By BEN CAMERON
AFTER winning the Berwick Show’s Star Search competition last year, local singer Shanelle Jacobs will return to headline the event’s long list of musical talent on offer.
Since winning Casey Idol in the secondary section at age 16, Shanelle has been a familiar face and voice at community events, performing at Australia Day ceremonies and Relay for Life.
Shanelle, who began singing at age nine, will perform at the show with her new band, alongside The Good Nicks, The Evercold and country singer Nia Robertson.
“I’ve always loved singing as a little girl,” she said.
“I was going to a dance school at the time and one of the teachers happened to be a singer.
“So my mum approached her and asked if she would be interested in teaching me how to sing.
“Ever since then, I have loved singing and would one day love for it to be a career choice, however I am realistic and know that all income can’t come from a singing job.”
The 20-year-old, who has played gigs at the esteemed The Evelyn in Fitzroy, said she was looking forward to having the backing of a full band.
“I used to get nervous getting up on stage always worried I would forget my words,” she said.
“As I got older, I realised how much I loved it, especially in a band scenario, I love having creative control in the music other than singing with backing tracks.
“I think having a band performing with you creates such an awesome dynamic and makes being up on stage worth it, sharing each other’s enthusiasm and adrenalin when performing is like nothing else.”
Shanelle also played a role in helping organise the Casey Flood Benefit in 2011.
“That event was supposed to be a different performance but since the floods happened the week before, they changed the event to raise money for the community,” she said.
Also a painter, Shanelle has turned her attention to new project, Tilyan, an arts and entertainment venture.
“Instead of using my name on the paintings I used Tilyan, the word is the combination of tiger and lion was something my friend and I were playing around with,” she said.
“I thought it was pretty unique so I went with it. I’m hoping to open a cafe one day and then the name will carry on to that business.”
