By Claire Matthews
The QUBE Effect is a mentoring program that provides professional development, promotional and live performance opportunities to emerging musicians in Brisbane.
Run by Brisbane City Council, the program also includes awards and prizes for participants. The 2021 finalists have submitted a music video for the public to view online and vote for their favourite.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the QUBE Effect program unearths local talent and equips them with the skills to succeed in the music industry.
“As part of the program, the People’s Choice Award is a chance for the public to get the first taste of the next big thing in music and vote for their favourite finalist,” Cr Schrinner said.
“This year, 21 finalists have crafted professional music videos, which are now available to view online. I encourage everyone to head to the website, vote and show their support for Brisbane’s music scene.”
Finalist Jack Williams from the psychedelic rock band Tripsitta said participating in QUBE Effect has been a valuable opportunity for his band to grow.
“It’s a very humbling experience. We’re very lucky to be accepted. The industry professionals’ experience and their understanding of the industry are incredible. It’s definitely giving us that level up we need as emerging artists, giving us that platform to build the career we want.”
Mr Williams said Tripsitta has benefitted from the mentoring and support provided by QUBE Effect.
“We got a free music video. It’s also blasted all over the Brisbane City Council website and promoted through you and other magazines and radio stations. We wouldn’t be able to do this by ourselves. If we would, it would probably cost us around $5000.
“We’re getting so much support from the team at District Studios and Brisbane City Council and BEMAC. They’re all just such amazing people for creating this opportunity.”
Performing last weekend as part of Brisbane City Council’s Youth Week was a definite highlight, Mr Williams said.
“We did a live show in Brunswick Street Mall in Fortitude Valley. We only got to play for fifteen minutes, so four or five songs. The quality of stage production and the sound quality was incredible. People are hearing our music and watching our music video, so it’s definitely a massive boost.”
QUBE Effect is essential for helping Brisbane’s live music scene to recover from COVID, said Mr Williams.
“Being able to have this amount of funding for emerging artists at the moment, after all the mad lockdowns we’ve had, is incredible. Supporting local young artists is how you nurture the foundations of the music industry in Brisbane.”
The People’s Choice Award winner, sponsored by Torn Parachute, will take home a $1000 cash prize from District Studios, a professional photography package and a video clip from Torn Parachute.
Winners of the four categories, including the People’s Choice Award, will be announced at the awards night on Friday, June 25, at Brisbane Powerhouse.
2021 finalists include: ALLORA, Amarri, Chloe Mae, Evangie, Evie, Flamingo Blonde, Hello Jane, Isabel Wood, KAI-FI, Keely, Kevin Collett, King Cortez, Luate, Nathan MT, Nebzy & SAEI, Oh Bailey, Sentiment, Shruthi, Tripsitta, Young Vizzy, and Zanabaq.
To watch the videos and vote, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘The QUBE Effect’. Voting opens at 10 am Saturday, April 10 and closes at 4 pm on Friday, June 4 2021.