Though she never set out to build a career in music, Chilian-born singer and songwriter Magdalena Mira found herself drawn back to it time and again. Each step, shaped by chance and connection, brought her closer to where she is today.

 

The SSI delegation stand together at the 2024 Australian Women in Music Awards

Award inspiration

In 2024, that path led her to join SSI’s delegation to the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA). Each year SSI supports women from diverse backgrounds to take part in the conference and awards, offering opportunities to connect, learn, and be recognised. For Magdalena, the invitation came from a close friend and opened the door to an experience that was both empowering and transformative.

“Sandra convinced me to apply, and I thought, why not? When I was selected, it felt like such a gift,” Magdalena said.

Sandra Morales was a finalist in the SSI Diversity Award in 2024. Her encouragement gave Magdalena the confidence to apply for the delegation – something she admits she would never have done on her own.

 

Music and life intertwined

Magdalena’s path into music was not linear. She studied music at school, but it wasn’t until life experiences and relationships drew her back to performing that she found herself committed to it.

Raising children meant she stepped away for several years, but when she returned, she came back with more passion than ever before. She formed an Afro-Peruvian band, performed at venues across Sydney, and decided she wanted to pursue music full time.

“Music has always found me. Even when I took a break, it called me back. Now I just want to keep doing it,” she said.

 

Connection over competition

For Magdalena, the highlight of being part of the SSI delegation was the connection with other women. She speaks warmly of the friendships formed with fellow artists and the sense of belonging that grew from their shared experiences.

“The best part was our little crew. We supported each other, laughed, connected, and had the kind of conversations that stay with you. It was such a beautiful experience,” she said.

The delegation gave Magdalena access to industry leaders and valuable networking opportunities, but what stood out most for her was how genuine the connections felt. The professional insights were powerful, and the support of the group made the experience even more meaningful.

“I learned to stay authentic. Watching other women give their all to their music reminded me that being true to yourself is what matters most. That’s the only way to sustain a career and a life in music.”

 

Delegates from the 2024 AWMA and Conference sit around a table together in the evening

The power of visibility

Magdalena believes events like AWMA play a vital role in giving visibility to women in music, especially those from diverse backgrounds. The conference offered her exposure to people she would never otherwise have met, and a chance to see how the industry works in Australia.

She also recognised the importance of collective strength.

“When women come together with authenticity, they create real strength. That’s why events like AWMA matter. With their influence, they hold a responsibility to lift up diverse women in music and ensure their stories are seen and heard.”

 

Carrying it forward

Since AWMA, Magdalena continues to perform and create music. The lessons from the delegation – about authenticity, resilience, and community remain part of her approach to her career.

She keeps in touch with some of the artists she met, follows their journeys and celebrates their achievements.

Reflecting on the experience, she hopes more women take the chance to be part of future delegations.

“If I could give advice, it would be to just be yourself. Don’t try to be someone else. Your voice and your story are enough.”

 

Innessa, singer/songwriter creating slavic inspired alternative folk, was selected to be part of SSI’s delegation at the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) in 2023. A year on, she shared her journey, highlighting impactful moments and encouraging other aspiring musicians to seize this unique opportunity to apply to be part of this year’s SSI AWMA delegation.

 

Award inspiration

“The AWMA awards night was a huge highlight – a culmination of the whole experience. Seeing acts of such high calibre, like Vanessa Amorosi, was so inspiring. I wanted to work on my art to be on that stage one day,” Innessa recalled.

“The black carpet on awards night made me feel like a star, a VIP for a moment, while the industry panels at the conference opened my eyes to new perspectives. I learned something valuable at each of the sessions.”

One of the great experiences for Innessa was the chance to meet new people and expand her network.

“Meeting other delegates and spending time with them was fantastic. I enjoyed hearing their stories and discovering common interests. I had a little jam session with one of the delegates, Peranya, and I hope to collaborate with her musically in the future,” she shared.

Innessa had clear goals going into the delegation, including getting inspiration for organising her own tour after AWMA and finding a mentor. “During the awards night, I ran into a few acquaintances and had the chance to discuss my music ideas and plans with them. Pauline Maudy was one of them. I asked her to be my mentor, and when she said yes, I was over the moon! In December, I was given a grant for Pauline to mentor me, and now we have a goal of getting me ready for an Australian national tour following my successful Queensland tour,” she said.

 

Bringing diverse artists together

Innessa emphasised the importance of supporting diverse musicians through initiatives like SSI’s delegation at the AWMA Awards.

“As someone who came from a different country, it’s tough to cut through the noise and promote myself. When I came to Australia, it was hard to start completely anew with no connections,” she explained.

Innessa’s musical journey began at eight in Russia with a passion for poetry. By 16, she was performing original songs, blending her poetry, vocals, and guitar skills. After university, she traveled the world with her guitar, exploring music in the Black Sea, Egypt, Spain, and the USA. Now based in Australia, she has released four studio albums, performed at major festivals, and had two songs selected as finalists in the Queensland Music Awards.

Innessa acknowledged that balancing family responsibilities, university studies, and a music career is a challenge, but the support from the delegation experience at AWMA helped her regain her drive, focus and confidence to ‘put herself out there’.

“For female artists who come from different countries, it’s really helpful when you get support promoting yourself. My original music is not traditional folk or commercial pop, so finding where I fit can be a struggle,” she shared.

The delegation provided a space for diverse musicians from all backgrounds and music professions to find a place of belonging and connect with others on similar paths.

“I don’t know why anyone would be unsure about applying for this opportunity where you get to come to awesome workshops and events and connect. Why wouldn’t you apply?” Innessa encouraged.

“You won’t lose anything by applying, and you might get the chance to be part of something special.”

SSI staff and delegation at AWMA 2023 awards

Supplied by AWMA. Photo credit: Elouise Van Reit-Gray

How to apply

For emerging, diverse female musicians, the delegation experience offers a unique chance to learn, grow, and connect with Australia’s top music talent.

Applications to be part of SSI’s next delegation are now open and close at midnight on 18 August. We welcome applications from emerging, female-identifying, or non-binary artists from diverse cultural backgrounds in NSW and Queensland.

Apply using this form, which gives more details on what’s included and who can apply.

 

Seven multi-talented female music professionals representing seven cultural backgrounds recently came together as part of SSI’s delegation at Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) culminating in a glamorous ceremony at the heart of Meanjin/Brisbane.

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