Futuration: The New Wave of Australian Music Led by Benny Gregs
If you haven’t heard of Benny Gregs yet, brace yourself; the name is about to become synonymous with Australia’s vibrant music scene. As the Founder and Director of Futuration, Gregs is not just reshaping the landscape of music in Australia; he’s revolutionising it, championing exceptional talent from every corner of the country.
Last Saturday evening, The Palms at Crown played host to a mesmerising showcase of Australia’s finest young performers, igniting the stage with raw talent and infectious energy. Following the success of Futuration’s sold-out debut in 2024, this latest event was a testament to Gregs’ commitment to elevating emerging artists, particularly those aged 15 to 24.
As I settled into my seat, anticipation was in the air. The opening was dynamite and included the most incredible dancers, band, and stage theatrics. The crowd, buzzed with excitement, as we began to witness the magic of our incredibly talented younger generation unfold. Every performance left an indelible mark, but a few artists truly stood out.
One of the evening’s highlights was the 15-year-old sensation Max Crouch. He took the stage alongside fellow 15-year-old Chloe Walton for a stunning rendition of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. Their harmonies were nothing short of breathtaking, enveloping the audience in a wave of nostalgia and emotion. But it was Crouch’s solo performance that truly brought the house down.
Armed with just his guitar and an extraordinary voice, he delivered a heart-wrenching performance that had the audience in tears. The depth of his emotion and artistry was a reminder that age is just a number when it comes to talent. To see such a young talent, embrace music and give his passion his all was so moving. It was a reminder to encourage our youth to get off their devices and discover other opportunities that await them to be enjoyed.
Max said, “Futuration allowed me to be part of an amazing creative community. The support during rehearsal and performance was like nothing I have ever been part of.
I have always loved singing, but I started lessons when I was 10 and I taught myself the guitar when I was 13. The guitar has allowed me to define who I am as an artist.
What I want and what I have always wanted is to make people feel something through my music . I would love to have a career as a performer, and I feel like Futuration was a really important step towards this goal.”
Another standout was Erica Padilla, a viral sensation with 1.2 million TikTok followers and emerging career poised for greatness. Her presence on stage was electrifying, showcasing not only her vocal prowess but also her undeniable dance ability and charisma with the crowd. With a background that includes being a Eurovision talent, Padilla effortlessly captivated all.
With performers like Crouch and Padilla, it’s clear that Futuration is a breeding ground for the next generation of Australian music stars. Benny Gregs has an extraordinary eye for talent, and his dedication to nurturing young artists is evident in every event. The atmosphere at The Palms was not just one of entertainment, but of celebration of youth, creativity, and the rich tapestry of musical talent flourishing across Australia. I honesty hope this ends up on an Australian broadcasting channel with Benny as the host.
As Futuration continues to amplify these incredible performers, it’s only a matter of time before Benny Gregs becomes a household name synonymous with the next wave of Australian music.
Photography by Brittany Long.
Written by Melinda Sullivan.
For more visit https://www.instagram.com/futurationau/ and https://www.facebook.com/p/Futuration-Cabaret-100095534017378/
