Lorne teen musician Isabella says performing on stage at a FReeZA gig enables her to feel 'very myself'.
Anxieties of early days in the spotlight have given way to self-assurance and stagecraft, and when her band Strange Brew is hitting all the right notes it takes her somewhere.
"Performing is when I feel my most confident, and I love the adrenaline rush," Isabella says.
"Originally I was full of nerves with little confidence and no stage presence, however now it is like my safe space where I feel I can truly express myself.
"Performing overall is just so fun and makes me feel very myself."
Isabella fronts vocals and plays guitar for Strange Brew alongside Lorne P-12 College pals Amelie on bass, Phoenix on drums and Acacia on keyboards and backing vocals.
They have taken their 'psychadelic soul fusion' to a range of FReeZA youth stages across the past couple of years, but one coming up promises to crown them all – joining other Lorne youth bands supporting acclaimed indie-rock performer Stella Donnelly at their very own Lorne Theatre.
"Oh my goodness, I'm so excited! I love Stella Donnelly and it has always been a dream of mine to perform at the Lorne Theatre," Isabella says.
"I grew up going to movies there my whole life and always thought how amazing a gig there would be, so the fact that it is happening, and it's with Stella Donnelly, is so surreal."
Surf Coast Shire Council is supporting the 17 November gig, in partnership with the Victorian Government FReeZA program which enables young people to enjoy fully supervised, drug, alcohol, smoke and vape-free events.
Singer songwriter Donnelly released her acclaimed debut studio album Beware of the Dogs in 2019 and since the release of her second album Flood in 2022 has been on tour in the UK, Europe and US.
She will be supported in Lorne by Surf Coast local Leah Senior and three Lorne youth bands – Strange Brew, Mr Moon and Emergency Exit.
Isabella says patrons can expect 'unique sounds, vast dynamics and unpredictability' from Strange Brew.
"And our set list ranging from the queen Amy Winehouse to the psychedelic masters of Hiatus Kaiyote," she says.
Isabella has been playing guitar since about age 7, in bands since 11 and 'singing forever', and credits Lorne P-12 College music teacher John Waller with having inspired and motivated her to take her passion to another level.
"I have always played music but never understood the level I could take it to until he pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me understand how much love I have for that world," she says.
"I love the completely diverse mixture of emotions it brings me.
"Guitar challenges me, but when I get something right I feel so much joy. Songwriting is a pure creative outlet and can be really liberating, and playing in bands is just so much fun because I love collaborating."
Tickets for Stella Donnelly with special guests at Lorne Theatre are $15 for under-25s and $35 for general admission. People can visit lornetheatre.ourgoldenage.com.au
