ABOUT
EMPOWERING NEXT GEN TALENT
Vermilion High is a program initiated by QUT’s student-run record label Vermilion Records. The label teams up with high school students to give them a platform to record and release an original song.
Where the average high school student may consider their bedroom music-making hobby to be ‘messing around,’ Vermilion High calls that potential! The program support bands, solo artists and anything in between – no genre is off the table.
In 2023, six talented high school artists worked with their QUT student mentors across the whole of semester 2. During this time, the students became quite at home within the QUT environment, working with QUT’s final year record producers, instrumentalists and songwriters to record their original songs in our state-of-the-art recording studios. Selected artists also teamed up with QUT students from film, visual art, creative writing, technical production and business to make music videos, short form content for social media, publicity material, magazine features and a sell-out live showcase at Reload Espresso Bar in Brisbane.
Where the average high school student may consider their bedroom music-making hobby to be ‘messing around,’ Vermilion High calls that potential! The program support bands, solo artists and anything in between – no genre is off the table.
In 2023, six talented high school artists worked with their QUT student mentors across the whole of semester 2. During this time, the students became quite at home within the QUT environment, working with QUT’s final year record producers, instrumentalists and songwriters to record their original songs in our state-of-the-art recording studios. Selected artists also teamed up with QUT students from film, visual art, creative writing, technical production and business to make music videos, short form content for social media, publicity material, magazine features and a sell-out live showcase at Reload Espresso Bar in Brisbane.
Brooklyn Sauer
Brooklyn has been singing as long as she can remember. The last two years have seen her start performing covers, and writing her own music. Brooklyn’s style is varied, from ballad to commercial pop. She writes music as a way to express her feelings, and just loves to sing. Keyboard is her instrument of choice, and she is in the process of writing more original music.
Harper Thomas
Harper Thomas is a multi-instrumental artist based in Brisbane. His styles of music include Midwest Shoegaze and Anti-folk, ranging from slow core and emotional songs to fingerstyle and complex arrangements both vocally and instrumentally. His love of music comes from being born to a gigging drummer and someone with a love of music, bringing him up in the scene.
hatw
Harry, also know as ‘hatw’ is a passionate singer/songwriter based in Brisbane. Harry takes inspiration from artists such as Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean and Alex G in creating his music. From a young age, Harry has been perfecting his skills in performing, singing, songwriting and music production. He works in many different genres, and is always striving to improve and break new ground.
Margot McNaughton
Margot McNaughton is a 16-year-old vocalist who has been passionate about music and singing since she was a child. With music and theatre around her from a young age, Margot has cultivated a deep connection with expressing her creativity and emotions through song writing and singing. The powerful soft rock genre her music portrays, captures the overwhelming and complex state of the teenage mind.
The Royals
The Royals are set on a trajectory to redefine hard rock for a new generation. As they continue to write, record and tour, they’re proving they are not just a band to watch – they’re a band to watch out for. With magnetic stage presence and blistering guitar solos, their live shows are full of energy and power that is mesmerising to be a part of.
Taylah Rose
Taylah Rose is a singer/songwriter from Gladstone Queensland, she used her captivating tones to create an atmospheric experience for her audience. She began songwriting from a young age, always with a guitar or piano never far from reach. From a simple place of solitude, to jamming with friends, Taylah believes there is always an opportunity to find inspiration, no matter where you are. Drawing from personal life experiences, her lyrics are an outlet of soulful emotions in which she finds herself most at peace.
The Waiting List
The Waiting List are an Indie Rock band formed in Brisbane, Australia. Taking inspiration from The Backseat Lovers and Pinegrove, they create an atmospheric experience with their 5-piece sound. The band aspires to connect to their audiences through relatable and joyful lyrics, creating the space for enjoyment.
Zac Whimpey
Zac Whimpey is an up and coming artist who loves story telling and is inspired by many acoustic artists to give a great performance to his audience. Zac is currently in year 12, involved in the music program where he has learnt to write music and perform. Zac is aspiring to become a singer songwriter and travel the world playing gigs with his mates creating life long friendships.