Meet three of Adelaide’s rising music stars
This month, west end venue Nexus Arts will host a concert series showing off the local talent from its year-long Interplay program, which mentors First Nations and culturally diverse artists. CityMag chatted to three artists ahead of the showcase to hear their program highlights and favourite parts of the Adelaide scene.
My Cherie
If you could only describe your music in three words, what would they be?
Ethereal, intimate, cinematic.
What can crowds expect from your live show?
A journey through moods, emotions, stories and genres. I’ve never been good at sticking to one lane. Expect improvisation, vulnerability, slow ambient songs and dance-along songs—and a woman shredding out on guitar.
What has been your biggest takeaway from the Interplay series as an artist?
The importance of community. Having people to bounce ideas off makes all the difference. I felt so lucky to be surrounded by this group at this point in time.
What’s your favourite way to consume music and why?
Live. It’s tradition, it’s church – it’s where I get shivers down my spine. I also love driving and cranking songs.
What other SA artists inspire you?
So many! The Empty Threats for their stage presence; Ella Ion, Jess Day, Any Young Mechanic, Siberian Tiger, Grace Vandals, Jamie Lena and Marina Anthea for their vocals and songwriting. Lonelyspeck, Plastic Promise and Effie Isobel for their visual creativity. And I’m sure I’ve missed a bunch.
My Cherie is performing with San Dragon at Nexus Arts Interplay showcase on Saturday, November 22.
LENI
If you could only describe your music in three words, what would they be?
Uplifting, healing, soulful.
What can crowds expect from your live show?
Big sing-alongs, lots of love, good energy and dreamy soulful vibes.
What has been your biggest takeaway from the Interplay series as an artist?
The importance of having a community around you that lifts each other up and celebrates each other’s wins. Growth and evolution as an artist is a forever, lifelong journey so buckle down, be open, get to work and enjoy the ride! Most of all, don’t be scared to dream big and express yourself authentically – take a chance on yourself!.
What’s your favourite way to consume music and why?
I enjoy listening to music when I am driving, exercising, running or at the gym, showering or heading on long road trips. But number one, I would say driving!
I think it’s something about being in the car – your mind finally gets a chance to switch into autopilot and for me, it lets me immerse myself in the music but also gets me super inspired, like ‘hey I want to write a song like that’. I want to make people feel like that song just made me feel, or I want my next record to sound like that. I am also a BIG shazamer.
What is your favourite live music venue to play a gig at in Adelaide?
Hard to choose just one. Nexus, Lion Arts and The Gov!!
Nahlla
What can crowds expect from your live show?
A journey filled with colours and emotions — through different Latin American rhythms such as cumbia, bolero, bambuco, and salsa, fused with pop and rock. The audience is invited to connect deeply, to move their bodies, to reflect, and to feel part of a multicultural community.
What has been your biggest takeaway from the Interplay series as an artist?
Interplay reminded me that community is the heart of art. I learned that sharing our cultural roots and the lessons from our own stories can build powerful bridges of understanding and belonging. The Interplay experience also encouraged me to keep raising my voice as a woman with a diverse cultural background, and reminded me of the value of creating together.
What’s your favourite way to consume music and why?
Through live shows — discovering local venues and supporting South Australian festivals that promote diverse artists. In my everyday life, I love to create a soundtrack for my moments, listening to both Latin American and Australian musicians. I also value the human silence that allows us to truly hear the music of nature.
What other SA artists inspire you?
I’d love to recommend some incredible local artists such as Latitud 0, Lázaro Numa, Nómada, Ormeega, Latin Soul, Ah Hum Band, Río y El Salcocho, Colombian Social Club and Son Yuma Latin Band. Their authenticity, talent, and courage remind me why art is such a vital force in our multicultural society.
NAHLLA and LENI are performing at Nexus Arts Interplay showcase on Saturday, November 15 with tickets available via Nexus Arts.
