Fourteen-year-old from Charters Towers wins state music scholarship

Kasey O’Donoghue from Charters Towers entered the competition after seeing it on Facebook through a friend. She said it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

“I sent in an original song, with a copy of the lyrics and a recording of me singing it. We also had to write a few words on what we wanted to achieve if we got it,” she said.

“The song was called Freefalling. It was written about a relationship that seemed perfect but you then realise something bad happened but you still can’t help falling in love with the person.”

Kasey won a mentorship with Australian musician Jack Carty, including two Skype workshops and a two-day songwriting intensive in July.

At the end of each two-day workshop, a concert will be presented to premiere the new material written by Kasey, alongside other school musicians and choirs.

Already in an established country music band, called Homegrown, with her brother and sister, Kasey is no stranger to the music industry. 

After winning a national competition, the band released their EP which hit number one on iTunes.

Kasey said if she had not started busking with her family from the age of seven, she would not know what she does today.

“I have been performing for a long time, locally but also travelling to Tamworth Country Music Festival and gigs in Sydney.

“While I am still at school I plan to continue my music by studying music as an OP subject.

“After school I would like to continue my music career in conjunction with my new business, Wild Moonfire.”