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The QUBE Effect

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Network and be mentored by industry experts with The QUBE Effect, our music development program for young artists.

What is The QUBE Effect?

The QUBE Effect is Council's music development program for young and emerging Brisbane artists. It:

  • provides 12 musical acts the chance to take part in an annual music development program
  • helps artists network and gain mentoring from leading experts in Australia’s music industry.

Finalists will develop their skills, create their own music videos, and perform live during The QUBE Effect Triffid Residency in June. They are eligible for awards and prizes, including the People's Choice Award, announced at the Awards Night in October.

Voting for the People’s Choice Award took place from Tuesday 4 to Thursday 27 August. Winners will be published on this page from Friday 2 October.

Meet the 2026 finalists

Congratulations to The QUBE Effect finalists for 2026. Check out our slideshow of the finalists and their biographies. 

You can also watch their orginal music videos on our YouTube channel.

Artist: BADPOSTURE

BADPOSTURE are a genre-blurring duo whose decade-long friendship fuels a unique mix of hip-hop, R&B and alternative influences. Known for honest lyricism, originality and high-energy live performances.

Follow BADPOSTURE online:

Artist: Faith Kayrooz

Faith Kayrooz is an award-winning Karingbal singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Brisbane. A compelling storyteller, she was named one of Brisbane’s Top 33 Most Influential Young Guns in 2025.

Follow Faith Kayrooz online:

Artist: Georgia Scarlett

Georgia Scarlett weaves intimate storytelling through her ethereal vocals, blending folk, country and Celtic influences. Praised by Triple J and ABC, she is a rising star in Australian roots music.

Follow Georgia Scarlett online:

Artist: HYPHEN

HYPHEN are part of a new wave of genre-defying Australian artists, blending post-punk, pop and alternative rock with raw emotion and dreamlike textures to create a sound uniquely their own.

Follow HYPHEN online:

Artist: Liasis

Liasis are a Brisbane five-piece blending mathcore-inspired chaos, virtuosity and playful energy. Fusing sweet melodies with jagged intensity, they create dynamic performances that keep audiences moving.

Follow Liasis online:

Artist: Maddison Kate

Maddison Kate is a Brisbane folk artist whose enchanting voice and poetic songwriting explore the human experience. Her acclaimed debut EP has earned attention from Triple J, ABC Country and beyond.

Follow Maddison Kate online:

Artist: Miss Mardy

Miss Mardy are a Brisbane five-piece blending post-punk and indie rock. Known for energetic, experimental live shows, the band have been writing, recording and refining their sound together since 2023.

Follow Miss Mardy online:

Artist: Red Hill

Red Hill are a queer folk-rock band from Brisbane, blending driving guitar anthems with intimate storytelling. Their music explores friendship, humour, queerness and the highs and lows of young adulthood.

Follow Red Hill online:

Artist: SAMARA

SAMARA is a proud Mununjali woman from Brisbane, blending pop, soul and rock influences. Inspired by icons like Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin, she delivers powerful, heartfelt performances.

Follow SAMARA online:

Artist: Sarah Hamze

Sarah Hamze is an 18-year-old Lebanese-Australian artist blending folk, pop and rock into a sound uniquely her own. With raw, heartfelt songwriting and a debut EP on the way, she's one to watch.

Follow Sarah Hamze online:

Artist: Still Full From Lunch

Still Full From Lunch are a seven-piece Brisbane act blending indie rock, art rock and indie pop. Featuring dynamic instrumentation, they create vibrant original music shaped by diverse influences and growing musicianship.

Follow Still Full From Lunch online:

Artist: Vinted Vineer

Vinted Vineer are a Brisbane four-piece whose schoolyard friendships evolved into a compelling musical partnership. Blending dreamlike sounds with raw live energy, they continue to make their mark on the local scene.

Follow Vinted Vineer online:

Industry mentors and experts

The QUBE Effect gives emerging artists a unique opportunity to work with music industry professionals.

Tap into their insights and experience to:

  • gain valuable industry knowledge
  • improve your confidence and stage presence
  • develop your strengths and areas of improvement through constructive feedback
  • get advice and guidance about navigating a career in the music industry.

Mentors in The QUBE Effect range from recording artists to industry experts. 

Meet the mentors

Adele Pickvance began her musical journey with Robert Forster and Grant McLennan. She recorded demos, toured worldwide with The Go‑Betweens, and was a founding FOC member. Adele also has her own musical project - Adele and The Chandeliers.

Bernard Fanning - mentor for The QUBE Effect 2026 - shot in an indoor setting with warm tones.

Bernard Fanning has accumulated one of the most celebrated songbooks on the Australian rock spectrum. The former Powderfinger front man has collectively released 11 studio albums producing songs that have become ingrained in the Australian psyche.

Portrait head shot of Fergus Jenkins, mentor for The QUBE Effect 2026. In black and white.

Based in Brisbane, Fergus is General Manager of Publishing and Synchronisation at Dew Process. Dew Process is an Australian record label and music publisher. Over 15 years, he has worked closely with local and international artists. These range from Tkay Maidza and London Grammar to Spacey Jane, Mallrat, Sarah Blasko and Powderfinger.

Fred Leone - mentor for The QUBE Effect 2026. Fred is holding 2 boomerangs in the forefront of the image.

Fred Leone is one of the Butchulla Songmen with Aboriginal, Tongan and South-Sea Islander roots. He comes from the Garrwa and Butchulla tribes. Fred is a Songman and custodian of traditional Butchulla songs. He is also one of the few keepers of the Butchulla language. Fred is an acclaimed rapper, producer and activist.

Portrait of Hope D sitting backwards in a chair with arms crossed.

The QUBE Effect alum Hope D began as a solo artist. She specialised in live looping and created her songs through the craft. Playing major festivals and touring across the country, Hope is continuously collecting new fans wherever she performs. Hope is a passionate supporter of Brisbane music.

Ian Haug - mentor for The QUBE Effect 2026. Shot inside with bright coloured lighting behind subject. Ian is playing a guitar.

Ian is the guitarist for Brisbane rock band Powderfinger. He helped build their legacy of five number‑one albums, 18 ARIA Awards, three APRA Awards, and millions of record sales. Ian owns Brisbane recording studio Airlock Studios, home to The QUBE Effect videos. He is also the guitarist for The Church and The Predators.

Jeremy Neale starting in front of a red background.

Jeremy Neale is based in Brisbane. He has been a music industry mainstay since releasing his In Stranger Times EP in 2013. His journey has featured many standout moments. These achievements span touring widely, winning Song of the Year in 2018, and receiving a Fortitude Valley Mall star. They also include the Grant McLennan Fellowship.

John Collins - mentor for The QUBE Effect 2026 - photographed in front of a bright-coloured mural wall.

John Collins (JC) is the bass player for Powderfinger, one of Australia’s most loved bands. He has toured the world playing rock ’n’ roll. JC set his mind to creating music venues with the establishment of The Triffid, Fortitude Music Hall and The Outpost. JC is currently the Night Life Economy Commissioner for Brisbane and an active supporter of emerging musicians.

Close-up image of face of John Mullen at a desk.

John is Head of A&R and Executive Producer at Dew Process Recordings. He has worked with Sarah Blasko, Tkay Maidza, The Grates, Bernard Fanning, WAAX, Eves Karydas and Mallrat. John has worked across multiple facets of major labels and actively supports emerging Brisbane artists.

Luke Daniel Peacock - mentor for The QUBE Effect 2026 - photographed in a garden setting.

Luke Daniel Peacock is a critically acclaimed Brisbane singer‑songwriter. He is a proud descendant of the Meriam people of the eastern Torres Strait Islands. Luke is a member of Halfway and The Painted Ladies. He collaborates with Vic Simms, fronts The Minor Premiers, and is a respected solo artist.

Image of Marli Smales, mentor, The QUBE Effect 2026. Photo is at a beach.

Marli has been a staple of the Brisbane music community, previously playing in acts such as Good Boy, Chakra Efendi and Expo '88. Marli currently is a member of internationally acclaimed act Full Flower Moon Band, touring globally and making an argument as the best new band to emerge from Brisbane, recently supporting Foo Fighters at their only Australian show. When not performing, Marli is the Bookings Manager for The Triffid and Live Nation.

Nat Dunn, mentor for The QUBE Effect 2026. Image is a profile head shot.

Nat Dunn is the first Australian songwriter recognised for more than one billion digital streams. She has written songs for international stars such as Charli XCX, Rita Ora, Marshmello and Anne‑Marie. Nat released her debut single, Whatever, in 2001 at age 17 under the stage name TALI. The song reached number 32 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Dunn is also a part of the duo Naations alongside Nicky Night Time.

Seja Vogel - mentor for The QUBE Effect 2026. Head shot.

Seja Vogel (pronounced say-ah) is a German/Australian solo musician who was a member of Brisbane bands Sekiden and Regurgitator. Seja has toured extensively throughout Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA. HearSej is one of Seja’s current music projects. In her podcast, she interviews musicians from around the world.

Industry experts

  • Joc Curran, event producer
  • Kat Holloway, CMC General Manager
  • Pauline Bell, event producer, Brisbane City Council Bands in Parks program
  • Sahara Herald, Head of Touring, Frontier Touring
  • Viv Fantin, Next Act Coaching

Awards and prizes

Award and prize winners will be announced at the Awards Night in October 2026. Further event details will be announced closer to the date. 

Innovation Award

Awarded to the song that shows the most originality, creativity and innovative composition.

Prize: 

  • $500 Store DJ voucher
  • $500 Silk & Squeeg merchandise creation pack
  • Private coaching session with Next Act

QUBE Development Award

Awarded to support the act that has shown commitment, originality and great potential in their artistic pursuits.

Prize: 

  • $500 Store DJ voucher
  • $500 Silk & Squeeg merchandise creation pack
  • A&R advice session with Dew Process Records

People's Choice Award

Awarded to the video that received the most public votes via Council's website.

Prize: 

  • $1000 Store DJ voucher
  • $1000 Silk & Squeeg merchandise creation pack
  • Press shots package with Darcy Goss

Lord Mayor's Live Event Award

Awarded to the group or individual that displays originality, creativity and potential to further develop their on-stage presence.

Prize: 

  • $500 Store DJ voucher
  • $500 Silk & Squeeg merchandise creation pack
  • Brisbane City Council live performance gig to the value of $1500

Original Song Award

For the song that shows excellence in the craft of song writing an original composition.

Prize: 

  • $1000 Store DJ voucher
  • One-on-one session with the mentor of the winner's choice
  • Goal setting session with Next Act

Performance prizes

  • CMC Rocks
  • Crafted Festival
  • Festival of the Stone
  • The Ekka
  • Valley Fiesta

Benefits for successful applicants

Free workshops and mentor sessions

Take part in group development workshops and one-on-one sessions with industry mentors.

Create music videos

Work with production teams to make unique music videos.

Live performance opportunities

Get the opportunity to perform.

Gain recognition

Go into the running to win awards and prizes. 

Who's eligible?

The QUBE Effect is open to young and emerging local solo artists and musical groups. 

Entrants must:

  • be 12 to 25 years of age (for groups, at least half of the members must be in this age range)
  • live in the Brisbane Local Government Area (for groups, at least half of the members must live in this area)
  • not be a Council employee or elected official.

Note: Entrants under the age of 18 must provide proof of consent to enter the competition from their parent or guardian.

View The QUBE Effect 2026 terms and conditions.

More information

To find out more about The QUBE Effect, phone Council on 07 3403 8888 or email Council.

Frequently asked questions

An announcement about the date will be published in late 2026.

Yes, both soloists and groups are eligible to apply.

Yes, you can apply to take part in the program again, even if you've been a previous finalist act.