The QUBE Effect
Network and be mentored by industry experts with The QUBE Effect, our music development program for young artists.
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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 announced at the Awards Night in October.
Vote for your favourite The QUBE Effect 2026 finalist
This year’s The QUBE Effect finalists have been busy recording their music and creating their own music videos.
Watch their videos and vote for your favourite to win the 2026 People’s Choice Award.
Voting is open from 10am Tuesday 4 August to 4pm Thursday 27 August 2026. Winners will be announced at the awards night in October.
You can also view these music videos on our YouTube channel.
Meet the 2026 finalists
Congratulations to The QUBE Effect finalists for 2026. Check out our slideshow of the finalists and their biographies.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 (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.
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 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.
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 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 (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.
Performance prizes
- CMC Rocks
- Crafted Festival
- Festival of the Stone
- The Ekka
- Valley Fiesta
Benefits for successful applicants
Take part in group development workshops and one-on-one sessions with industry mentors.
Work with production teams to make unique music videos.
Get the opportunity to perform.
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.
