A Year In Review!

This content is quite different from my normal posts, but a wave of introspection has hit me hard again after another trip around the sun!

I started freelancing part-time in 2023 while working in hospo to pay the bills, but in the past year, I shifted to becoming a full-time audio and music freelancer. Like many peers in my industry, I’ve experienced how the journey can take you on a wild ride where things get really messy and confusing.

As an immigrant, woman, QPOC, and a latecomer to this creative path, I’ve constantly ruminated on my circumstances and their effects on my growth. It often felt like the odds were stacked against me, and I saw myself as an outsider in many aspects. I’ve come to realise that for many—especially those without a financial safety net or a 'legacy' path—the gate is often locked by design.

However, after almost a year of doing this full-time, I’ve accomplished things I never thought I would! I’m writing songs and playing guitar again, working with artists who inspire me, and endlessly learning alongside superb musicians, producers, and engineers whom I truly respect.

I am very lucky to be in a position where I can now do some meaningful creative work. I am INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL to all the mentors, artists, and friends who continue to support me in this pursuit by cheering me on or engaging with my work. I seriously could not survive in this industry without them calling me up for opportunities.

In an industry where 'who you know' often outweighs 'what you know,' these connections are more than just friendly gestures—they are a lifeline. For people like me, who don't come from a background of inherited industry privilege, community is our greatest tool for equity.

We shouldn’t have to rely solely on luck or 'grit' to overcome a system that favours the few; we need to actively build networks that bypass the old gatekeepers. This is something I see happening more in Sydney recently, and I will try my best to become more proactive.

I may not have all the resources yet, but I will try my hardest to make equity a priority in my practice. I’m looking into the next 365 days with a bit more optimism, but also with a deeper commitment to making this space more inclusive. I want to use my voice to highlight the 'socioeconomic class ceiling' in music and support others who are fighting for a seat at the table.

Here’s to a year of music and audio—and making a difference.