Doonan music sensation Marshall Hamburger is loving every aspect of his Australian Idol experience as he this week became one of only six remaining contestants in the Channel Seven reality show that is nearing its final stages.
The 19-year-old self-professed nerd and gamer has had a lifelong passion for music. He remembers his earliest performance in Noosa at one of his parents’ shows.
As his dad played piano Marshall sat on his lap and sang for the crowd.
A singer, songwriter and pianist Marshall grew up in a musical family with parents who toured the world as a 70s-80s cover band and have a music school and recording studio at Doonan.
Despite the familiarity he admits he still struggled with anxiety and perfectionism but being on the show has helped him overcome his nerves, with little time to think about it as he works to a tight schedule.
“We have about three days to get a song ready for performance. I’m learning to do things to the best of my ability and be happy with it and move on,“ he said.
The show’s next performances are themed around heroes and tributes.
Marshall said he tossed around a bunch of songs before landing on a “sort of soul, groovy 80s tune“ that he was happy to dedicate to his special person and one that would “be cool to bring to the judges“ Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark.
His preparation before each show is intense.
“I’m singing the song in my hotel room by myself over and over again – more than 50 times,“ Marshall said.
“Then we go the Coliseum, which is the theatre and rehearse it with the music team, ironing out any kinks in it, then we rehearse it on stage. With that it’s about four rehearsals on stage, three rehearsals with the music team. There’s definitely lots of chances to get the song right, make sure everything’s working well.“
Being on Australian Idol has given him a glimpse into a musical future he’d like to live the rest of his life.
“Everything about this whole experience is so cool,“ Marshall said. “I do have a preference for the music side, obviously, being a musician. The music side is just outstanding. I love working with such experienced and talented musos. Honestly it’s such a joy. And I also love all the other things that come with the show, all the wardrobe fittings, all the makeup and glamming up, any of the celebrity events that we go to.
During his Idol experience Marshall has drawn support from his parents and his friends.
“My parents have given me lots of advice over the years,“ he said.
“Sometimes I ask their advice. We sort of workshop a bit of vocals. The performance side of it is mostly me. I ask for help if I’m struggling with a note.
“My parents try to be here a couple of days before the performance to make sure my head is in the game and I haven’t forgotten anything and I’m doing everything right. They fly back and forth to make sure everything is OK at home as well.“
Marshall has been grateful for the support he has received from his friends and the Noosa community.
When he returns to Noosa he aims to thank everyone by performing a free concert, then work toward his future dreams.
“After the show is over the important thing to do is to work hard. I am prepared to work really hard to get to this thing everyone is vying for,“ he said.
“I definitely really want this to be the rest of my life.“
With a bunch of original songs he has written, ready to go on his laptop, part of Marshall’s plan after the show is to release and perform original music.
“I’ve been working on writing and trying to find my style. I’ve got a couple of songs that are really me,“ he said.
“I want to work on those with some professional producers and workshop that into full-on songs.“
Australian Idol returns on Sunday night at 7pm and Marshall needs your vote to stay in the competition.
The winner will receive $100,000 in prize money and an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios.
