Four Brisbane Women Making Waves: A QMusic Spotlight By Viv Mellish

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Amy Shark: Pop-Rock Powerhouse

Early Influences and Career Beginnings

Amy Shark's journey began with a love for storytelling through music. Growing up in the Gold Coast region, she immersed herself in the local music scene, playing at numerous local gigs before moving to Brisbane to pursue her musical career more seriously.

• Early musical influences included artists like Alanis Morissette and Avril Lavigne.
• She honed her songwriting skills through busking and open mic nights across Brisbane.
• Her early independent releases gained traction on social media, laying the foundation for her future success.

Breakthrough Moments and Key Achievements

Amy Shark's career skyrocketed after the release of her debut single.

• Her single "Adore" achieved platinum status and propelled her into the national spotlight.
• She's garnered numerous awards, including ARIA Awards and Queensland Music Awards.
• Her festival appearances across Australia solidified her status as a major player in the Australian music scene.

Unique Sound & Musical Identity

Amy Shark's pop-rock sound is characterized by raw honesty and emotionally resonant lyrics.

• Her music blends catchy melodies with introspective storytelling.
• Her unique vocal style, filled with raw emotion, sets her apart in the crowded pop-rock landscape.
• She continues to solidify her position as a leading figure in the Brisbane music scene and beyond.

Mallrat: Indie-Pop Sweetness

Early Influences and Career Beginnings

Mallrat (Grace Shaw) began her musical journey as a teenager, creating bedroom pop tunes that quickly garnered attention online.

• Her early influences included artists like The Strokes and Vampire Weekend.
• She built a strong online presence, sharing her music on platforms like Soundcloud and Bandcamp.
• Early gigs in Brisbane’s intimate venues helped establish a strong local following.

Breakthrough Moments and Key Achievements

Mallrat's rise has been meteoric, thanks to her charming stage presence and infectious songs.

• Collaborations with other notable artists have broadened her reach and acclaim.
• Her debut album received widespread critical acclaim.
• Numerous sold-out shows across Australia indicate her growing fan base.

Unique Sound & Musical Identity

Mallrat's indie-pop sound is instantly recognizable. Her music is characterized by:

• Dreamy synths and catchy melodies.
• Clever, relatable lyrics about youthful experiences.
• A uniquely bright and optimistic tone.

Thelma Plum: Soulful Indigenous Voice

Early Influences and Career Beginnings

Thelma Plum's music is deeply rooted in her Indigenous heritage and personal experiences.

• She found early inspiration in soul and R&B artists.
• Her songwriting tackles themes of identity, family, and social justice.
• Her talent was nurtured by the support of the Brisbane music community.

Breakthrough Moments and Key Achievements

Thelma Plum's powerful voice has captivated audiences nationwide.

• Her album releases have garnered significant critical acclaim and chart success.
• Her performances at major festivals and venues demonstrate her undeniable talent.
• She's a prominent voice in the Australian music industry, advocating for Indigenous representation.

Unique Sound & Musical Identity

Thelma Plum's music is marked by:

• Soulful vocals with a powerful range.
• Lyrics that weave together personal experiences with social commentary.
• A distinctive blend of soul, R&B, and pop influences.

Georgia Maq: Alternative Rock Force

Early Influences and Career Beginnings

Georgia Maq’s early exposure to alternative rock bands heavily shaped her music career.

• Her raw energy and dynamic performances were honed through years of playing in various Brisbane bands.
• She developed a unique style that blends grunge and alternative rock aesthetics.
• Her DIY ethos is evident in her work ethic and self-made image.

Breakthrough Moments and Key Achievements

Georgia Maq's rise shows the power of independent spirit and resilience.

• Her bold and unapologetic sound has resonated with audiences.
• Critical praise for her unique rock sound has further cemented her place in the Queensland music scene.
• Increasing popularity is evidenced by growing tour dates and festival appearances.

Unique Sound & Musical Identity

Georgia Maq’s sound is defined by its gritty energy and powerful emotion.

• Distorted guitars and driving rhythms are central to her signature sound.
• Her lyrics often explore themes of introspection, angst, and rebellion.
• Her unique style is heavily influenced by 90s alternative rock sounds, modernized for a new generation.

The Impact of QMusic's Support

QMusic plays an instrumental role in supporting Queensland's thriving music industry, and the success of these four Brisbane women making waves is partly attributed to their involvement in various QMusic programs.

• QMusic provides mentorship programs, connecting artists with industry professionals.
• Funding opportunities, including grants and touring support, are crucial for emerging artists.
• QMusic's networking events provide invaluable connections for building careers in the industry.

"QMusic has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the music industry," says Amy Shark. "Their support has allowed me to focus on creating music, knowing I have a strong network behind me."

Celebrating Four Brisbane Women Making Waves

This article highlights the remarkable achievements of four Brisbane women making waves in the Australian music scene: Amy Shark, Mallrat, Thelma Plum, and Georgia Maq. Each artist possesses a unique musical identity, captivating audiences with their distinct sounds and compelling performances. Their success underscores the growing prominence of female artists in Queensland and the importance of supporting diverse voices in the music industry. These four women exemplify the talent and creativity flourishing in Brisbane and beyond, proving the power of passion, hard work and the right support. Discover the incredible talent of these four Brisbane women making waves – explore their music and support their journey! Learn more about QMusic and how they support emerging Queensland artists.