NEXT weekend, one of Port Macquarie’s most iconic laneways will become the stage for a nationally recognised local rapper.
Hideaway Festival will take over Phillips Lane and transform it into a colourful, electrifying festival showcasing local artists that is free for all to attend.
Sixteen-year-old First Nations rapper Tyler Saunders (known professionally as TooLa) will be a highlight of the event, travelling from Taree to perform for a Port Macquarie audience.
His musical journey began with busking on the street at just three years old. Today he is working on his very own EP titled Reborn, from which he will perform the first unreleased track at Hideaway Festival.
“I would describe my music as unique. It’s a sound that’s always been there, but no one’s found it like I have,” Saunders said.
Despite his age, the young artist already has notable achievements that include reaching 10,000 streams on his song ‘Float’, and winning the Triple J 2026 Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative.
“TooLa is a world I’ve built around myself, and it means so much to me because it’s a space where I get to express my feelings and not feel judged,” Saunders said.
While influenced by American rappers, Saunders believes his real inspiration is his family, culture and the fact he has spent his entire life indulging in music.
His performance will mark a milestone in his career, which is his first ever live show. However, his music ambition does not stop there.
“My goals for music over the next couple of years are to influence everyone and take Australia and the world by storm, and prove to young Aboriginal kids that are just like me that you can do it,” Saunders said.
“I want to set an example.”
The Hideaway Festival will take place on the afternoon of 3 October.
Saunders said, “it’s time to put on an insane show. Put your hands up, jump a little, go crazy, ’cause that’s what I’ll be doing.”
By Shalise LEESFIELD
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