STEPPING into the spotlight can be tough when you’re a teenager, but for 17-year-old Grace Curran, it’s her best shot at breaking into the music scene.
The Port Macquarie singer-songwriter has entered her original song “Out of His League” in the highly contested triple j Unearthed High competition.
Open to all artists of high school age, Unearthed High is triple j’s hunt for Australia’s next young talent.
The competition has been running for over 15 years and has unearthed some of Australia’s favourite artists including The Kid Laroi, Gretta Ray and Teenage Joans.
By uploading her music, Grace is now in the running to win a lifechanging songwriting and mentorship prize bundle.
“It would be a dream come true to have my music noticed by the triple j team and played on the radio for people across Australia to hear”, she told News Of The Area.
“I truly believe I’d benefit from this experience, as I have so many songs and creative ideas up my sleeve.”
With a sound that could be likened to leading lady heavyweights Avril Lavigne and Olivia Rodrigo, Grace has been writing her own songs for as long as she can remember.
The first song she wrote was when she was seven-years-old and, last year, she released her debut single “In My Own Head” which is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
“That track was produced in our school studio by my amazing music teachers, Mr Canning and Mr Blackmore.”
Her most recently-produced song was written after a break-up.
“It’s the kind of song that’ll get you dancing in your bedroom and singing in the shower.
“The track was produced by David Stanley from Stanley Sound.
“It all started with me sending him a voice memo, and then I travelled to Sydney to bring it to life in the studio.”
Grace’s journey into music started with performing in the school choir and local eisteddfods, growing to her participation in school talent shows, bands, and gigs.
“I’ve had some wonderful mentors along the way including David Stephens, my primary school vocal coach, who helped me grow as a performer and improve my singing technique.”
Music is in Grace’s blood with her mother being a former singer and songwriter.
“Singing is a chance for me to slow down from everything I have going on.
“I find that writing songs is like journaling, and it’s so incredible when my thoughts can turn into a song.
“Right now I’m finishing my HSC, but once it’s over, I’m ready to give music my full attention.
“I know people say music is just a hobby, that it’s not a “real job” or that I won’t make enough money, but I believe that if I keep following my dreams and sharing my music, I can prove them wrong.”
Grace is now calling on the help of the local community to give her song a listen and leave a review to help get it played on triple j radio.
“If you’d like to support me, please head to the triple j Unearthed website abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/grace-curran
By Rikki WALLER
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