Fortitude Valley Archives - Page 5 of 26

Champagne-Dedicated Bar and Bistro Launching in Fortitude Valley

A new hospitality venue is set to open in Fortitude Valley, introducing Brisbane’s first Champagne-focused bar and bistro with a strong emphasis on grower-producer wines.

Purpose-Built Venue Brings Champagne Culture to Brisbane

A multi-level Champagne bar and bistro is preparing to launch on Arthur Street in Fortitude Valley. Called Winnifred’s, the venue will feature a curated selection of more than 360 Champagne cuvées from 63 grower-producers and established houses, stored across a collection of approximately 14,000 bottles.

The venue marks a first for Brisbane, focusing solely on Champagne across multiple hospitality zones that vary in tone and purpose.

Fortitude Valley Champagne bar — *Photo Credit: Winnifred’s/Facebook*

Long-Term Vision and Planning

The concept originated more than a decade ago with founder Megan Nunn’s visits to the Champagne region in France. After years spent building connections with small-scale producers and importing their wines to Australia, Ms Nunn began the process of bringing a physical venue to life.

The chosen site in Fortitude Valley underwent a two-and-a-half-year transformation, led by Tim Stewart Architects in partnership with Bespoke Constructions. The resulting venue is divided into five Champagne-themed areas, including a bistro, a walk-in garden bar, a concierge and boutique retail space, a cellar bar, and a dedicated area for dining and tastings.

Collaboration and Interior Detail

Winnifred’s design was shaped through collaboration with Australian creatives and suppliers. Architect Tim Stewart worked with furniture designer Tom Fereday to produce chairs and tables that emphasise durability and tactile comfort, while integrating seamlessly with the space. Staff uniforms were created by Shilo Engelbrecht and Lydia Pearson, using reinterpreted traditional garments.

The interior also features ceramics from Luna Ceramics, as well as bespoke items from local and international makers, supporting a handcrafted approach across the venue.

Ethical Wine Focus

The wine program centres on ethically produced Champagne made through biodynamic and certified organic practices. The intent is to highlight wines that reflect their place of origin and the methods behind their production.

Guests can expect an evolving by-the-glass offering, with 150ml pours designed to allow more expressive tasting without compromise. The venue’s “W” pour line reflects this generous approach.

Champagne bar Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Winnifred’s/Facebook*

Food Offering by Experienced Chef

Chef Antoine Potier will lead the kitchen, bringing experience from e’cco Bistro and Restaurant Dan Arnold. His menu draws on culinary traditions from the Champagne region, with an emphasis on light, seasonal plates meant to accompany and enhance Champagne service.

Concept and Cultural Origins

The venue’s name and philosophy were shaped by personal experiences. Inspired by the welcoming nature of Ms Nunn’s grandmother and the growers she met in Champagne, Winnifred’s was created as a place of generous hospitality and connection — aiming to offer the same warmth found in the homes of French winemakers.

Opening Schedule

Winnifred’s is set to open in August, with reservations for the bistro opening two weeks prior to launch. The team has positioned the venue as a space for both casual drop-ins and longer meals, blending European design cues with Brisbane’s relaxed character.

Published 25-June-2025

BIGSOUND 2025: Fortitude Valley Prepares for Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Music Showcase

Photo Credit: BIGSOUND 2025/ Facebook

Over 120 rising music acts will transform Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley into the southern hemisphere’s largest music discovery hub, BIGSOUND 2025, offering a glimpse into the future of Australian and international music.

This major music industry event, known as BIGSOUND, will take over 18 vibrant venues across the Valley for three jam-packed nights, running from Tuesday, 2 September to Friday, 5 September 2025. A single wristband will grant music enthusiasts access to all the performances.

A Launchpad for Future Stars

*Photo Credit:* *BIGSOUND 2025/ Facebook*

BIGSOUND has a long history of being a crucial launching pad for artists who go on to achieve widespread fame, with past attendees including successful acts like Flume, Lime Cordiale, The Jungle Giants, and Vera Blue. This year’s lineup continues that tradition, featuring a diverse range of genres from punk to pop, indie-rock, folk, country, electronic, and hip hop.

Among the highly anticipated acts are WAFIA, known for her soulful electronic and R&B blend, and neo-soul favourite KAIIT, who returns with exciting new material. The program also includes Perth’s 12-year-old hip-hop sensation Inkabee, indie-pop breakout Azure Ryder, beloved Brisbane artist Hatchie, and high-energy rockers The Southern River Band.

Festival Programmers Casey O’Shaugnessy and Katie Rynne expressed immense pride in the selected artists, highlighting the incredible depth and creativity present in Australia’s music scene. They stated that the artists chosen reflect truly exciting things happening with music.

Community and Industry Collaboration

The event is a significant draw for both music fans and industry experts looking for the next big thing. Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek recognised BIGSOUND 2025 as a key event that brings together musicians, industry managers, and visitors to Queensland, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a lively cultural destination.

He said the government supports BIGSOUND to back local artists, venues, and businesses, helping to create a flourishing live music environment, especially leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

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The festival encourages attendees to enjoy a “choose-your-own-adventure” experience, moving between different venues that offer everything from open-air stages to intimate spaces.

The unique opportunity for artists to perform for both a keen audience of music lovers and industry delegates makes BIGSOUND a standout event in this part of the world. Programmers O’Shaugnessy and Rynne extended their gratitude to all artists who applied, noting the high quality, creativity, and variety of submissions received this year.

Published Date 24-Jun-2025

Queensland Rail Safety Gaps Exposed in Report on How a Sneezing Fit Almost Resulted in Disaster

Photo Credit: John Robert McPherson/CC BY-SA 4.0

Two years ago, a Queensland Rail train narrowly avoided disaster after its driver, afflicted by a sudden sneezing fit, failed to stop at a red signal during the morning peak near Fortitude Valley. The incident, recently revealed in a report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), highlights critical points of improvement in current rail safety systems.

Incident Overview

The ATSB has just released its final report on the incident, which occurred on 24 May 2023, when a train on the Coopers Plains to Ferny Grove service ran a red signal shortly after departing Fortitude Valley. The driver, who later tested positive for COVID‑19, suffered a sneezing episode and failed to register the red aspect illuminated by the signal. The train passed the stop signal before the emergency brake was applied, coming to a halt approximately 64 metres beyond it—just short of another train waiting about 300 metres ahead at Bowen Hills.

Systemic Safety Weaknesses

Although the train’s automatic warning system (AWS) sounded an alert, it did not prevent the SPAD (Signal Passed At Danger). The ATSB report noted AWS alerts are frequent and uniform, which may desensitise drivers. In this case, the driver failed to respond to the warning amid the sneezing episode.

Importantly, Queensland Rail’s signalling framework lacks automated alerts to central control in the event of a SPAD. Currently, the system depends entirely on drivers self-reporting such incidents. The ATSB cautioned this approach is flawed because a driver may not always realise they have run a red signal.

ATSB Recommendations

The ATSB calls on Queensland Rail to reassess its SPAD risk management and implement additional safeguards to prevent undetected SPAD occurrences. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell emphasised that most collisions are preceded by a SPAD event, making prevention vital.

Fortitude Valley Queensland Rail — Photo Credit: Chris Olszewski/CC BY-SA 4.0

Queensland Rail’s Response

In its response, Queensland Rail affirmed that safety remains its top priority. The operator highlighted several measures already in place, such as a dedicated SPAD prevention taskforce, driver training programs, and the progressive rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS)—an advanced technology capable of automatically stopping trains if drivers miss signals.

Other improvements include increasing the volume of alarm sounds, upgrading to brighter LED signal lights, adding supplemental warning signs, and refining SPAD hazard assessment protocols — steps Queensland Rail says have led to a notable decrease in SPAD incidents in recent months.

Humanising the Issue

This SPAD event underlines how routine occurrences—such as sudden illness—can interact with technical system gaps and immeasurable human factors to produce near disasters. It reflects the complexity of ensuring safety in a rail network that relies heavily on driver vigilance and raises a question of whether technology can—and should—compensate for momentary human failings.

Published 20-June-2025

Fortitude Valley’s Music Scene Reignited as Blute’s Hosts Gigs Five Nights a Week

Live music is making a vibrant return to Fortitude Valley as Blute’s Bar prepares to host performances five nights a week. This exciting development follows the closure of much-loved venue The Bearded Lady, and sees the same creative team—Alyssa and Keeley of Ballpoint Press—take the reins to help shape Blute’s next chapter.

Read: Crowbar Brisbane Returns: A New Era for the Iconic Venue

For the duo, the transition from The Bearded Lady to Blute’s is more than just a new project—it’s a continuation of a legacy. They see this as a chance to keep the spirit of Brisbane’s independent music scene alive, offering artists a welcoming platform whether they’re just starting out or already seasoned performers. Their vision is to foster an environment where artists can evolve and truly feel at home.

Blute’s, which first opened its doors in 2018, is already known for its late-night karaoke and role in the annual BIGSOUND showcase. Now, with a new live music focus, the bar is cementing itself as a key venue in Brisbane’s entertainment landscape. But fans of karaoke needn’t worry—the beloved mic won’t be going anywhere. Instead, the bar will wrap up gigs earlier in the evening before transitioning into its usual karaoke festivities.

The local music community has welcomed the announcement. QMusic CEO Kris Stewart highlighted the importance of resisting the loss of live venues and praised Blute’s commitment to local, original acts. The venue also joins the network of live music spaces operated by The Happy Horsemen—the team behind Stay Gold, The Brightside, and Black Bear Lodge—renowned for supporting Australia’s music talent.

Promoter Andrew Perumalla from Destroy All Lines echoed this sentiment, noting the team’s unmatched dedication to nurturing live music and calling Blute’s a promising addition to the national music scene.

Read: Open-Air Concert Series Launching in Brisbane CBD This September

Live bookings are now open, and the venue is actively inviting artists and agents to get in touch. Launch programming is expected to begin rolling out in the coming weeks, adding a fresh rhythm to Fortitude Valley’s nights.

Published 16-June-2025

Sustainability Grant Supports Community Expo in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: YMCA Queensland

A community organisation in Fortitude Valley has received funding from Australia Post’s People of Post grants program to deliver a sustainability-focused community expo.

Program Background

Australia Post has expanded its People of Post grants initiative to address declining charity donations amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The program, now in its eighth year, allows employees to nominate local community or not-for-profit organisations for grants of up to $2,000. In 2025, more than 200 groups across the country received funding, with over $400,000 distributed nationwide—marking a 47 per cent increase on the previous year.

Queensland accounted for a quarter of this year’s grant recipients, with 55 organisations supported. The program continues to prioritise projects within four focus areas: mental health, disaster support and resilience, Indigenous children’s literacy and learning, and environmental sustainability.

Y-Care Queensland — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Y-Care Fortitude Valley Project Overview

Y-Care (South East Queensland), based in Fortitude Valley, was among the Queensland recipients. The organisation will use the grant to host a sustainability expo that includes workshops on composting, recycling, and gardening. The event also features activities suitable for various age groups, supporting practical environmental education and participation.

Broader Trends and Context

Research commissioned by Australia Post in April 2025 indicated that 40 per cent of Australians who regularly donate to charities have reduced their giving over the past year. Cost-of-living pressures, particularly rising prices on groceries and essentials, were cited as key factors. The findings also showed that over half of Australians prefer to support causes that address immediate community needs.

In response to this trend, Australia Post increased its grant allocation for 2025 to provide broader assistance to grassroots groups.

Y-Care expo — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Impact and Focus

Y-Care’s initiative contributes to environmental education in the local area and aligns with Australia Post’s environmental sustainability priority, which made up 25 per cent of all grant recipients this year. Through its scheduled workshops and accessible programming, the organisation supports community participation in sustainable practices.

Y-Care is a large Queensland-based charity supporting various groups including children, youth, people experiencing homelessness, and culturally diverse communities. Its services span education, housing, food relief, and employment training programs.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 People of Post program continues to support locally led initiatives across the country, including Fortitude Valley’s sustainability expo. With growing pressure on community organisations, grant funding remains a vital mechanism for grassroots engagement and resilience-building.

Published 4-June-2025

Fortitude Valley Showroom Reimagined as Luxury Home Destination

Photo Credit: Winnings

Brisbane homeowners and design professionals in Fortitude Valley can now explore a significantly expanded and renamed retail space offering a full range of luxury home products, a transformation celebrated by over 200 guests.

Winning Group has relaunched its Brisbane retail store, formerly known as Winning Appliances, renaming it Winnings Fortitude Valley Flagship Showroom.

The recent re-launch event drew more than 200 guests from Brisbane’s design, property, and construction sectors, alongside customers and brand partners. The original Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley showroom first opened its doors over seven years ago.

Expanding the Home Experience

luxury home — *Photo Credit:* *Winnings*

The Fortitude Valley showroom has undergone major expansion and is now positioned as a “lifestyle and luxury destination for the home.” It offers a much broader selection of products, moving beyond kitchen and laundry appliances to include items for the bathroom, living areas, and alfresco spaces.

The showroom features 65 world-leading and exclusive brands, including well-known names such as Sub Zero, Wolf, Gaggenau, Miele, Smeg, and Fisher & Paykel.

John Winning, CEO of Winning Group, stated that the newly relaunched showroom “sets the bar for retailing in Brisbane,” providing an immersive and inspiring shopping experience for customers. He noted that as a century-old family business, the company continues to innovate its multi-sensory shopping experiences.

Unrivalled Shopping Destination

According to Ed Brenac, General Manager of Winnings, the store is the “ultimate shopping destination.” He explained that the unique Winnings experience allows customers to renovate their entire home in one place, choosing from a wide array of brands seamlessly integrated throughout the showroom.

The store also offers unbiased advice from Product Experts who do not work on commissions, demonstrations by Culinary Experts on the latest technologies, free cooking demonstrations, and free delivery.

Kate McGlone, Group Design Manager at the Winning Group, mentioned that the showroom’s design goes beyond simply displaying products. The aim is to inspire customers and designers through the retail environment itself, helping them create meaningful spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

The admired qualities of the previous showroom have been elevated with the addition of premium bathware, lighting, and towelling, creating a unique shopping experience.

A Legacy of Service

The initial grand opening of the Fortitude Valley store several years ago also saw a significant gathering, with over 240 guests attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony. During that event, John Winning, alongside his mother Kerrie, spoke about the importance of the store for his family and the company’s presence in Queensland.

He stated that the Queensland customers appreciate their service as much as the company enjoys serving them. That opening event also included a Welcome To Country from Songwoman Maroochy, acknowledging the past while looking to the future.

David Woollcott, CEO of Winning Appliances, expressed at the time that the showroom was unique in Australia and possibly globally for its ability to showcase cutting-edge technologies with such style.

The original facility included a full working Experience Kitchen. Winning Group, a 111-year-old family business, aims to continue growing its presence in Queensland to become a significant part of kitchen and home design in the state.

Published Date 02-June-2025

Sushi Room Expansion Completed in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Sushi Room/Instagram

A Japanese restaurant located in Fortitude Valley has reopened following a major expansion that includes new seating, a redesigned bar, and alfresco dining.

Background and Expansion Details

Sushi Room, situated at The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley, has completed a major transformation and reopened on 30 May. Originally a 60-seat venue, it now offers seating for around 100 guests following an expansion that included acquiring the adjacent retail space previously occupied by Artclub x Lucy Folk.

Owner Simon Gloftis had aimed to secure the neighbouring tenancy since the restaurant’s initial planning in 2021, and seized the opportunity when it later became available. The extension adds 20 square metres to the restaurant’s footprint.

New Features and Design Changes

Designed by architects Richards and Spence, who also developed the original restaurant and hotel, the renovation introduces a new outdoor dining area on Doggett Street, a brushed-steel alfresco section, a larger marble bar, mirrored ceiling, and plush booth seating.

The new section offers a distinct atmosphere, slightly warmer and more casual than the original space, while preserving the moody, minimalist interior of the main dining area. Entry to the original dining space is now via a noren curtain, designed to maintain its private ambiance.

Dining Experience and Access

For the first time, Sushi Room now welcomes walk-in guests, allowing patrons to enjoy sushi and drinks without requiring a booking. The updated setup supports casual visits with the option for a quick snack or a full meal. An expanded menu features new sushi rolls, wakame salad, and winter cocktails, while maintaining the omakase-style service that has become the restaurant’s hallmark.

Sushi Room renovation — *Photo Credit: Sushi Room/Instagram*

Chef and Culinary Direction

Head Chef Shimpei Raikuni continues to lead the kitchen, with a focus on precision and traditional technique. He remains stationed at the 9.3-metre Hinoki sushi counter inside the original dining room.

The restaurant is known for its high standards and earlier this year was featured as a premium hospitality partner at the Australian Open, hosting omakase service at Rod Laver Arena. The combined space now accommodates approximately 100 guests between the new and existing dining areas.

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A post shared by Simon James Gloftis (@simongloftis)

Intended Outcome of Redevelopment

The changes are aimed at making the venue more versatile, encouraging guests to drop in without formality while preserving the refined experience for which the restaurant is known. The relaunch reflects an effort to balance exclusivity with accessibility.

Published 31-May-2025

Penelope Bistro Brings ’70s Flair to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram

A new venue in Fortitude Valley is drawing attention for its retro-inspired menu and standout dish featuring scallops served atop potato scallops.

Background and Concept

A recent addition to Fortitude Valley’s James Street precinct, Penelope Bistro delivers a nostalgic dining experience shaped by the aesthetics and flavours of the 1970s. Operated by the Coats Group—known for Maya Rooftop and Il Molo—the venue marks a stylistic departure with a disco-themed interior and a compact, inventive menu.

Fortitude Valley dining experience — *Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram*

Signature Dish and Menu Highlights

A highlight of the menu is the “scallop on potato scallop,” which layers diced raw Hokkaido scallops mixed with dill, capers and lemon zest onto mini potato scallops tossed in salt-and-vinegar seasoning. A rice cracker topped with Oscietra caviar completes the dish.

Other items include a soft cheese tart with chilli crisp, duck pâté with kumquat, and reinterpretations of nostalgic favourites. While not listed on the current menu, a previously featured devilled-style quail egg was noted during early reviews of the venue.

Mains feature dishes such as pasta alla vodka, pan-fried fish, and a chicken cotoletta prepared with thigh meat. Each item blends classic elements with refined presentation.

Retro-themed restaurant — *Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram*

view full menu

Dining Format and Experience

The bistro offers both an à la carte menu and a four-course banquet menu titled “Penelope’s Preferred.” For later diners, a room service-inspired menu becomes available from 9:30 p.m. onwards.

A concise drinks list features spirit-forward cocktails, including martinis and European classics. After-dinner options include cocktails like the Café Noir, while desserts range from citron tart and chocolate crémeux to soft-serve sundaes in flavours such as caramel popcorn and chocolate peanut butter.

Penelope Fortitude Valley — *Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram*

Group Bookings and Venue Use

Bookings are available for groups of up to 12, with parties of nine or more required to select the set menu. The venue also accommodates private dining, cocktail events and exclusive use bookings. A $40 per person cancellation fee applies for bookings cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice or for no-shows.

Penelope Bistro — *Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram*

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Public Reception and Reviews

Visitors frequently mention the refined take on small plates, with positive remarks on the lamb ribs, tuna crudo and signature scallop dish. Patrons also note that the venue strikes a balance between relaxed and elevated, with stylish interiors and a playlist that complements the retro theme.

Several reviews point to the cocktail quality and staff attentiveness, with consistent praise for knowledgeable service and strong dish recommendations. Some diners noted slower service during busy periods but regarded it as reasonable given the popularity of the venue.

Others described the space as ideal for lingering over drinks and share plates, with certain dishes—such as the wagyu tartare—appealing more to diners already familiar with traditional preparations. Parking was flagged as limited, though reviewers focused on the experience inside as the main draw.

Looking Ahead

Penelope Bistro in Fortitude Valley combines a cohesive theme, nostalgic menu and refined service, offering an alternative to more conventional restaurants in the area. With its detail-focused execution, the venue has carved out a distinctive space in Brisbane’s dining landscape.

Published 13-May-2025

Copyright Clash Unfolds at Brooki Bakehouse in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Brooki/Instagram

Plagiarism allegations involving a bestselling cookbook have placed Fortitude Valley’s Brooki Bakehouse at the centre of a public copyright dispute.

Background and Context

Brooke Bellamy, founder of Brooki Bakehouse in Fortitude Valley, has denied claims that recipes in her cookbook Bake With Brooki were copied from prominent food content creators. The allegations emerged after RecipeTin Eats’ Nagi Maehashi and US-based baker Sally McKenney raised concerns about similarities between Ms Bellamy’s published recipes and their own.

Ms Maehashi said she became aware of the issue in November 2024 after a reader contacted her about potential overlap. She published a detailed article on her website on 30 April 2025, including side-by-side comparisons of her caramel slice and baklava recipes with those featured in Ms Bellamy’s cookbook. Ms McKenney claimed that a vanilla cake recipe she published in 2019 was used in the book without acknowledgment.

Caramel slice recipe — *Photo Credt: Nagi & Dozer/Instagram*

Baklava recipe — *Photo Credt: Nagi & Dozer/Instagram*

Penguin Random House Australia, the publisher, denied the claims and maintained that the cookbook’s recipes were created by Ms Bellamy.

Recipe Similarities at the Centre

The claims relate to recipes Ms Bellamy included in her cookbook, which has generated nearly $5 million in sales within six months. Ms Maehashi stated that she made no request for financial compensation, but asked for the allegedly copied recipes to be removed from future reprints and for a charitable donation to be made in lieu.

Ms Bellamy stated via Instagram that she has sold her caramel slice since 2016 and said the 100 recipes in her book reflect years of personal baking experience.She said she offered to remove the recipes in question to avoid further escalation.

Fortitude Valley bakery faces plagiarism claims — *Photo Credit: Brooki/Instagram*

Brooki Bakehouse statement — *Photo Credit: Brooki/Instagram*

Fortitude Valley Store and Business Expansion

The Fortitude Valley flagship remains operational. Ms Bellamy’s husband, Justice Bellamy, was present at the store on the morning of 30 April but declined to speak in detail, saying only that his wife would not be present and thanking the community for their support.

Just days earlier, Ms Bellamy had returned from two successful international Brooki Bakehouse pop-ups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where wait times for cookies reached two hours. Plans for a third overseas pop-up and a new Australian location are underway, with expansion efforts now led by Justice Bellamy.

Community Sentiment Divided

At Brooki Bakehouse in Fortitude Valley, customer reactions varied. Some were unaware of the situation, while others said the issue raised valid questions. One customer said the overlap in recipes was difficult to ignore, given the scale of the cookbook’s success. Another expressed support for Ms Bellamy, citing her longstanding work in baking and content creation.

Next Steps

The situation remains unresolved, with no indication that Penguin Random House will recall the cookbook. While Ms Maehashi has not dismissed the possibility of legal proceedings, she emphasised her focus is on acknowledgment and responsibility. Brooki Bakehouse remains open in Fortitude Valley as the copyright issue continues to attract broader industry attention.

Published 1-May-2025

Fortitude Valley Honouree Sycco Caps Big Year with National Award

Photo Credit: Sycco/ Facebook

Brisbane musician Sycco, whose songwriting success is already marked by honours in the heart of Fortitude Valley, has earned national recognition by winning the Triple J Australian Album of the Year J Award for her debut album, Zorb.

National Award Success

The J Award win arrived in 2024 for the 23-year-old artist Sasha McLeod. Triple J music director Nick Findlay described her album Zorb as a blissful, psychedelic collection that perfectly captures Sycco’s incredibly unique approach to songwriting and production.

Findlay also stated that Sycco is one of Australia’s best young artists. The J Award recognises outstanding Australian albums each year.

Local Roots and Recognition

Sycco, who is of Torres Strait Islander heritage, began her music career by creating songs in her bedroom. She is now represented by the independent music company Future Classic. Before her national J Award win, Sycco had already achieved significant recognition in her hometown.

She won Song of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards for two consecutive years, first for “Dribble” in 2021 and then for “My Ways” in 2022. These awards are commemorated with plaques in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct.

Debut Album Origins

According to McLeod, her debut album Zorb grew from experiences she had over the past three years while living in a decaying Brisbane sharehouse. The building, once owned by a former mayor, provided the backdrop for significant personal events, including first love, heartbreak, and the formation of supportive friendships, all of which influenced the album’s creation.

Recent Activity and Future Plans

McLeod described 2024 as an incredible year, marked by the release of Zorb, a move to a new city, and her first live shows in America. Looking ahead, she aims to stand out in the competitive music field by trusting her instincts and creating memorable live performances.

She recently completed her headline tour, which featured the “Sycco Extended Family DJs” performing inside a specially built cube structure. She expressed pride in the new music she has recorded and hopes to release it soon. The Sycco Extended Family DJs are scheduled to support fellow Brisbane band The Jungle Giants in April 2025, marking McLeod’s first support shows as a DJ.

Published Date 23-April-2025