a free music residency for queer & trans teens in a recording studio with real queer musicians, during the school holidays.
8-10TH OCT 2025 | GADIGAL LAND
What Actually Happens
DAY ONE - This is about envisioning the song we want to make together. We dive into queer music history, discover artists who paved the way, and share the songs that move us. What skills do we have in the room? What stories do we want to tell? We learn from those who came before, put our inspirations on paper, and start learning how to collaborate. Plus, beat-making basics because every song needs rhythm.
DAY TWO - Time to bring our collective vision to life. Choose your role based on what calls to you: making beats, writing lyrics, singing, or playing instruments. We take everything from day one and turn it into an actual song, working together to craft something that represents all of us.
DAY THREE - We take over the studio. Everyone contributes their piece to the song we've been building.
〰️ FIND YOUR SOUND
〰️ FIND YOUR PEOPLE
〰️ FIND YOUR HOME IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
〰️ FIND YOUR SOUND 〰️ FIND YOUR PEOPLE 〰️ FIND YOUR HOME IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Ever wanted to record in a professional studio? We're opening the doors for three days, inviting queer/trans teens (15-19) to learn music production, write songs, record and be mentored by queer musicians who get it.
Why Do This?
Learn actual music skills - Beat-making, songwriting, recording techniques, using production software, vocal recording, mixing basics
Meet people like you - Other queer and trans young people who care about music and making cool things
Learn the history - Discover queer artists and music history that doesn't get taught in school
Work with real musicians - Learn from Anesu and Malaika Mfalme, who are actual working queer artists and producers
The Practical Stuff
When: 10:30am - 3:30pm each day (with a 45min lunch break)
Dates: Wed, 8th October - Fri, 10th October 2025
Where: Brand X Creative Studios, Gadigal Land, Sydney - 119 Bathurst St, Sydney NSW 2000
Bring: Something to write with, any instruments you want to use
Cost: Free
Food: Bring your own lunch and/or lunch money as there’s heaps of food around. We’ll have heaps of snacks!
Applications: Applications close on the 1st of September. Everyone will be notified on the 8th of September 2025.
Apply here!
Accessibility Fund: We've got an Accessibility Fund for things like: transport money, uber costs if public transport is complicated/not accessible to you for any reason, lunch money or whatever else might stop you from coming! Just mention it in your application - no big deal.
Meet the Musicians
Malaika Mfalme
London-born and raised across continents, Malaika Mfalme is a Tanzanian/Australian singer, songwriter, guitarist, and event producer creating on Gadigal Land (Sydney). In their mother tongue, Swahili, their name translates to "Angel King."
Malaika’s music is a powerful exploration of Black love, self-acceptance, grief, and the complex journey of being loved and sometimes lost. With a sound rooted in soul and folk, his songs create a healing space, conveying messages of kindness, reflection, and acceptance.
In 2023, Malaika released their debut album, Yasmin, to widespread acclaim, with the album launch selling out and the music now available on all streaming platforms. They have also opened for iconic artists such as Ben Lee, Alex the Astronaut, and Alter Boy, showcasing their ability to connect deeply with diverse audiences and leave a lasting impact through his heartfelt performances.
ANESU
Born in Zimbabwe, ANESU is a genre-defying artist whose music delves into the complexities of queer and cultural identity. Blending hip-hop, electronic, and soul, their sound is marked by smooth, caramel-toned vocals and a rare ability to balance fierce conviction with tender vulnerability.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Syd, Little Simz, and Arlo Parks, ANESU crafts songs that are as introspective as they are resonant. Offstage, they are a cultural organiser and community builder, creating spaces that celebrate Black, brown, and queer joy.
A seasoned performer, ANESU has graced stages at SXSW, Groovin the Moo, Perth Festival, and the Sydney Opera House, supporting trailblazers like Mykki Blanco and Chali 2na. Their latest EP, Bad Habits (Elefant Traks), cements their place as one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary music.
‘the queer studio’ is brought to you by Heaps Decent and TRANSMEDIUM, with support from South Eveleigh Community Grants and City of Sydney.
FAQs
Who can apply?
LGBTQIA+SB identifying/questioning teens aged 15-19. You don't need to be "out" or have everything figured out - as long as you're respectful of all queer identities, you're welcome.
What if I'm not out or can't be in photos/videos?
No problem at all. We get consent before posting anything online, and you can opt out of photos/social media completely. We understand that visibility is complex.
Do my parents need to know?
For legal reasons, if you're under 18 we need a parent/guardian/responsible adult to sign a form. But we know this can be tricky for some people. If this might stop you from applying, email us and we'll try to work something out.
I've never made music before - can I still apply?
Yes! All levels of experience are welcome. The whole point is learning together.
What music skills will I actually learn?
Beat-making, songwriting, basic recording techniques, using production software, vocal recording, mixing basics.
Is it really free?
Completely free. We also have money set aside to help with transport or lunch costs if you need it.
What about safety and child protection?
All our mentors have Working With Children Checks and follow proper safety protocols. You can find our full child safety policy on the Heaps Decent website. We take this seriously.
Do you provide mental health support?
We don’t have a support worker present during the program. If you’d like to bring one along, let us know and we can make that work! We don’t want someone’s mental health being a barrier to them coming along or not. But we also want you to have whatever mental health resources that you need to feel safe and comfy!
I have accessibility needs - can you accommodate them?
We'll do our best. We have an Accessibility Fund for this exact reason - so that we are able to try and get whatever you need for the workshops!
The Accessibility Fund covers things like:
transport money
uber costs if public transport is complicated/not accessible to you for any reason
lunch money
whatever else might stop you from coming!
Let us know what you need in your application and/or email us directly.
If I apply, what’s the chances of me getting in?
Pretty much everyone who applies ‘gets in’, the only reason you wouldn’t is if you were outside of the eligibility (LGBTQIA+SB identifying/questioning teenagers aged 15-19) and/or if we fill up on spots. So apply as soon as you can!