Queensland Conservatorium alumni Dami Im and Julz Parker will perform at Byron Bay Bluesfest, joining global acts like Alanis Morissette and The Dave Matthews Band.
Reaching a new audience
Dami, who released a new album this month and is currently appearing on the hit TV series Dancing With the Stars, said she was excited to reach a new audience at the festival, which attracts more than 100,000 music fans over the Easter long weekend.
“I’m very excited to perform at Bluesfest – it’s such an iconic festival,” she said.
“Bluesfest is known for pulling incredible line ups of legendary artists and I’m humbled to be sharing the stage with such musical giants.
“When I look at the other names on the bill it gives me butterflies.”
The Master of Music Studies graduate shot to stardom after winning The X Factor in 2013, and represented Australia in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.
The powerhouse vocalist credits her time at the Queensland Conservatorium with shaping her career as a performer.
“For me, this is where my whole journey as a singer began,” she said.
“A lot of people like to believe that X Factor was my first time on stage, but I’ve spent my whole life doing music — first at the Young Con, then doing my Masters in jazz vocals.
“When I was at the Con I didn’t think I would be gracing the stages of Eurovision and Bluesfest. I’m so grateful for the incredible opportunities life has presented me.”
Taking centre stage
Gold-Coast based guitarist Julz Parker will perform at Bluesfest with her band Hussy Hicks – the seventh time they will play the iconic festival.
The popular music alumnus has toured the world since graduating, but said Bluesfest was her favourite gig.
“The crowd at Bluesfest is so discerning, and there is so much love and support for the music,” she said.
“We spend about half the year on the road, and many of the people at our gigs around the world first discovered us at Bluesfest.
“I can’t wait to check out the rest of the artists – there are so many people on the lineup that have really inspired us.”
Julz said her time at the Queensland Conservatorium had helped her hone her performance, songwriting and recording skills.
“I do a lot of music production now, and I use all of the skills I picked up at uni,” she said.
“I also loved the sense of community at the Con – there were always people to bounce ideas off and keep you inspired.”
Music alumni make their mark
Acting Queensland Conservatorium Director Professor Gemma Carey said the Con had produced many remarkable musicians who had transformed the Australian music scene across diverse genres including pop, opera, blues and jazz.
“Dami and Julz are just two of many talented alumni making their mark on the world stage,” she said.
“We remain the dream destination for aspiring young musicians — this has been confirmed by our position among the top 50 performing arts programs in the world.”