Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following information contains the name and image of a First Nations person who has passed away.
As part of Blakout, the future icons of music present their original sounds and stories at The Count’s. Curated by singer-songwriter, music producer, and proud First Nations woman Candice Lorrae, ‘Singing Our Futures’ presents the diverse musical talents of ARIA (Palawa/Wiradjuri), Wren Arkose (Wakka Wakka), Breanna Lee (Wemba-Wemba), Naomi Diane (Gamilaroi) and Torres Green (Meriam Mur).
United via the late Uncle Archie Roach AC’s legacy program ‘Singing Our Futures’, each artist was selected for a year-long program of specialty mentoring across songwriting, recording and live performance. Mentors include the award-winning Emily Wurramara, Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan, DOBBY, BUMPY, and many more.
Experience the future of Australian music as Singing Our Futures brings five extraordinary First Nations artists to The Count’s for a powerful night of original songs and storytelling. Curated by acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer Candice Lorrae, this showcase celebrates the next wave of Indigenous talent nurtured through the exceptional artist mentorship program supported by the Archie Roach Foundation.
Meet the Artists
BREANNA LEE
Breanna Lee, a 19-year-old Wemba Wemba singer from Naarm/Melbourne, is proud of her Aboriginal heritage, as well as her emotional and cultural performances. As the 2022 Australia’s Got Talent “Golden Buzzer” winner, Breanna draws inspiration from artists such as Adele, Thelma Plum, Sam Smith, Callum Scott and Jessica Mauboy. Through her own challenging journey in foster care, Breanna wants to advocate for other First Nations young people. “No matter how hard your life is, you can always accomplish your dreams.”
ARIA
Aria Clemmet-Kennedy is a proud Palawa woman from the Trawlwoolway mob in Tasmania. From a young age, she has been singing and acting every chance she gets. Born in Naarm/Melbourne, Aria says that music has helped her express who she is, a way of dealing with her anxiety. “I’ve always been a very shy person, too scared to express myself. When I first started writing music and doing small public gigs, I used to work myself up to the point where I made mistakes because I was so afraid of making them. As my confidence has grown, I’ve enjoyed being on stage and engaging with the audience. For me, being more authentic on stage has been a huge accomplishment.” Aria is studying at the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts in Brisbane.
NAOMI DIANE
Gamilaroi singer-songwriter, Naomi Diane, brings an irresistible blend of soul infused, jangly pop to her music. Born in Wollongong, now based in Naarm/Melbourne, Naomi transforms melancholy experiences into heartfelt stories with joyful, danceable sounds. Her debut single, Chasing The Sun, released in late 2023, radiates carefree summer vibes with more exciting singles to come in 2025. Naomi works as an Indigenous arts producer and backing vocalist for The Deans of Soul, Seb Szabo, Estelle Conley and Quinny.
WREN ARKOSE
Wren Arkose is a Wakka Wakka singer and ukulele player based in Naarm/Melbourne, known for their ‘sad girl’ songs. Their music is a blend of art-folk, with an undercurrent of country rhythms, rooted in their childhood music idol, Johnny Cash. In 2022 Wren released their EP Breathless, performing at Yirramboi and Brunswick Music Festivals.
TORRES GREEN
Meriam Mur hip hop artist, Torres Green (AKA Corey Saylor-Brunskill) has been performing on stages in front of crowds, under theatre lights for as long as he can remember. Looking to take his music to the next level, Torres joined the Singing Our Futures program where he hopes to take his ten years of song writing from open mic experiences to sold out crowds. He hopes that he can see you somewhere shouting his name and rapping his bars.
Each artist has spent the past year in a transformative mentorship program guided by some of Australia’s most respected First Nations musicians, including Emily Wurramara, Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan, DOBBY, BUMPY, and more. Since its inception in 2021, the Singing Our Futures program evolved into an impactful and ever-growing initiative for emerging artists and storytelling that spans genres and generations. What sets this program apart is its focus on helping emerging artists tell their stories through meaningful songwriting sessions. The late Uncle Archie Roach AC AM strongly believed in the power of storytelling through music, and that belief is at the core of this program.
Through songwriting, recording, and live performance, these artists have honed their craft and are ready to share their voices with the world. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the stories, songs, and futures of these remarkable talents.
Make a meal of it! The music gets underway at 7.30pm, but arrive a bit earlier if you can. From 6.30pm, enjoy pre-show dinner and drinks at The Count’s Italian-style kitchen and bar.
This show is proudly part of Blakout. Blakout is a bold celebration of First Nations talent, shining a spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Reconciliation Week to NAIDOC Week. Experience a deadly mix of music and dance, with a multi-generational lineup that brings powerful First Nations storytelling to life.
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