Whether you see them on the stage or on the street – or perhaps on your Spotify playlist – we have no shortage of musical talent here. But what is the industry here actually like for Gold Coast musicians? We asked four of them…
Scroll on for the highlights, or click the Gold Coast musicians below to read our full chat.
Tomi describes his style as ‘alt indie folk music with a psychedelic bent’ taking inspiration from the likes of Nick Cave, Beck, Father John Misty and Bon Iver. Keep an eye on him this year – his goal for 2025 is to release a new song on the first Sunday of each month.
Inspired by legends like Stevie Wonder and Bon Jovi, as well as contemporary artists such as Beyoncé and RAYE, vocalist and songwriter Jamie offers a powerful fusion of past and present. Catch her at Blues on Broadbeach come May 15 to 18.
As a producer, DJ, writer, instrumentalist and studio owner, Matty has his fingers in a few different pies. Listen to his latest single, ‘Flashback’, now, and stay tuned for his album – coming soon…
A well-known ‘gun for hire’ on the local music scene, Harry J Hart’s guitar skills are matched only by his songwriting skills, and his ability to capture love and loss. It’s little wonder he was a back-to-back finalist for ‘Musician of the Year’ at the 2021and 2022 Gold Coast Music Awards.
When did you first start making music? And how long have you been in the industry for?
Tomi Gray: I picked up drumsticks when I was five, the guitar when I was 13 and started singing at 18. I’ve been in bands since I was 14 and I’ve been making a living off music alone since I was 25.
Jamie Lamont: I first began making music at the age of 11, co-writing and performing in small primary school bands. I immediately knew that I wanted to pursue music, and it all went up from there! I have been in the music industry ever since – this year will be my ninth.
Mattymadeit: I first started playing music as a young boy, about nine years old. I first starting writing and recording music when I was 17, and I’ve been working professionally in the music industry for about eight years now.
Harry J Hart: I got my start with music in school choirs and bands, playing myriad instruments, but I settled on ukulele at 12. I was asked by a teacher later that year to play her wedding, which would be my first ‘gig’. I moved to guitar at 14 and have been a full-time gigging musician for nine years now!
What did you expect the Gold Coast music industry to be like before you became part of it? Has it met your expectations?
Tomi: The Gold Coast is a tourist destination so there can be a “play ‘Wonderwall’!” type of energy from transient audiences. There are also many places that nurture original and unique music and art here as well – it’s just about finding your rooms.
What is your ultimate goal as a musician?
Matty: Touring has always been a big goal of mine and I’ve been very fortunate to have done it a lot around Australia. Touring internationally is still on the bucket list, but I’m sure I’ll tick that off soon enough. It’s also always been a goal of mine to own a studio – a goal I’ve now achieved.
What has been your biggest learning to date?
Jamie: If you support other musicians, support will come to you! And it’s important to take time for yourself away from making music in order to maintain a healthy mental state. As much as social media is a great platform for musicians to get heard, sometimes it can be overwhelming, causing you to doubt yourself and overthink.
What has been the biggest peak of your career so far? And how about the ‘pit’?
Harry: The peak is still yet to come, haha! Some highlights would be playing guitar with Casey Barnes at the Gold Coast Music Awards when I was up for Musician of the Year, joining Tomi in the current Dracula’s show, or playing a sold out HOTA outdoor ampitheatre show with the Brothers Calling. Low points would have to be dealing with my mental health which lead to me folding my own project – but it was a blessing in disguise, as it’s given me the opportunity to start fresh and rediscover my love for music.
Do you think the Gold Coast is a good place for young or up and coming musicians?
Tomi: It’s a double-edged sword. Places like Melbourne have more opportunities in terms of places to play and industry located there, but also, it’s not as great of a place to live as the Gold Coast – that affects your creative output. You can write great music in prison though, so it just depends on what you want. Maybe it’s too nice here? I do believe that Australia in general has a bit of a ‘wait and see’ policy. We don’t like to take too many chances on unique original artists, but as soon as someone from here breaks overseas we’ll be the first to claim them as one of our own. We could work more on being bold in this country.
What would you change or improve about our local music scene?
Jamie: The majority of radio stations are playing international music, and we’re lacking representation of up-and-coming Aussie acts. I think there needs to be more radio stations that are just for Aussie music. I would love to see more booking agencies and venues putting together lineups of up-and-coming musos – I’ve found it difficult to get a reply back from most venues and agencies.
Harry: I would love to see more all-ages shows. I found myself in a pickle when I started out – being too young to see shows, my stagecraft only improved once I was old enough to go and see shows. It was then that I could observe how people structure sets, move on stage and engage with the audience.
What kinds of opportunities are here for Gold Coast musicians? Are there enough?
Matty: There is decent education available through schools like Southern Cross and TAFE, but besides that we lack performance opportunities and the public desire to support original music. It’s hard to start a ‘sound’ or a ‘scene’ without the public yearning for it and businesses facilitating it.
Harry: We have some awesome venues on the coast such as Mo’s Desert Club House, Vinnies Dive Bar, SOPO, HOTA, Sound Lounge, Den Divine – the list goes on. We also have some amazing grants going for professional development amongst other things. I think there are good opportunities, but there can always be more.
In your experience, what do you think it takes to ‘make it’?
Tomi: I’m still trying to figure out what ‘it’ is. If you’re happy doing what you’re doing, then you’ve made it. If that’s playing guitar in your room? Great. If that’s working at a job site and doing the odd gig with your band on weekends for beers? Awesome. If that’s making a living playing covers to drunken tourists and giving them a hell of a time? Sick! It’s good to always have something to work towards, but also important to take stock of where we actually are and appreciate that we have music and art in our lives at all. I used to think it owed me something, but it really doesn’t. I owe it. Everything that I have.
Jamie: A really strong brand. I am currently still learning about branding, but I am in the process of building a brand that people can hopefully relate to! You have to be passionate about your craft. I have been told ‘no’ a lot of times but if you’re passionate, you have the ability to keep going – it makes the few ‘yes’s’ worth it! Finally, personable and vulnerable on social media. I have learnt that people love to hear your stories and see your authentic self, because it gives them someone to relate to!
Any final thoughts?
Tomi: Go see a band. Go watch a comedian. Go to the theatre. Touch a puppet. Wink at a book. Sing a song you don’t know the words to. Things will be better if you do.
Did you love hearing from these Gold Coast musicians? Check out our Local Loves segment, where we chat to notable Gold Coasters about everything from their favourite place to relax to where they go on a night out.
