What pieces or projects have you been working on lately?
I just announced my first-ever workshop called The Business of Music Videos! It’s my little attempt to make music video creation more fun and manageable for musicians by helping them get creative and push the limits of their ideas and budgets. It’s happening March 29th, and I might be the most excited about it. I love talking about videos and ideas with people.
Beyond that, I’ve been working closely with musicians waist and Serendipiti on their visuals. These two acts bring me so much joy and give me so much freedom, it’s such a blessing! I have a lot of fun working with them both. I feel very lucky to be working with two acts who are so dynamic on the screen.
Both of my recent music videos for those two (“bravado” for waist, and “Feather” for Serendipiti, feat. Amela) were clips I had very clear, strong visions for months before we made them happen. The types of ideas that you can’t get out of your head, and both incredibly rooted in the feeling of the song. They both really surrendered to the vision I had, and thanks to some wonderful teamwork and crews the final clips came out so well.
I also realised in retrospect that both clips are a really funny complement to each other. Both involve a camera spinning around the artist. One as a bunch of high energy fast cuts, and one as an emotive, paced one-shot. Same same but different.
What did you learn (or unlearn) while working on them?
“Feather” reminded me that I can’t keep being my own production designer. I nearly had a mini on-set crisis while trying to hang some uncooperative fabric.
In creating my Music Video workshop, I’ve had to really reflect on what I wish I’d known when I was making my first music videos, and try to dissect my own process. It was an experiment in “un-remembering” what I know now, and trying to pinpoint what would be most efficient and effective for those stepping into that space for the first time.
What words, ideas or emotions were going through your head?
It’s funny—I often say I’m not a very emotional person, but my video work can be incredibly based in emotion over technique and form. That’s probably because I’m self-taught, and I think of a vibe before I think of practical elements.
I knew “bravado” had to be fast paced. Everything was based on constant momentum: the camera, the boys, the pacing—always changing. The cuts couldn’t be routine either, they had to be sharp, sudden. No predictability. Maybe “bravado” is just my little love letter to what I wish for waist in their career: dynamic, and always on the move.
“Feather” was about connection. I had this strong conviction that Amela, who co-wrote the song and features on the track, had to be in the clip too. Serendipiti and Amela are empowering each other, and also channeling their emotions together. They're hurting, healing and processing through their bond.
Were there any conversations, movies, music, or books that made their way into that work?
I am so inspired by films & TV—sometimes in ways that might be a bit leftfield or just a little secret easter egg for me. I’ll pinch lighting palettes or narrative ideas from the weirdest places. In my treatment for "Stronger Now” by SAMMM, the lighting inspo was literally just a still from Del Toro’s Crimson Peak . Also, “Read Receipts” for WAAX came at a time when my partner was watching A LOT of The Sopranos.
I don’t think “Feather” or “bravado” have a root in a specific film, but I know there are a lot of films I WANT to base future work on. If anyone is tempted by a Wushu-inspired video a la Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or Hero, hit a girl UP. I have IDEAS.
What's been the most difficult thing you've faced recently in your creative process?
I didn’t bring a resolution into 2026 but I did bring a saying: “The closer you are to something, the harder it is to see it”. That’s been my challenge for my creative process recently, but also everything in life. Stepping back, reframing, re-examining.
What is your favorite restaurant and what do you recommend we order?
Happy Boy! Best casual fine dining Chinese in Brisbane. I’m getting chilli wontons, eggplant pork, and green beans with white rice. Plus a glass of Australian wine.
If your life were a movie this month, what would it be called and who would write the soundtrack?
My ideal vision of myself is as a plucky Ghibli protagonist. Maybe Joe Hisaishi is available. This past month can be called Apple Slices on Toastafter my current breakfast fixation.
Recommend one or more artists you follow who inspire you, and tell us what you like most about their work or their way of working.
Angelique Armstrongof the band Telenovais out there creating visually stunning videos that are incredibly cohesive and emotive. I get so excited whenever she teases new work.
I also think all film-lovers should deep dive into the Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao Hsien. I watched The Assassin last year and couldn't believe the power he imbues in long, still takes.
