A teens creative fire and a program for emerging performers
23.06.2025 Amy Curl and photography Manning Chia
Murwillumbah singer-songwriter Angel White is quickly becoming one of the Northern Rivers’ most exciting young voices, blending soulful vocals, genre-bending grooves and an artist’s heart shaped by family, country, and community.
“I guess you’d say my music has a soul feel — maybe R&B — but it doesn’t really fit in a box,” says the seventeen year-old performer. “One of my biggest inspirations has probably been my dad, Steve Spacek. He’s a musician, singer, producer and DJ, so I think I was just subconsciously influenced growing up around that.”
Originally from Bondi, Angel moved to Murwillumbah in 2021, trading city skylines for the creative calm of the Northern Rivers. But music was always a part of the journey. “I always wanted to be a singer,” she says, “and then in year seven, Dad gave me a guitar — that was the moment I started to see music as a possible future.”
As an Indigenous artist, one of Angel’s first public performances was at NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee), as well as school assemblies, and heading to open mic nights when she returned to Sydney to visit friends.
Her friend and fellow young musician Emmagen Rain introduced her to the Talent Development Project (TDP)-- a selective mentoring program for emerging performers across the state. With encouragement from her mum, Angel submitted her video for audition.
“TDP really pushed me — in a good way. The creative tasks helped me rethink how I write lyrics and approach different musical styles. It made me step out of my comfort zone, but that’s how you grow.”
Outside the program, Angel is carving out her place in the region’s vibrant music scene. “I love performing at M|Arts in Murwillumbah. I’m hoping to busk more around the Northern Rivers too — there’s such a good vibe here for live music.”
When asked if she’d recommend TDP to other young artists, Angel doesn’t hesitate. “It’s great for people who are already comfortable performing and want to take the next step creatively and professionally. It really helps you level up.”
So, what’s next for Angel White?
“I’ve just released a song Saturn with my brother $TA — like, Friday! You can hear it on all streaming platforms or find it through my Instagram @angelmariawhite” she laughs. “There’s more to come — I’m just getting started.”
The Talent Development Project is currently accepting applications for its 2026 intake. It’s free to access, supported by the Department of Education, ClubsNSW, and the ICC Sydney, provides travel subsidies for regional students, and has helped launch the careers of alumni like Julia Stone, A.GIRL, (Goori) Knox, Max Jackson, and many more.
Applications close on Friday 4 July. Visit their website for more information.
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