the queer studio

The Queer Studio is a transformative 3-day music residency designed specifically for LGBTQIA+SB identifying and questioning teenagers aged 15-19, taking place October 8-10, 2025 at the professional Brand X Creative Studios in Sydney.

This intensive program offers young queer and trans people the rare opportunity to work in a professional recording environment alongside established queer musicians ANESU and Malaika Mfalme. Participants will learn essential music industry skills including beat-making, songwriting, recording techniques, vocal recording, mixing basics, and music production software, while collaborating to create one original song together over the three days.

Day One focuses on visioning and collaboration, diving into queer music history to discover artists who paved the way, sharing musical inspirations, and exploring the stories participants want to tell. The day includes beat-making fundamentals and begins the collaborative songwriting process.

Day Two brings the collective vision to life, with participants choosing their roles based on personal interests - whether making beats, writing lyrics, singing, or playing instruments. Everything from day one transforms into an actual song representing the entire group.

Day Three sees participants take over the professional studio, with everyone contributing their piece to complete the collaborative recording.

Led by ANESU, a Zimbabwe-born genre-defying artist whose music explores queer and cultural identity through hip-hop, electronic, and soul, and Malaika Mfalme, a Tanzanian/Australian singer-songwriter whose debut album "Yasmin" received widespread acclaim. Both mentors bring extensive professional experience, having performed at venues including SXSW, Sydney Opera House, and supporting major artists.

The program goes beyond technical skills, creating space for participants to learn queer music history often absent from traditional education, connect with other young LGBTQ+ creatives, and understand pathways into the music industry as queer artists. This community-building aspect helps participants find their people while developing their artistic voice.

The residency is completely free, removing financial barriers to participation. An Accessibility Fund provides additional support for transport costs, meals, accessibility requirements, or any other potential barriers, ensuring all interested young people can participate regardless of their circumstances.

No prior music experience is required - the program welcomes all skill levels and encourages participants to bring their creativity and stories. Whether already making music or completely new to production, everyone has something valuable to contribute to the collaborative process.

Applications close September 1st, 2025, with successful applicants notified by September 8th. The program runs 10:30am-3:30pm each day with lunch breaks, allowing participants to fully immerse in the creative process while maintaining a manageable schedule.

The Queer Studio is presented by TRANSMEDIUM and Heaps Decent, with support from City of Sydney and South Eveleigh Community Grants. This collaboration brings together extensive experience in youth music programs and queer community building, ensuring a safe, supportive, and professionally valuable experience for all participants.