From the quiet streets of Clifton Springs to the vibrant stage of Geelong's Pako Festa, Elena Nicholls, known affectionately as Lenni, has traversed a musical path woven with passion, perseverance, and a profound connection to her roots.
With a childhood marked by bouts of shyness and stage fright, Lenni found solace and encouragement in her mother’s unwavering support for her creative pursuits. Through participation in the local theatre company, The Potato Shed, and numerous community gigs and open mic nights, she began to discover the power of her voice and the depth of her musical expression.
“When I was growing up I was really shy and used to get so much stage fright,” Lenni reflects. “But my mum really encouraged me creatively by involving me in the local theatre company, The Potato Shed. I was always doing open mic nights, pantomimes and community gigs.” Despite her initial hesitations, Lenni’s journey from introverted youth to emerging musician has imbued her vocal style with a distinctive warmth and vulnerability, drawing listeners into a world of introspection and emotion.
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In her later years of high school and throughout university, Lenni’s passion for music continued to burn brightly, leading her to pursue a degree in music performance. However, it was during this time that she found herself grappling with questions of identity and artistic direction. “I struggled to figure out who I was as an individual artist, since I was used to doing everything with my older brother,” she recalls. Taking a hiatus from music, Lenni embarked on a journey of self-discovery, gaining valuable life experience and ultimately rediscovering her creative spark.
“I decided to take a hiatus from music and thought that if that was the direction I was meant to go with then eventually I would return,” Lenni explains. “After a year and a half of working and gaining some life experience I decided to make a return and I have found it so much easier to have a creative flow and I realised the strengths that I have as an artist.”
With newfound clarity and confidence, Lenni – at just 21-years-old – has embraced her musical calling wholeheartedly, immersing herself in the creative process and embracing the boundless possibilities that lay ahead. And the result has been simply magical, driven by Lenni’s musical style; seamlessly fuses elements of dreamy soul and R&B, creating a sonic tapestry that is as enchanting as it is eclectic.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical influences and experiences, she approaches the blending of genres with a spirit of experimentation and exploration. “I listen to such a wide variety of music and with the experience that I have in playing different types of music, it helps to brainstorm many ideas to put everything together in a fusion of genres,” she explains. Collaborating with producers and fellow artists further enriches her creative process, pushing boundaries and unlocking new realms of sonic possibility.
With a dream in sight, Lenni was one of the emerging local artists selected as a participant in the GRID Series – a Grass Roots Indie Development initiative supported by Creative Victoria, the City of Greater Geelong, and the Victorian Music Development Office. As a program that aims to provide a platform for emerging creatives from suburban areas across Australia, Lenni has found a supportive community and a platform for artistic growth and development.
“I have learnt so much being a part of the GRID series this year,” she reflects. “One of the best things I have taken away from it is that I have met so many incredible people and witnessed their talent.” Through collaboration and shared experiences, she has expanded her musical horizons and gained valuable insights into the industry.
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“As someone who is introverted, trying to break into an industry that can be really competitive and all about the spotlight, it is really difficult. However, GRID series has led me to find others who are fully supportive, building a community and hyping each other up,” Lenni shares. “And working with producers and other artists who have a different style to me can create so much possibility. I worked with Ariel Blum in the studio and he taught me so much. Together we took my short 1 minute demo, created a complete foundation of a song and he helped me take it to a whole new level that I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own. To him I am so grateful.”
With her upcoming single set to launch as part of the GRID Series program, accompanied by a documentary offering a glimpse into her life and creative process, Lenni is poised to make a lasting impression on the music scene.
This year, Geelong’s iconic Pako Festa is supporting emerging artists like Lenni, hosting the brightest talents from the Geelong GRID Series program on a dedicated stage. As Victoria’s largest free multicultural street festival, Pako Festa is renowned for its vibrant celebration of diversity, drawing crowds from far and wide to revel in the cultural kaleidoscope of Geelong.
Lenni, alongside fellow GRID Series artists, including First Nations hip-hop artist Ridzyray, Congolese sensation Baraka The Kid, and South Indian neo-soul creative Wild Gloriosa, will grace the Geelong Arts Centre stage. With genres ranging from soul to hip-hop and folk to RnB, their performances promise to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
As she prepares to take the stage at Pako Festa, Lenni is filled with a sense of excitement and gratitude. “It feels amazing to be part of Pako Festa,” she enthuses. “I have a diverse background myself and to see others celebrating our cultural differences is very important to me.” Through her music, Lenni hopes to create connections and foster a sense of unity and understanding. “My performance is fun and I hope to create connections to my audience through my music,” she says. “My lyrics contain a lot of messages that I think a lot of people can relate to no matter where you are from.”
‘A highlight of this year’s program’: Geelong’s Grid Series artists to perform at Pako Festa 2024
This is merely the beginning for Lenni, who stands ready to share her stories, her dreams, and her heart with the world. With each note she sings and each melody she weaves, she invites listeners to join her on a journey of discovery, celebration, and shared humanity. In a world often divided by differences, Lenni’s music serves as a powerful reminder of the universal language that unites us all.
Head on down to the Geelong Arts Centre Stage and see for yourself!
Geelong Arts Centre Stage 12.30pm – 5.00pm
12.30pm GRID Series – LENNi
12.55pm GRID Series – Daisy Kilbourne
1.20pm GRID Series – Baraka The Kid
1.40pm GRID Series – Wild Gloriosa
2.05pm GRID Series – Ridzyray
2.30pm Bella Deer
3.10pm Riordan
3.50pm National Celtic Festival Showcase
Pako Festa takes place along Pakington Street, Geelong West on Saturday 24 February 2024. You can find out more about Pako Festa here.
For more information about the GRID program and featured artists, visit www.gridseries.com.au/geelong or follow GRID Series on social media.
