In partnership with Harmonic Whale, MAV presents UpClose, a new online music video showcase presenting intimate performances and interviews with culturally diverse Victorian singer-songwriters.
Nina Rose
Singer-songwriter Nina Rose blends her velvety vocals and mellowing guitar rhythms, taking you on a folky-acoustic magic carpet ride.
“To share my original songs in the video is special, especially when they are stories where I challenge myself to speak about real feelings. So often I find it hard to say what I’m actually feeling. I think many of us find this hard.” — Nina Rose
Nomad222
Damon Paraha A.K.A. Nomad222, is a Hip-Hop and Spoken Word artist from Naarm/Melbourne’s western suburbs.
“The songs in this video are both quite personal and intimate. The first song, "Kind Regards”, I had written during the 2020 lockdown. At the time, I was watching the youth of my Polynesian community struggling with their identity while simultaneously being vilified by Australian media. I took it upon myself to remind my brothers/sisters that we come from Chiefs, Voyagers and Pioneers. Our ancestors mastered treacherous waters in order for us to be here and that we owe it to them to lead and shine our light on the world.
The second song, "Enchilada", I wrote for my fiancé, to capture our relationship as it is now. We both work, and we are raising 2 children (no. 3 on the way) and we have no time to ourselves. So when date night comes around, it's a big thing even if it is just dropping the kids off somewhere, going to a local GYG (Guzman y Gomez) and catching a movie. She's the one who supports me in everything I do, she blessed me with my babies and any opportunity I can enjoy her company and give her my full attention is important to me and that's what this song is about. “ — Nomad222
Stefania Serna
Stefania Serna is a Colombian-born, Melbourne-based singer/songwriter, who continues to draw upon the traditional sounds of her hometown Cali, while bringing a fresh, contemporary energy to a music style that has its origins in 1900’s Cuba.
“These two original compositions are the outcomes of two stages of my life where music was the way of healing my heart and soul. “Una Premisa”, written back in 2018, was the cathartic exercise to overcome from my previous relationship. It reflects all the stages that I had to go through to forgive myself and let my frustrations go. As well, it is a really important work for me as it was my first original composition. Lyrics written by me and arrangements made in collaboration with friends/colleagues - Vashti Siebell, Elizabeth Obando, Cristian Saavedra and Josh Bennier. Whilst the recorded version is a Salsa version, this is the acoustic version which is very expressive and sincere.
“Little Things”, was written in 2020. This is my latest composition which shows all feelings I experienced during the lockdown we had in Melbourne last year. 2020 was a rough year for everyone and I must be sincere— it was a year full of experiences and learnings for me. After experiencing health concerns, loneliness and anxiety, I understood that the way to move forward was counting my blessings, everyday, an exercise that I've committed to do on a daily basis. “Little Things” came to my life as a way to calm my soul and be hopeful for better upcoming days." — Stefania Serna
Yusupha Ngum
Yusupha Ngum is a singer and songwriter from Gambia, also known by the stage name Joloffman. He has performed in a variety of styles, including mbalax, folk music, rap, jazz fusion, and Afro fusion music.
"The music and the lyrics the songs in the UpClose video are meant to be soft, chill and inspiring. While being part of the UpClose project, I hope more people are able to experience and discover the Joloff vibes. I am excited to be contributing to the arts scene of Victoria through this video. Respect ✊🏿“ — Yusupha Ngum
UpClose is proudly presented by MAV in partnership with Harmonic Whale. Supported by Creative Victoria and Creative Australia.
