“From Goroka to the Globe”
M U S I K B L O K
WHO WE ARE
Spearheaded by 4 time ARIA Award nominee Ngaiire, Musik Blok is an annual music mentoring program based in Goroka, Papua New Guinea bringing together local PNG talent and world-class mentors to equip young musicians with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive.
Despite PNG’s rich musical heritage and immense talent, pathways for sustainable music careers are few. Musik Blok will help to change that. over an intensive 10 days emerging artists will spend time creating songs and honing production skills under the mentorship of professional songwriters and producers from Australia.
FOR THE MUSIK BLOK
SONGWRITING + PRODUCTION LAB
FOUNDER + PROGRAM DIRECTOR
NGAIIRE
“This project brings together tradition and innovation. It’s about honouring who we are while building the future we want.”
Founder and program director Ngaiire always knew she’d come back to Papua New Guinea to give back to her community after building an impressive 20 year long career in the Australian music industry. Ngaiire has performed at Glastonbury in the UK, Splendour In the Grass as well as opening and performing with Sampha, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Sufjan Stevens, Flume and Hiatus Kaiyote .
OUR MENTORS
Dr Paul Mac
One of Australia’s most influential electronic producers & a founding member of the ARIA Award-winning act Itch-E & Scratch-E. Across a three-decade career he has shaped the sound of Australian electronic music while producing and collaborating with artists including Silverchair, The Dissociatives, and Ngaiire. Paul is also a resident lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Nai Palm
Nai Palm is the Grammy-nominated vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the globally acclaimed future-soul band Hiatus Kaiyote. Renowned for her virtuosic voice and deeply expressive songwriting, she has influenced a generation of artists across jazz, R&B, and
hip-hop worldwide.
Andrew Bruce
KEYBOARDS + LIVE PRODUCTION
Andrew Bruce is a distinguished pianist and music educator based in Sydney, Australia. Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, he pursued his passion for music by obtaining a Bachelor of Music from the University of Sydney. Andrew's formative years were spent at Hutt Valley High School in Wellington, where he began honing his musical talents.
Throughout his career, Andrew has established himself as a versatile musician, performing across a range of genres and settings. His commitment to music education is evident through his role as a music instructor, where he imparts his extensive knowledge and experience to students. Andrew's dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians underscores his belief in the transformative power of music.
In addition to his teaching endeavors, Andrew maintains an active performance schedule, collaborating with various artists and ensembles including Sydney experimental outfit Godtet.
Alwyn De Los Santos
VOCALS + PERFORMANCE
Alwyn De Los Santos is the Head Vocal Instructor for Sentry Music in Sydney’s West specialising in amateur, intermediate, and advanced vocalists. He has worked as instructor to contestants on The Voice to established artists like Timomatic and Ngaiire. With a Bachelor of Music (Specializing in Contemporary Performance) and certification as an IVA Vocal Instructor (Level 1), Alwyn brings a high standard of technical expertise and performance excellence to his teaching. Alwyn’s career extends across international and interstate performances and teaching, equipping him with a well-rounded perspective on vocal artistry. He is deeply committed to mentoring emerging vocalists and supporting established artists, ensuring they develop and maintain strong vocal health while meeting the demands of the industry.
Hailey Cramer
SONGWRITING + LIVE PERFORMANCE
Hailey Cramer is an accomplished Sri Lankan/Australian singer-songwriter from Melbourne and curremt backing singer for Australian national treasure and icon Tina Arena.
Hailey has worked with other prolific Australian and international artists, including Hip Hop artist Pez, featuring on his ‘Festival Song’, 360, Gotye, US Roots artist Michael Franti, Darryl Braithwait, Vicka & Linda Bull and Blue King Brown to name a few.
Hailey has been teaching at Melbourne’s COLLARTS Creative Collage of the Arts over the last 6 years
Waveney Yasso
GUITAR + COMPOSITION
Waveney is a proud Yuwi Burra & South Sea Island descendant. She graduated from WAAPA Borloo (Perth) studying Contemporary Music with drums as her first instrument. Waveney was part of global sensation ‘Pub Choir’ and has toured the world playing guitar & drums with Ben Lee, Paul Kelly, Powderfinger, Lior, Killing Heidi, The Cat Empire, The Grates, Ball Park Music and Meg Mac to name a few. As a composer Waveney has created original work across a range of genres. Creating music for film, TV commercials, Award Ceremonies, theatre work & in June 2023 she released a children’s album titled ‘Our Backyard’ with Alinta & Waveney. Winning her Major Minor Music Australia’s ‘Michael McGlynn New Comer’ award.
In 2024 Waveney arranged, recorded & performed music for the Queensland Museum in collaboration with Yuggera Language Elder Gaja Kerry Charlton to create a piece that will now open World Science Festival Brisbane. Her creative ingenuity is limitless & has helped shape & colour several works continuing the pursuit of reviving language and culture through music.
Tully Ryan
DRUMS
Tully's dedication to his craft has established him as a sought-after musician in the Australian music scene and beyond. Currently a member of experimental electronic Sydney outfit GODTET, Tully has appeared on many records including Grammy Award winning artist Van Hunt, Don West, I Know Leopard and a plethora of others. Tully spends half his time in Japan playing for famous Japanese guitarist Char and has been since 2023. He also tours internationally with producer Harvey Sutherland and has been a member of Ngaiire’s band for the last decade. Tully has taught drums at Sydney’s JMC Academy for over 10 years.