A Redland Bay student is living the dream singing and performing with fellow young artists in Brisbane.
After receiving more than 4500 public votes and making it to the grand final, 18-year-old Tyla Rodrigues was selected as a backup vocalist in 97.3FM radio's The Band That Brisbane Built.
The radio station is putting the band together with young performers under 18-years-old to follow in the footsteps of other top Brisbane groups like Powderfinger, The Veronicas and Savage Garden.
Ms Rodrigues' mother entered her daughter in the competition without her knowledge, but it has turned out to be a life changing experience.
Ms Rodrigues said she was honoured to be a part of the group and was making the most of their rehearsals so far.
"Getting the call from Robin and Terry was the greatest surprise I have ever gotten in my life," she said,
"After hearing that I was going to get the opportunity to sing in the band as well as play the guitar, I couldn't wait to get into the rehearsal room and meet with the band,"
"There is nothing better than a room full of super talented musicians who are all eager to have a good time and make a great sound, and everyone involved is super down to earth which made for a great environment."
On top of her music commitments, the Carmel College student is also studying nursing while finishing her senior year at high school.
She said she hoped to use the experience to grow her music career and make a name for herself on a bigger stage, and even have a go at writing her own music.
"I would love to start gigging and performing at public venues in the near future, me and my guitar," Ms Rodrigues said.
"Playing and singing in the band has forced me to get more confident with my guitar, so hopefully eventually I can get out there and be singing with the guitar under my arm on my own, as well as performing with the band.
"Being part of 'The Band Brisbane Built' has not only given me the greatest opportunity to meet other talented artists but it has also made truth of the fact that it is possible to make the thing that you love more than just a hobby."