Meet Arabella Starling, Port Stephens' Teen Singer-Songwriter

At just 15, local singer-songwriter Arabella Starling is already making a name for herself well beyond our local stages. Her next show is at the St Philip's Christian College Fair on Friday 16 October.

A young voice with stories to tell

Locals may already know Arabella from her regular sets at The Wood Oven. In January, she was named a top 5 finalist in the CCMA Junior Songwriter of the Year, and she recently graduated from the CMAA Junior Academy of Country Music. Not bad for someone who only started writing her own songs three years ago.

Honest songs about real feelings

Arabella describes her music as melodic stories about human emotions and relationships. Her songs draw on her own experiences, and she aims to capture feelings in a fresh way that still rings true for anyone listening.

When she first started writing, she found inspiration in Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams and Fleetwood Mac, and you can hear that mix of heartfelt storytelling and strong melody in her work.

From singing lessons to the stage

Arabella began singing lessons with Megan Spiller at The Studio when she was six, and music quickly became a big part of her life. That love of singing soon grew into musical theatre, with roles in a string of St Philip's Christian College productions:

• Mrs Potts in Beauty and the Beast Jr. (2021)
• Fiona in Shrek Jr. (2023)
• Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr. (2025)
• Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes (most recently)

At around 12, she discovered songwriting. "It's amazing how something so simple can change people's lives and make them feel understood," she says. Looking back, she can see how each step as a performer helped shape the path she is on today.

The song that opened doors

One original Arabella is especially proud of is Fun and Games, the song that earned her a finalist spot in the CCMA Junior Songwriter of the Year 2026. She wrote it just over a year ago while reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and the book's storyline and themes shaped the song. She says it opened a lot of doors for her as a songwriter.

Her most memorable moment so far came earlier this year, when she performed with country star Amber Lawrence on her Cowgirl to Me Tour in the Hunter Valley. Arabella calls Amber an amazing performer and a real inspiration.

Where to catch her live

St Philip's Christian College Fair, Friday 16 October. Arabella will be playing some of her original music at this year's fair. She describes it as a fun, supportive evening and recommends families come along for the entertainment, food and fireworks.

The Wood Oven. Arabella performs regularly at The Wood Oven and says it has given her a safe, supportive place to grow as a performer and try out new material. Her sets mix originals with covers that span the generations, from Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles to Vance Joy, so there is something for everyone. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.

What's next

Arabella is busy writing new songs, including some Christmas music she hopes to perform at the Fly Point Carols later this year. She is also booking gigs and entering competitions for the 2027 Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.

Follow Arabella on Instagram, and YouTube at ArabellaStarlingMusic. She is available for bookings at parties, markets and events.