Live and Local Playback Program

Live and Local Playback program singers, songwriters and mentors. Gosford Central Coast

About Playback Program

As part of Live and Local and in partnership with youth music charity Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) we are proud to present Playback Program. Playback fosters select young and emerging local talent, connecting them with professional development, mentorship and paid performance opportunities as part of Live and Local.

Meet some of our best up and coming singer song writers, and the incredible local musicians who are mentoring them.

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Saint Milana

Taking to the stage with her keyboard and alluring vocals, Saint Milana captivates audiences. Saint Milana is an emerging creative, soulful artist with a unique gift for engaging and emotive songwriting and production. She has released two albums, with her first album debuting at the ripe age of 15. With her next album already in the works, fans of G Flip, Lorde and Olivia Rodrigo will discover their next favorite artist!

St Milana singer
Elaskia singer

Mentor: Elaskia

Elaskia’s debut single ‘Calling out My Name’ was featured in the hit American TV broadcast and worldwide Netflix series ‘Dynasty’ as well as 'Marvel's Runaways'. Elaskia’s follow up singles ‘I Will Do Anything’, 'Can't Help Loving You' and 'Love is' have also landed in episodes on one of Australia's most successful media exports ‘Home and Away’.

Following Elaskia’s latest collaboration with New Zealand act Chores, Elaskia has been touring with shows in NZ over the New Year including a sold-out Rhythm and Vines with a capacity of 30,000 as well as the Festival of Lights.

She has also recently supported Vera blue, Ballpark Music, Xavier Rudd, Daryl Braithwaite, Telenova, Pseudo Echo, Kate Cebrano and Lachie Gill at their shows.

Mindy-lou (AKA Jess Minda)

Mindy-lou AKA Jess Minda is a soulful folk indie rock artist from the Central Coast of New South Wales. Known for her vibrant personality and energetic presence, she draws inspiration from her connection to the natural landscape and the relationships in her life. Her music reflects a commitment to authenticity, with lyrics that are real, raw, and empowering.

Growing up in a close-knit family, Jess was immersed in music from an early age, singing worship songs and enjoying gatherings filled with food and laughter. Her father’s support and musical influence, combined with road trips featuring 70s classics, Mumford & Sons, and The Eagles, shaped her artistic style.

Jess's songwriting invites listeners into her world, creating a grounding and loving atmosphere. She aims to evoke feelings of joy, hope, and self-connection in her audience through her performances. With each song, Jess Minda seeks to embody love and freedom, making music that resonates on a personal level. As she continues to grow as an artist, her goal remains to foster connection and meaningful experiences for her listeners.

Mindu Lou
Bek Jensen  singer

Mentor: Bek Jensen

Hailing from the Central Coast of NSW, Bek Jensen emerges as one of the city’s most dynamic artists, bringing forth a fusion of retro-soul, funk, and RnB that transcends genres and invites audiences on a euphoric voyage. With an innate ability to delve into the intricacies of love and vitalising her story as an empowered woman, Bek captivates with her raw authenticity and glittering songcraft. With a voice that is both moving and heartfelt, Bek delivers her music with 100% soul, creating a powerful and unforgettable sound leaving audiences spellbound in a kind of roller boogie wonderland. Onstage, she is womanly, flirty, and vibrant, blending soul, funk and contemporary blues music to deliver her dynamic performance.

Alana Suzanne

From the central Coast NSW, Alana Suzanne is an emerging pop folk singer-songwriter whose songs mix heartfelt melodies and poignant lyrics. Alana crafts each song with personal storytelling with an emotive touch. Her songs will deeply resonate with you if you like artists such as Lizzy McAlpine or Julia Jacklin. Alana’s music reflects her passion for connection and her desire to make people feel seen in an isolating world. Sharing experiences of self-discovery, friendship and loss, her warm vocals and intimate acoustic arrangements will leave listeners finding solace and relief. Driven by her love of music, Alana aims to spread joy and authenticity through her art. Whether it is through live performances or recordings, she is dedicated to developing her own unique sound and style. Alana Suzanne is ready to have a lasting mark, one heartfelt song at a time.

Alana Suzanne headshot musician holding guitar
Phoebe Joy musician

Mentor: Phoebe Joy

With a voice that captivates and lyrics that resonate, Phoebe Joy is a rising indie pop singer-songwriter from The Central Coast of NSW (Darkinjung Country) Drawing inspiration from the likes of Lizzy McAlpine, Maggie Rogers and Holly Humberstone, their music is a heartfelt blend of introspective storytelling and lush, melodic arrangements.

Known for their haunting melodies and emotional lyrics, Phoebe Joy is quickly making a name for herself in the Australian music scene. Their introspective songwriting explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, striking a chord with listeners who are drawn to raw, authentic storytelling.

With a growing fanbase, Phoebe Joy is poised for a breakthrough year. Her songs Oopsiedaisy, Pink Shirt and Shade on Triple J Unearthed has already garnered attention for their emotional depth, setting the stage for a promising career in the indie pop singer songwriting genre.

Kassidy Lalor

Kassidy is a 21 year old singer songwriter from central coast Australia, NSW. Kassidy’s mission is to make music that people can connect with and relate too, on such a level to the point where you will actually start to know Kassidy on a personal level just purely through his music.

Kassidy’s inspired by the likes of Bruce Springsteen Paul Simon & Bob Marley. With meaningful and conversational lyrics combined with catchy melodies, Kassidy’s songs are written with purpose, whether it’s to make you joyful, sad, or just tell a story, you know every song is going to be journey! Kassidy is going on a songwriting journey around the world for all of 2025 to meet new people, see new places and write hundreds of songs, and experience the world for what it truly is! You can be sure there’ll be some bangers along the way, you won’t want to miss it!

Kassidy and guitar
Kalani Artis

Mentor: Kalani Artis

Kalani is a talented and passionate musician hailing from the picturesque central coast of NSW. Kalani's songs are a celebration of life and all its ups and downs, from intimate acoustic sets to high-energy performances. He never fails to bring his signature blend of soulful and fun music to the stage leaving audiences wanting more.