Open Studio
A bespoke co-working space for musicians and industry professionals to gather once a month to share skills, collaborate and further their creative development.
This year’s program was facilitated by Anthony McIlwain (Grim Tilla) and Prudence Illingworth (Prudns).
Open Studio is supported by @ableton
2026 Open Studio Participants
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Aurpan
Aurpan Kar is a young rapper, producer and artist based in Canberra, ACT, known for his genre-blending approach that mixes hip-hop, R&B and electronic influences with vibey, melodic soundscapes. His work ranges from catchy hip-hop tracks like Keep Me In Mind to experimental and dance-inspired singles such as BOOTH, reflecting a creative style that pushes beyond traditional rap boundaries and highlights his versatility as both a songwriter and beat-maker.
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Leila
Emerging from the nation's capital - Leila is a Country/pop singer-songwriter, with a unique tone & honest, raw storytelling that has proven to leave audiences craving more. Leila has set the scene for her music journey, opening for artists such as Bella Mackenzie (AU), The Eurogliders (AU) , Killing Heidi's Ella Hooper (AU), Fatai (AU) , Emma Pask (AU), and Nathan Cavaleri (AU). Performing in front of thousands, this emerging talent has captivated audiences around ACT, NSW, VIC & QLD.
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Mackenzie Sakaal
SAKAAL is an emerging R&B and soul artist born in Zambia and now based in Canberra, Australia, whose music blends emotive vocals with smooth contemporary R&B and soul, telling personal stories through intimate melodies and heartfelt performance. She’s been featured at live music events including Music in Exile Showcase and has won Pass The Mic Canberra, performing in the Sydney final, while also curating her own intimate live series like Lounge Room Sessions.
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Marcus Freeman
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Ophelia Sabine
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Ruben Hinton
Ruben Hinton is a pianist, keyboardist and emerging musician active in the Canberra music scene, often featured performing jazz, improvised and contemporary ensemble pieces in university and community music events — including ensemble concerts and student showcases at the ANU School of Music.
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Shethran Karthika
Shethran Karthika is a Canberra-based producer and creative organiser who’s active in the city’s live music and hip-hop scene. He’s known for producing tracks and beats online for local artists through collaborations and shared content. He’s also a key figure hosting and co-organising shows with local collectives like Bodega Collective and venues such as UCLivex.
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Skip Coble
Skip Coble is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music blends rock and roots influences with honest storytelling about travel, friendship, love and spirituality. His work spans introspective acoustic pieces to foot-stomping electric rock, reflecting a wide emotional and stylistic range that draws on blues, folk and classic rock traditions.
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Winston Reed
Winston Reed is a Canberra-based DJ and selector known for bringing warm, groove-driven energy to the city’s dance floors. Blending disco, funk, soul and global rhythms, his sets move between classic cuts and deep selections, creating vibrant, community-focused dance experiences.
2025 Open Studio Participants
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Gavin
Gavin (stage name: gavino) is an up and coming local RnB artist similar to the likes of Brent Faiyaz, Daniel Caesar, and Frank Ocean, with a unique blend of HipHop in his music. gavino is a talented pianist, lyricist, and performer with an intermediate experience in production. He possesses the dedication to spark the wave of RnB in Canberra, which he feels is soon.
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Mitchell
Mitch is an aspiring music producer, video game composer, and the lead vocalist in the Canberra band Salty Goodness.
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Prudence
Prudns is an alt-pop architect, crafting intricate, emotionally charged worlds from her bedroom studio. A singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, she composes every detail, layering ethereal harmonies, kinetic drum samples, and field recordings into genre-blurring soundscapes.
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