Moves Like… Molly

Whether on stage, in the studio, or lost in a sea of spreadsheets Molly’s practice is grounded in collaboration and kindness.

Molly Keen is an emerging singer, songwriter, producer, and performer from the Gold Coast, with a love for all things storytelling.

As a recent graduate from Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium of Music where she majored in Popular Music Voice, we thought Molly was the perfect match to join our Producing team for Those who Rock by Joseph (JOF) O’Farrell as part of her Professional Placement with us supported by the City of Gold Coast.

As Molly shares below, her experience has had a transformational impact on her next steps in career development, reinforcing her passion for project management alongside her performing and teaching work as a stunning vocalist.

From communicating with hundreds of participants, gilding through the hustle and bustle of event delivery mode, to belting out Simply The Best as part of the community workshops, Molly has fully embraced her time with Everybody NOW and it was wonderful to have her as part of our team.

Take five with Molly as we find out what moves her!

Question 1

What are three things about you that we won’t find in your bio?

I LOVE animals! I have a beautiful dog named Beanie and am desperately trying to overcome my cat allergy.
I do not like the taste of coffee at all! Perhaps this will change, but for now if I say “let’s grab a coffee” I will in fact not be grabbing a coffee, and I actually mean a yummy juice or choccy frappe.
I love being near the ocean! I love an early morning swim or walk along the beach.

Question 2

Who are your art crushes? (an official Everybody NOW! term for people / artists / collaborators whom you love working with or love their work)

There are so many! Being a vocalist, Ella Fitzgerald has always inspired me with her incredible talent. Lizzy McAlpine and Laufey are big songwriting inspirations, and at the moment I am really loving Sabrina Carpenter! However, my biggest art crushes are the wonderful humans I am so lucky to work with and learn from.

Question 3

Stage and Spreadsheets, now there's a powerful combination! What are your thoughts on straddling both worlds of creative practice and managing the day-to-day business of being an artist?

It is certainly wacky! It is two completely different modes and skillsets. I think autonomy and agency in your own practice is so important (yay spreadsheets), however know when you need to switch into performance and artist mode. My top tips would be to lean on your team and have tangible strategies that work for you, such as getting ready, listening to music, or going for a walk, so that when you step out on stage, the beautifully colour coded spreadsheets have been left at the door.

Question 4

What was your highlight from your placement with Everybody NOW?

My highlight was the wonderful people I got to work with. Working and learning under the guidance of Pru Wilson and Kate Baggerson from Everybody NOW! was incredible and overcoming my fears to embrace the experience was a real personal accomplishment.

I loved the lead up, I loved the buzz of the event day, I loved the challenges, I loved people making music together, I loved wearing a 2 way radio!

It has really confirmed to me where I want to be heading in my practice.

Being at the start of my career can feel a little overwhelming at times not knowing how it is all going to unfold, however, this is also very exciting to now be moving into the industry as a professional.

Question 5

The purpose of our organisation is To Move Communities – that movement can manifest in many ways; physically, socially, emotionally, and culturally. To be moved and to move together. What moves you?

Making real connections and sharing stories.

What I love so much about music is the way it brings people together through shared emotions and experiences, in a moment that will never happen the same way again. This is what I loved about Those Who Rock, witnessing so many people, each with their own unique story, come together on the HOTA Outdoor Stage. It’s something I’ll will never forget.

The Professional Placement Program is supported through the City of Gold Coast designed to help emerging to mid-career arts workers gain paid experience in a professional arts and cultural setting, supported by a mentor.

Moves Like… Molly

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