Recipients
In May 20224 Newcastle-based artists Poppi Kent and Josi Veneziano, who together form folk-inspired duo Chain Daisy, were announced as inaugural recipients of the AHA Newcastle Hunter – Paul Woseen Memorial Music Grant.
The duo was among 40 local artists who applied for the grant program, reaffirming the strength of Newcastle’s emerging artists.
“We were blown away by the breadth of talent within the applications we received,” AHA Newcastle Hunter President Mick Starkey said.
“There were so many standouts, and for those of us on the selection committee, choosing just one recipient certainly meant our work was cut out for us. But inevitably, Poppi and Josi were the unanimous choice due to their unique blend of musical talent, lyrical composition, commitment and attitude.”
The selection committee was made up of six industry professionals, including Screaming Jets frontman and founding member Dave Gleeson who was impressed by the duo’s musical ability and maturity.
“Paul Woseen was a highly skilled songwriter who loved a great harmony and the two things that stood out for us when we listened to Chain Daisy’s application were the beautiful harmonies and songwriting skills beyond their years,” he said.
“This grant can go towards helping Poppi and Josi take their musical career to its next stage, and we’re stoked that in Paul’s name, The Screaming Jets can help them on that journey.”
The Experience
As part of the grant, Poppi and Josi were invited to chat and play for Tanya and Steve on Triple M's Breakfast Show and using a portion of the grant, funding the pair also recorded Chain Daisy Live at the Press.
The duo also opened for The Fabulous Caprettos (featuring Dave Gleeson) at Toronto Hotel, as well as City of Newcastle's New Annual Festival held on steps of City Hall.
In addition to the key grant inclusions such as $5,000 cash, Single Launch at The Stag & Hunter Hotel, the chance to record an original single, and mentoring sessions with industry professionals, as recipients of the AHA Newcastle Hunter Paul Woseen Memorial Music Grant, Chain Daisy also had the opportunity to work on their original music with Screaming Jets guitarist and Paul's songwriting parter Scott Kingman who flew up from Melbourne for a mentoring session at TAFE Hunter's recording studio.
