Twelve years after moving to Maitland at 15-years-old from Dungog, Marla is carving out a name for herself in the local music scene, performing gigs recently at The Levee, The Junkyard and Newcastle's Family Hotel.

A photographer and picture framer by day, Marla said she's not sure that a full time music career is necessarily the goal, because she likes to have a few projects simmering away at once.

Marla released her second single Call Me Out in February, after receiving great reviews from her debut single Tsunami in 2021.

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Marla's musical obsession was kick started in primary school when she first sat down at her mum's beautiful upright piano in primary school and started taking lessons.

"Then I started learning guitar and writing music when I was about 11-years-old," she said.

"I've always written music in a few different styles and have wanted to further explore alt-rock songs with the intent of a full band accompaniment."

Marla's sound can be described as indie-folk, influenced by "big scuzzy band sounds and power-pop influenced build ups".

"I think my favourite description anyone has given my music is 'emotional-growth-bop', credit to Matthew Petherbridge for that one," she said.

"I have been told by a handful of people that my songs have made them cry, my gigs are a fun time until you listen to the lyrics closely."

An advocate for art of all forms, Marla said she thinks it's extremely important to support local art, and that some leaders don't understand how enriching it is.

"It's so incredibly undervalued, and also misunderstood, how much learning and growth comes from the arts," she said.

"The arts - in all of its forms - is one of the most incredible tools we have to give people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, gender, race, abilities or socio-economic status, opportunities to learn and explore everything.

"From history to science, to geography, to politics, to religion, to social justice issues and even just the opportunity to do something without forking out money, I cannot for the life of me fathom the idea that art is pointless or a 'lifestyle choice'.

"That absolutely stems from a lack of support and also a lack of willingness from leaders to better understand how the arts enriches and supports people's lives."

Marla said she thinks we have a beautiful little community here in Maitland.

"People who live here are always wanting to meet the people around them and take interest in one another's passions," she said.

"I love that I can be walking home from anywhere and just about always bump into a friendly face who asks how I am and what I've been up to, and I love that I always see local faces at shows."

You can listen to Marla's music on Spotify, bandcamp and triple j Unearthed.