My Countrytown: Lily Grace – Mudgeeraba, QLD

Regional towns are in our blood here at CountryTown! From Tamworth to Toowoomba, Ballarat to Noojee, we love the pubs, the people and the places that make Australia tick. But most of all, we love the amazing country musicians our regional centres produce, but have a soft spot for those from the city too, like Lily Grace.

A genuine, grounded performer who sings from the heart, Lily grew up in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. The Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards 2022 multi-finalist teamed up with country music legend, James Blundell for her vibrant and catchy tune, Annie June, and followed up with her recent single, Sixteen Wishes. The song is about a dream to have just one summer where you do all of those things you’ve been meaning to do.

We caught up with Lily Grace and asked her what she loves about Mudgeeraba, Queensland.

1. Growing up on the beach

I’ve grown up along the coastline and in summer I spend my time with family and friends down at the beach. I grew up as a nipper from the age of 6, riding surfboards, having beach picnics and dinner at the local surf club. Ironically, I’ve found a huge passion for country music and now we travel to country towns for festivals and events.

2. A little country town burrowed in the city

Even though I have grown up in the city, I still feel like I live in a country town. I live in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast and for me, Mudgeeraba has the feel and people akin to a little country village. Everyone is so supportive and when you visit the local shopping centre you are bound to run into someone you know. When I perform in Mudgeeraba, you are always guaranteed a good time. You have the old men who sit and listen while they read the newspaper, the little kids who dance in front of you and their parents who stand out the back and clap along when you’ve finished each song.

3. The same school

I’ve attended the same school for my whole life, and I LOVE that. I’ve grown up knowing all my teachers and having there for me along the way. I know all of my classmates and even though friend groups change, I feel like I’ve been good friends with most people at some point along the way. My school community is incredibly supportive of my dreams and I often have teachers, parents and students showing up to my gigs to cheer me along.

4. It’s a holiday town and the music scene is booming

The Gold Coast is known for being a holiday destination. The music scene here is booming and in holiday seasons the restaurants are packed with tourists visiting the coast. In summer you can often find me busking in Burleigh or Broadbeach. We have our local markets, and events that always draw a solid crowd to play to.

5. My hometown has played a huge part in who I am today

I am a proud Queenslander and I love calling the Gold Coast my home. The culture here is to spend days at the beach, wearing thongs and finish a weekend with a BBQ by the beach. The people here are always friendly and talkative. I feel like we are very laid back and we know how to enjoy ourselves. All my memories are here, and I think growing up on the Gold Coast has played the quintessential role in shaping who I am today.

Keep up to date with Lily Grace via her Facebook here.

For more of our My CountryTown series, check out here.

Image: via Facebook