Laila Michelini is making a name for herself at just 14, with the Newcastle singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and actor building an impressive career across music and screen.
Growing up in a deeply musical family, Michelini began learning drums at four and performed her first live gig that same year.
She has since added vocals, piano, guitar, bass guitar and ukulele to her repertoire, performing alongside her father and older sister before becoming the youngest member of all-girl pop/indie band Vanilla at 10.
Her songwriting has already made an impact, with debut original single Monstrous Fire earning an Artist Pick from Triple J Unearthed.
Written at the piano just two weeks after the death of her grandfather, the deeply personal song went on to finish second at the Newcastle Fringe Festival Battle of the Bands, where Michelini competed against older and more experienced performers.
Her second single, The Reckless Driver, showcases another side of her artistry, pairing infectious pop-indie hooks with cinematic, nostalgic 1980s-inspired production.
Drawing on influences including Holly Humberstone, Taylor Swift, Freya Skye, Prince and Michael Jackson, Michelini blends pop, indie, R&B and folk while keeping songwriting at the centre of her music.
The 14-year-old has also caught the attention of some major names in the Australian music industry.
She has been selected as one of just 15 Youth Patrons for the inaugural Next Up Music Awards, alongside artists and industry figures including Sia and Troye Sivan, while legendary music manager John Watson has taken her under his wing as a mentor.
Her live opportunities are growing too, with a support slot for Grammy Award-winning US artist Macy Gray in Newcastle followed by performances at the Fortuna One Global Summit in Sydney and Perth.
Monstrous Fire and The Reckless Driver are available to stream now. You can keep up to date with Laila Michelini via her Instagram and TikTok.
