The young Orange based musician is one of four young artists from the Central West receiving mentoring and support through the Horizons youth career launchpad program over 18 months.
The talented musician specializes in classical and jazz saxophone and vocals.
Anabelle was teamed up with a group of fellow musicians from across regional NSW, mentored by Vendulka (Ven) Wichta (now known professionally as Aya Yves). Aya Yves’ style of blending introspective emotional lyrics with soaring soundscapes saw the singer-songwriter amass close to 2 million streams, showcase at the inaugural APRA AMCOS Queer Express Yourself, land supports for Mia Wray, Jaguar Jonze & Montaigne, landed her a spot in Songhubs curated by Troye Sivan & Lucas Keller, placed her in the top 40 of the prestigious Vanda & Songwriting Competition and gained both national and international media acclaim with industry tastemakers like NME Australia, Earmilk (UK) Pilerats, Women in Pop, Thomas Bleach, Ben Madden, Crush Cops and more.
We caught up with Anabelle – who is just starting year 12 studies – to find out more about her Horizons experience.
Hi Anabelle, tell us about what you do
“I am a 17-year-old saxophonist and singer from the Central West. I have been a musician from an early age, being particularly interested in both jazz and classical music, though I engage with many other genres also. I have played in ensembles, ranging from jazz bands to orchestras and choirs (including 5 years with the Sydney Youth Orchestra), for many years, and they have been key to my development as a musician. I perform regularly as a solo artist and with other musicians locally, as well as on a broader scale. My performance experience started out as a busker, having busked locally for many years and being awarded the Australian National Busking Champion.”
What attracted you to the Horizons program?
The fact that it is regionally minded and connects artistic young people with one another whilst encouraging arts in regional NSW and providing a mentor that can help with working towards our goals.
What’s one good take away from the experience?
I have learnt a lot about some of the artistic and more technical processes of being in the music and songwriting industry. One key thing I have learnt is about the process of collaborating and songwriting.
What’s been the biggest challenge of being a part of the Horizons program?
I have loved my time as a part of the Horizons program and learnt so much! The biggest challenge has been coordinating times in which everyone in the group can meet, though the times we have been able to have been super beneficial!
Has being involved in Horizons changed any of your plans or thoughts for the future?
It has definitely made me more sure that I want to pursue a career in the arts, and made me realise that whilst certainly being more difficult, it is not impossible to do so regionally.
Where do you want to take your career?
I would love to pursue a career in music to the point where it can be my main source of income. I would love to be a professional performer/musician, as both a solo artist and as part of ensembles/bands.
In terms of your art, what plans do you have for the next 12 months?
I will be sitting my HSC as a Music 2 student, which I anticipate will take a lot of my time! I am also planning to continue playing and performing as a member of many musical ensembles, and also as a solo artist. I would love to play locally more frequently, and at bigger events. I am currently teaching music and am hoping to gain more students.
What’s your best bit of career development advice for other young creative people living in regional areas?
Take as many opportunities as you can! Participate and apply for everything and anything that can help you with your goals – the opportunities for scholarships and programs for regional creatives are constantly increasing, and they are so beneficial! Particularly for music, networking and collaborating with other young creatives, especially with those also living in regional areas, is so important and helpful!
Great advice Annabelle!
Horizons is a creative industry mentoring and career development program for NSW regional youth. The project has over 18 months and will support a total of 75 young people from across NSW.
An ongoing mentoring and development program giving 75 young people in regional NSW aged 16-27 advice and consultation across the broad spectrum of career opportunities within the creative industries, developing their professional practice and mapping a career in their chosen industry.
Supported by the Regional Arts Network of 15 Regional Arts Development Organisations across NSW. Funded by the Office of Regional Youth through the Regional Youth Incentive Program.
More about the HORIZONS project
We’ll share catch ups with the three other Central West participants over coming months.