, I love it.”

Libby said the QMF would be one of her biggest shows to date despite having previously sung at the Australian Open and supporting Aussie pop sensation Taylor Henderson.

“The Queenscliff Music Festival will definitely be one of my biggest opportunities. I haven’t been before but have heard amazing things about it so am really excited.

“There’s so many performers I’m excited to be performing alongside. I’ll be down for the three days to mingle, sell merchandise and talk with all the amazing people headlining, as well as the audience.”

Listing powerhouse performer and legend Aretha Franklin as her biggest idol, Libby said in this industry you must have confidence in yourself and your abilities.

“Self-doubt is what gets most people and why their careers end. Believe in yourself, it sounds corny but keep putting things out and keep chipping away.

“It’s worth it, music is an art that evolves time. Many times, I’ve doubted myself, but I feel myself growing the more time I invest; I want to take this as far as I can, I want it to be my career and to share my music and what I’m passionate with other
people and I hope they feel the same way that I do about it.”

Libby will be opening the festival on Friday November 23, for more info head to qmf.net.au.