I have always loved how songs can mean something different to everyone, but my real "aha!" moment happened after college. My parents treated me to my first Michael Ball concert as a graduation present, and it blew me away. I realised that when a singer truly feels the music and connects with the lyrics, they aren't just performing - they're storytelling. It was like an emotional rollercoaster and showed me just how magical song-writing can be. The experience made me feel alive!

I became a dedicated fan and bought all of Michael’s albums in the years that followed. His first original song “Someone Else’s Dream”, I resonated strongly with. Through listening to Michael and trying to sing along (in my own way), I've become more vocal – well, what I mean is I make more noise than I used to!

Over time, I developed a bond with Michael (pictured right). He noticed the passion I had for music and theatre, spotting me at shows and seeing how much I enjoyed them. He saw that I related to the song lyrics as much as he does when he becomes the character.

Shortly after, I also discovered The Overtones, the vocal harmony group (originally consisting of Lockie ‘Lachie’ Chapman, Timmy Mattley, Mike Crawshaw, Darren Everest and Mark Franks), I was captivated by their harmonies and their ability to write songs that feel both classic and fresh. These influences eventually collided, giving me the spark I needed to try and attempt writing my very first song. When I re-read my first attempt, I can’t help but think it’s more like a poem.

A long way from the songs I write today, after what I’ve learnt with RAWD and since collaborating with a local musician, Dan Astles.

If you’d like to hear my first original song “Everybody’s BITCHIN’ about AL”, click here. I wrote it with guidance from Dan and features the vocal talents of Hayley Sheen (pictured left). The experience was a joy, from start to end.

The positive responses to my work and the encouraging feedback from musical theatre professionals ignited a determination to write original songs for my own musical.

With a clear vision and the freedom of working solo, I was able to develop each concept, ensuring the lyrics captured both the underlying message and the raw emotions of the characters. A difficult task, it took many attempts and significant rewrites to get the lyrics right, but bringing Dan back into the process helped me turn those early drafts into something special.

Taking the next step in promoting my musical, I’ve officially recorded my second original song 'A Show No One’s Ever Seen' – if you want to hear it, click here. It’s a duet performed from the perspective of the protagonist’s friends, encouraging her to write her own script to address the lack of disabled representation in theatre.

The song once again features music by Dan and the stunning voice of Hayley, while also showcasing the amazing vocal talents of local actress/singer Emma Grace Arends (pictured right).

I would like to continue to write songs, both for musical theatre and stand-alone singles.