Cooktown singer Ella Hartwig needs Cape York’s votes as she attempts to take bragging rights in a Brisbane music video competition. Photo: Supplied.
A Cooktown singer is reaching out to her community for support in her latest musical endeavour as she reaches for a Brisbane people’s choice prize.
Earlier this year, singer-songwriter Ella Hartwig was announced as one of 12 finalists for Brisbane City Council’s The QUBE Effect, an annual music development program which brings together young artists with some of the country’s top industry experts.
Through the program, the finalists created live studio music videos to be voted on for the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented later this month.
“I’m very pleased with the quality of the video, because the point of that is so that we have an asset for applying for festivals and things like that,” she said.
“To book a gig, it’s not as simple as just getting in contact, everyone wants videos and to know what you sound like with a band.
“It’s not just filming a rehearsal, because if it’s bad quality, no one wants to listen to it, so you have to record it, mix it, film it, properly edit it; it’s actually such a big job, and it’s amazing that we got to be part of that.”
Ms Hartwig said she chose her song, Backup, which was about the challenges of leaving home to chase her dreams, and asking for support from her community.
“Whenever I’ve played it live, there’s just some energy that I’ve never really been able to recreate with any other song,” she mused.
“It’s just so fun to play live, and the meaning for me is actually super deep, but it’s kind of delivered in a happier, more upbeat way.”
Just like the multi-layered meanings in Backup, the young artist said she hoped Cape York would stand behind her as she continued to shoot for the stars.
“When you live your dream, I feel guilty if I feel upset, but moving so far from home and making all these personal sacrifices to chase my dreams, as dramatic as that may be, it’s going to take a toll on you and that’s okay, I just need some backup,” she said.
The QUBE Effect People’s Choice Award voting is open until 4pm on 26 May, with voters able to support their favourite singer with a simple click once per day.
