EMERAULD
MUSIC AND LIVE PERFORMANCE AWARD
NOMINATED FOR
Adelaide
Profiles on this page have been prepared and submitted by nominees or their representatives as part of the South Australian Pride Awards process. Content reflects the words, achievements, and information provided in those submissions. Pride Adelaide has not edited profiles beyond minor formatting or clarity adjustments. Inclusion on this page does not represent an endorsement, assessment, or ranking and does not influence the independent judging process.
How would you describe yourself or your work in one sentence?
Emerauld: the gender bent indie rock lesbo you didn’t know you needed.
Tell us a little about what you do
I’m Emerauld, a 20-year-old indie folk/rock artist from regional South Australia known for radically honest lyrics and powerhouse vocals exploring identity, self-worth and the experience of growing up queer. I began writing and releasing music at 14 and at 16 reached the Top 28 on Australian Idol. My songwriting has also been recognised through Triple J Unearthed High and my latest releases placed #32 and #50 in SA’s Sickest 100 for 2025.
I’ve performed at major South Australian events including WOMADelaide (2023 & 2025), Feast Festival (2024 & 2025), Pride of the South, Pride Gala, New Found Sound, Scouted and IndieFest with my band regularly playing at Adelaide’s best original music venues. We’ve also recently been announced on the lineup for the 3rd Annual Transgenre Festival alongside a powerhouse lineup of queer artists!
Alongside performing, I have facilitated songwriting and band workshops for young people through Carclew and Northern Sound System, helping create accessible and inclusive spaces for anyone wanting to explore music and identity.
What impact or achievement are you most proud of this year?
One of my key impacts has been mentoring young creatives and helping them access music opportunities they may not otherwise have had. Over the past four years, while building my own career, I have facilitated more than 20 workshops, panel events and holiday band programs, supporting mostly young people to write original songs, form bands and perform on stage for the first time.
In 2023, I partnered with Sureway Employment and Training to deliver songwriting and music workshops in regional communities including Berri and Mount Gambier, helping ensure that people outside metropolitan areas could access creative opportunities and mentorship.
A key outcome of this work has been building confidence and a sense of creative belonging. Many participants arrive unsure of their abilities or identity and leave having written their first song, performed publicly, or connected with other young creatives. Supporting that shift from hesitation to pride has been one of the most meaningful achievements of my work so far.
Why does your work matter to the community?
Growing up queer, I often felt out of place and unsure where I belonged. Music gave me a way to process that and connect with others. Being open about my identity as a young artist has allowed me to show that queer stories deserve to be heard and not quietly, but proudly and publicly.
Through both my music and mentoring, I try to create the kinds of spaces I wish I’d had growing up like places where young people can experiment, ask questions and express themselves without fear of judgment.
For many young people, especially queer young people, simply seeing someone like them writing songs, performing on stages and leading workshops can be powerful. My goal is to help people feel less alone, more confident in who they are and inspired to create something meaningful of their own.
What would you like voters to know when voting for you?
At just 20 years old, Emerauld is already making a powerful impact across South Australia using music, performance and mentoring to champion queer visibility and empower young people to find their voice and confidence through creativity.