ULLAH is one of the rising indie stars playing Ones to Watch at Mojos on Thursday.
Showcasing up-and-coming artists, the Live Nation event has helped launch the careers of international stars including Halsey, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa and Lewis Capaldi. It’s the first time the event has been held in WA.
Perth singer-songwriter Ullah has already had some serious airplay on Triple J with her infectious track I want it All and has supported household names on tour including James Taylor and Tom Jones.
Mixing aching melodies, introspective lyrics and lo-fi production, Ullah’s music is honest, original and heartfelt.
• (above) Mariae Cassandra and (below) Ullah are two of the artists performing at Ones to Watch in Fremantle.
“I think many things inspire what I write about, usually those themes being the ordinarily lovely and not so lovely things that we all experience… insecurities, fears of the future, acknowledging mortality, hope, dreams and drive!” she says.
Her quirky introspection is on full show in her latest track If I were a Fish, a clever take on relationships and self-image.
The jangly guitars and clever chord progression make it a memorable listen.
“I have so many musical influencers all from different points in my life,” Ullah says.
“In early childhood, Missy Higgins The Sound Of White was on constant replay, James Taylor, Matt Corby and Bon Iver too.
“As I have gotten older it has shifted to artists such as Alice Phoebe Lou, Julia Jacklin, Babehoven and Nuria Graham. All of which have heavily impacted my writing style and the way I communicate my emotions through music.”
Ullah says supporting big names like James Taylor and Tom Jones initially caused her “sleepless nights”, but once on-stage the nerves disappeared.
“What I learnt from those experiences was that the pressure I was putting on myself was not changing the performance,” she says. “Because there were so many people I found it easier to step back and enjoy the experience for what it was.
“An amazing opportunity. In fact, it was more important to enjoy it and be present, as when I was present I was able to find a few people in the crowd to connect to.”
Since bursting onto the music scene in 2021, Ullah has played extensively in Perth and Fremantle, and has shared the bill with artists like Great Gable, Billie Marten and Fool Nelson. Ullah’s releasing another single in the next couple of months and is putting the finishing touches to a new EP.
Also on the Ones to Watch bill are indie trio Ghost Care and teen indie sensation Mariae Cassandra.
Ghost Care have toured consistently across Australia, selling out headline shows in Perth and supporting the likes of The VANNS and Spacey Jane.
Mariae Cassandra has enjoyed a meteoric rise since winning the Triple J Unearthed High competition in the second half of 2024. Her debut single Cassie has more than 100,000 streams and she’s influenced by artists like beabadoobee and Clairo.
Ones to Watch is at Mojos Bar in North Freo on Thursday July 3. For more info see www.mojosbar.com.au.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK