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Alaya Mugica had her sights set on her finals song, ‘I Will Survive’ by Donna Summer, two months in advance of the NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase, a choice based upon her “authentic, personal connection with the song.”
“This song was one I would play every morning, even during a really low time in my life, as it was always able to brighten my spirit for the day,” she said.
After meticulous preparation in the lead-up to the event, she took to the stage with the simple goal of “delivering the same amount of energy to the audience the song always delivered to me.”
That she did, in turn earning her the coveted ‘Fast Track to Fame’ award.
For Alaya, the award is a culmination of an ardent passion for music nurtured since childhood, and six years of development under Amaia Blakey (nee Licciardello) and Perform Music Studios.
“Music was always something that felt so natural to me and has always been something I’ve loved and forever will,” she said.
Alaya’s repertoire spans multiple instruments and genres, largely favouring what she enjoys listening to.
“When performing, I feel I gravitate towards indie-pop and pop-rock. I do sometimes like to incorporate Spanish and French songs and verses as well,” she said.
“I have forever been most comfortable with a guitar. Although it was suggested to have piano as my more ‘dominant’ instrument, I could not deal with the thought of leaving my guitar.”
Music shifted from a mere dream to a real possibility when, following a musical theatre workshop in Townsville last year, Alaya was invited by international tenor Paul Tabone to begin one-on-one Classical Melocchi vocal coaching at The Artists Lab.
The program provides training in singing, acting and dancing for aspiring performers aiming for the international stage.
Looking ahead, Alaya hopes to continue to develop her song-writing and technique under the tutelage of The Artists Lab.
“This opportunity has truly been an incredible journey for me so far,” she said.
“I hope with more experience and song writing, this will allow me to understand and foster the kind of artist I am and where to go from there."
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