REDLAND musician Naree Stariha hopes her debut song, Dream Maker, will encourage people to keep believing in a brighter future and perhaps pick up an instrument, dance or sing along.
The original blues, rock and soul track launches on Spotify and YouTube tomorrow after being co-written with acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Rick Price through a program encouraging people to write music.
For Stariha, 42, it marks a major personal milestone.
“It is the first song I’ve ever written. I am so grateful for this opportunity,” she said.
Having endured personal trauma and what she describes as “a rough few years”, Stariha said she deliberately wanted Dream Maker to be a message of hope rather than a reflection on the difficult times.
“If things get you down, there is always that chance to dream about something better,” she said.
“I don’t want to write about the terrible things. I want other people to be happy. I want them to pick up an instrument, dance or sing. I want this song to make a difference.”
Music has been part of Stariha’s life since she was three years old.
She was a member of the Johnny Young Talent School and has performed in shopping centres, bands and corporate gigs over the years.
Her event credits include performing with a live Brisbane funk-rock band, Christmas by Starlight, Eat Street and the Redlands Coast carols.
“Music is what gives me the lift and takes me away from the edge. It helps me come out the other end,” she said.
“In fact, I have come out the other end.”
Stariha said the support of others during difficult moments had reinforced the importance of checking in on people.
“The number of times people have called me or reached out just at the right moment has saved my life. It’s been a miracle,” she said.
“It’s important to always offer support, no matter what.
“Sometimes picking up a phone and giving a call is enough.”
A member of a Redland pioneering family through her mother’s Benfer connection, Stariha attended Ormiston and Moreton Bay colleges.
She hopes the new release finds an audience beyond streaming platforms.
“I would love to make this song not only stream on Spotify and YouTube but hopefully on radio too,” she said.
Dream Maker is available from tomorrow via gyro.to/DreamMaker.
