Local musician Samara Ceylan (Paulson) has been awarded an accolade by the Australian music industry.
At only 18 years young and as a fresh graduate from Music Industry College (MIC), Samara received the Song of the Year award in October.
After performing her original song, Tears, the three judges, John Collins, Sahara Beck and Rachael Dixon, couldn’t help but be blown away by her performance.
Judged on musicality, lyricism and industry readiness, Samara walked in and left as a winner.
“I was really surprised but excited because it was judged by well-known Australian musicians, so that was really amazing to have them see a potential in the song,” Samara said.
Music runs in the family as Samara started singing from a young age after drawing inspiration from her aunt, Lorraine Iselin.
“The first time that I really sang in front of people was my mum and my Aunty Lorraine. My Aunty Lorraine was a singer back in her time and she was amazing,” she said.
“She gave me advice and guided me through my music, so I wanted to do it for her.”
Samara is planning to further her studies through JMC Academy to complete a Bachelor of Music.
She also wants to be able to combine her Mununjali roots into her music by collaborating with other First Nation artists and festivals.
Samara already has a business, Samara Music Official, where she performs acoustics with sultry soul vocals.
She believes the way to succeed is by stepping outside of your comfort zone.
“Even if you don’t think you can do something, always keep trying and give it a go because I definitely went out of my comfort zone throughout this whole process,” she said.
“Whoever is in the situation as an aspiring musician, just keep going – that’s what I’m doing.”
Samara is currently working on producing and releasing new music and hopes to continue to grow her fanbase.
