Eumundi: Layla Barnett and her band will showcase her incredible talent at this year’s Sunshine Sounds Festival from September 2-3.

The local First Nations singer songwriter, who is just 14-years-old, has collaborated with ARIA and National Jazz Award-winning composer and saxophonist Zac Hurren for her debut album, “Beneath the Surface”, to be released at the festival.

Sunshine Sounds, now in its third year, is the brainchild of Australian singing songstress and Eumundi resident Katie Noonan who brings her Eumundi School of Music to Horizon Fest, which kicks off on Friday until September 3.

Layla was only 11 when she auditioned for Katie’s school, a not-for-profit, 10-week music mentoring and tuition program which offers 20 free scholarships to local students.

Katie, a five-time ARIA award-winning and seven times platinum artist, gives the students professional experience in live performance at events such as Woodford Folk Festival, Park Sounds, The Little Day Out and The Gympie Music Muster.

Layla said she still pinches herself at the opportunities she’s had at Katie’s school.

“I am the luckiest girl ever because I get to be mentored by Katie and I have had so much fun working with her,” she said.

“I will forever be so grateful to have her as my mentor. I am really excited to play my original music with a full band.”

Layla’s original songs are emotive, with heartfelt lyrics and smooth vocals.

Inspired by bands such as Kings of Leon and Yebba, Layla said music makes her feel calm and happy.

“I find it a meaningful way to communicate experiences and feelings.

“I love country songs and rock songs and changing them into my own way of performing them. But I also love playing songs that my family and I have listened to since I was little.”

Layla has already performed with Katie at Brisbane Powerhouse, Archie Roach at the National Folk Festival in Canberra, and at the Brisbane Entertainment and Convention Centre for Creative Generation, a Queensland Government program for outstanding artistic talent.

Layla said loves when she is allowed to stay up late because it’s where she finds solace in the night.

“That’s when I can think the most clearly and that’s when I get my inspiration for lyrics for new songs.”

Layla dreams of one day having a house near the beach where she can write songs, and record and release music.

“I would also like to tour around Australia in a van and see the amazing sights, landscapes, while performing for people and spreading love for music.

“My mum says that I should start making money to pay for my long showers because I spend too long singing in there.”

Festival director Katie said the festival “uses the power of music to bring people together”.

“And what better time to celebrate than the first weekend of spring and Father’s Day weekend!”

Sunshine Sounds Festival 2023’s major sponsor is Live Music Australia, an Australian Government initiative, and is supported by Eumundi District Community Association, the Eumundi Historical Association and KIN Music.

Festival doors open on Saturday from 12pm-10pm and on Sunday from 12pm-8pm.

You can catch Layla at the Imperial Hotel’s under 18 open mic night held monthly, where she is a regular.

The Sunshine Sounds Festival is at the Eumundi School of Arts Hall, 63 Memorial Dr, Eumundi.

For more information visit www.sunshinesoundsfestival.com.