From Community Radio to triple j: How Anika Luna Proves There’s Space for You in Music
Live music and radio have always been spaces where young people discover their voices, and Anika Luna is living proof of where that journey can take you. From her first taste of community radio at just 15 years old, to now hosting ‘Home and Hosed’ on triple j, Anika shows that when you have passion, community, and the courage to start, there’s a place for you in music.
For the past eight years, Anika has made her name championing new artists and fostering community on and off the airwaves. One of the highlights of her work is creating opportunities for emerging artists. She still lights up remembering when she recommended Melbourne band “Play Lunch” for a breakfast segment, an early spin that led to a viral moment which opened doors for the band. With boundless energy, she constantly turns up – sometimes to 3 or more gigs in a night - proving to young people that the music industry holds more opportunities than they might imagine, you just have to look.
Luna wants young people to see the breadth of careers that music can offer. She points out that the industry is full of unexpected roles tailored to all kinds of skills and interests, “there are jobs for very specific niche things that really cater to your skill set or your interests.” She says, “a space like The Push is really awesome, because they want to help young people and can show you possibilities that you might not have been across before.”
For Anika, the message to young people is clear: don’t wait until you’re ready, start now. “The worst piece of content you make is already better than the best piece of content you never make,” she says. “Create stuff and put it out there… create a demo, join a community radio station, start a podcast with your friends… and if you just start, you never know, somebody might connect with it.”
And at the heart of it all? Community. “Anything that you can do in community, building your community, just creates more substantial foundations for you. A) as a person, but then B) within your career.”
At The Push, we see that every day. Young people learning by doing. Backstage, on stage, and behind the mixing desk. Whether it’s our All-Ages team working alongside Concetta and Luka on-air at triple j’s One Night Stand in Busselton, or young people stepping into industry placements through our programs, we love to see young people actively participating in Australian music.
Through our Music Industry Mentoring Program, Music Careers Expo, and hands-on training workshops, we’re creating spaces where young people get to try, fail, learn, and grow. Spaces where they can see what’s possible, and take their first steps towards it.
Because like Anika’s journey shows, music careers aren’t built overnight. They’re built in the moments you show up, connect with community, and take that first step.
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