Avalon’s Tilli Kay has performed twice at Night at the Barracks, and now she’s making her own path
Singer-songwriter Tilli Kay says there was never really a ‘pinpoint time’ in her life when she decided to give music a go. After high school many students experience the stress of decision making and career experimentation. Tilli, however, always knew that music was for her. “It was never really a question. I just knew that was what I was going to do, and I was never worried or bothered by people who asked me ‘What if it doesn’t work out?’”
The upstairs room of the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater brings in up-and-coming artists from all over the Northern Beaches. ‘Bombies Upstairs’ ties the community of the beaches together, and for Tilli Kay, this small room has been ‘so special’ in the making of her career. In June last year, Tilli launched her single Crossroads in Bombies to a packed room. “The energy in there was so incredible and so fun. When you have an audience that has that vibe, it makes it so easy to have the best time on stage. I miss it!”
Tilli’s love for music has been there from the very beginning. “I can’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t singing or doing something with music.” As a young girl, her grandmother taught her how to sing, and she has always experienced an abundance of music appreciation around her. Growing older, she slowly fell in love with the process of songwriting and music making and has never thought about her life being any other way. High school was where Tilli was able to foster and experiment with her music and confidence. After school at the Sydney Conservatorium, Tilli collaborated with and met an array of musicians. “Meeting people and being surrounded by such talented people makes you want to keep going,” she says.
The Avalon-based singer started her journey performing covers at local pubs as a solo musician, until her friend and guitarist Noah Bloom, winner of the Theo Batten Youth Art Award, needed a support act for his show. “He texted me and said, ‘By the way you’re opening for our next show,’ so I got some of my mates together to create a band. Having those ideas and having my music be brought to life like that with other people felt crazy.”
Tilli’s genre of music can be described as indie rock that also blends bits of country and pop, but the musician is excited to tap into different styles in her coming music. “I’ve been leaning into sounds that are a bit darker, and I just go with whatever feels most natural for me. If it feels like me, then that’s the part that excites me.”
Tilli supported The Rions on their recent regional tour, seen here at The Mona
From starting out in local pubs to now having performed twice for Night at the Barracks – and supported world-famous Beaches band The Rions – Tilli is slowly paving a road for herself. After supporting Jessica Mauboy in 2024 at The Barracks, and Missy Higgins last year, Tilli describes her night at North Head as a real ‘pinch-me moment.’ The event sees thousands of attendees each year, and has been a significant draw for audiences since its inception.
As for her family, they are Tilli’s number one fans, with her mum and sister being front row at many of her gigs. “Their support means a lot to me, and they give me more than enough. Having them be so supportive makes me excited to continue doing it.”
Tilli is constantly sitting in her room writing music. As of now, she has her two singles Crossroads and Clothes both on Spotify, which are ‘only tasters’ for what’s to come. She has endless support from her loved ones and the community on the Beaches, and is excited to see more of it. “It’s important to show up for people. It feels so nice to see people care and appreciate you, so (know that the support) goes much further than you think it does.”
Instagram: tillikay / Spotify: Tilli Kay
