***EVENT CANCELLED

Kunda Park: In what has become an industry hive for Sunshine Coast musicians the Light Industry Studios will throw a “Barbie-pink” themed party to celebrate the success of its AMPED Music Program.

Heading the all-ages Pink Party is the Betty Taylor Band and joining them are emerging local female artists Karlou and Jamison.

The program has been responsible for a series of free workshops in a bid to connect local musicians with industry leaders.

Project coordinator Justine Dunsmore helped launch the program in July, saying the aim of the program was to “help build a strong, connected and successful grassroots music industry on the Coast in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics.”

The AMPED Light Industry Music Project provides music industry mentoring, workshops, rehearsals, performances and showcases – in partnership with key local and state organisations, venues and festivals.

The recent University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) Bachelor of Music graduate said she “found joy in connecting people” to what they were “passionate about”.

“It could be booking them a paid gig or simply making an introduction that might open doors for them,” Dunsmore said.

“So when this opportunity popped up, it seemed the perfect way to do this while supporting up-and-coming stars in the industry.”

The Pink Party, featuring Karlou (pictured above, who has more than 28,000 monthly listeners on Spotify) will prove there’s some seriously good female talent on the Coast.

“It’s a widely recognised fact that the music industry is male-dominated. I’ve noticed this first-hand from a production and tech side of things at the festivals and gigs I’ve volunteered or worked at.

“And when it comes to event line-ups, it’s not uncommon to see all-male bands supporting each other. But it’s a rarity to come across a line-up featuring all-female artists.

“We decided to put on this event to show our support for (our female) artists and crew.”

The party was inspired by the recent blockbuster feminist flick, Barbie.

Dunsmore said when first discussing the event she “immediately thought of Betty Taylor” (main feature photo).

“I was a stagehand for an event they played earlier in the year, and they absolutely blew me away.

“Not only was their music amazing, but Sophie, Kayla, Claire and Katie were so lovely and down to earth.

“Jamison (pictured above) was our next pick as she has been an attendee of our workshops, and having had the privilege of seeing her live… I knew this event would be right up her alley.

“And Karlou was our final addition. We needed an act that would fit well between the transition from Jamison’s sarcastic, pop-performance to Betty Taylor’s indie-pop feel.

“After a suggestion from a friend I had a look at Karlou’s music, and I knew this is what I had been looking for.

“Karlou is the only act on the line-up I haven’t seen live and I can’t wait.”

AMPED is funded by an Arts Queensland Grant, and offers a one-year program which will continue into 2024.

Dunsmore, pictured above with UniSC Music lecturer Andy Ward at a recent songwriting workshop attended by YELO, said the program was looking for grants or sponsorships to continue its incredible work in establishing a thriving hub for the live music industry.

“I’d love to see AMPED grow, especially in relation to our workshops. If we gain more funding and can continue, I would love for our original core workshop group to get more involved, with events including moderators, programmers, bookers, and more.

“It’s kind of a full circle idea.”

For tickets to the Pink Party: https://events.humanitix.com/amped-pink-party.

Check out upcoming AMPED workshops: https://lightindustry.net/music.