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From singing in private to public stages, Kaliya Alldridge has found her voice. Studying a Bachelor of Contemporary Music with her sight set on a global platform, Kaliya is marching to the beat of her own drum.
Kaliya says her connection to music and performing boils down to one university assignment: “I had to perform an original song for the first time and I was so nervous. My hands were shaking so badly I could barley hold my guitar,” she said.
“I started singing and everyone was really into it. I felt super connected and grateful in that moment for the gift of being a creative person. I remembered why I was there and that was to share music. You just feel like you’re exactly where you need to be.
“Everything in my life has always felt quite hard, whether it’s academic or otherwise. But music is this avenue where I feel like I’m really good at it. It’s felt really easy and it’s been this amazing space where I feel like I can really shine.”
“I felt super connected and grateful in that moment for the gift of being a creative person. I remembered why I was there and that was to share music. You just feel like you’re exactly where you need to be.”
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Her star power was recognised by Rolling Stone Australia, who bestowed Kaliya with a $15,000 scholarship to support her studies.
“The scholarship has given me access to gigs and networking. To be supported by a company that recognises artists and how music can empower people has been really rewarding,” she said.
Kaliya is now gracing local stages from the Lismore Lantern Parade to the Byron Music Festival.
“Being able to sing every week, you continue to get stronger. Now I can go out in the community and play gigs and feel assured because I’m building a skill set and becoming more confident.”
Kaliya has her sights set abroad, with plans to record her first EP in Canada before entering the music scene in the United States. “I’m really attracted to the United States. Everything is big and exciting there. I want to have access to more people and opportunities,” she said.
“Where I’ve wanted to go and where I’ve wanted to be hasn’t changed but I would definitely say the person on the path has changed and become stronger. I didn’t think I could fall more in love with music but I have and I’m really grateful.”
Learn more about studying contemporary music.