Zella Benko is a young Australian singer-songwriter whose music blends contemporary pop with poetic lyrical depth.

Zella throws catchy hooks into her storytelling, and is inspired by indie-folk-country influences.

She writes, sings, arranges, and self-produces

her songs.

Zella races home with an irrepressible need to create

Bedroom doors close, harmonies stacked in minutes

Awards & Recognitions

  • Vocal & Songwriting Champion: Multiple 1st Place wins in local, national & international eisteddfods, including Sydney Eisteddfod Contemporary Vocal section, Junior Singer of the Year Reserve Finalist,

  • Songwriting Acclaim: Finalist Vanda & Young Global Song Comp Top 100, Semifinalist ISC International Songwriting Competition (results pending), Top 10 finalist Australian Songwriters Association (All Ages, Contemporary/Pop/Dance); Finalist & Semifinalist, UK Songwriting Competition Pop Category (open age)

  • Festival Ready: 45-minute entirely original set Tamworth Country Music Festival 2026, Maroubra Sound Waves Festival Jan 2026, Cobargo Folk Festival 45min set

  • Stage Experience: Sydney and regional performances

  • Recording Artist: Completed first professional demo, ready to produce her debut album

Working with Zella…

Phoebe Celeste-Humphreys, Vocal coach & mentor, Celestial Studios

“Working collaboratively to sculpt and refine Zella’s natural vocal tone & agility has been nothing but a pleasure over the past 18 months as her vocal coach. Zella natural musicality in her voice is equally reflected in her passion & writing ability, I haven’t ever come across a young song writer such as Zella, with a gentle spirit to match. I have no doubt she will go far.”

Brad White, Producer & Sound Engineer, Forbes St Studios

Brad White, Producer & Sound Engineer, Forbes St Studios
“I had the pleasure of working with Zella at Forbes Street Studios this year. Before the session, I spoke with her and her mum, Naomi, over FaceTime to chat about her music and what she hoped to get out of the day. After our call, Naomi sent me a Pages document Zella had put together with a collection of voice memos alongside her lyrics. I was genuinely taken aback by her harmonies on those voice notes and the unique, organised way she presented her song ideas.

During the session, Zella and Naomi were super friendly and really easy to hang out with. Zella’s creativity, talent, and focus are well beyond her years. She came in with strong production ideas, and when it came time to record vocals, she nailed most of them on the first take — seriously impressive.

What stands out the most to me, though, is how much Zella truly loves making music. In a time where so many artists can seem focused on “fame and numbers,” she’s simply obsessed with the craft itself, which is something I really admire and relate to.
I’d absolutely recommend any producer work with Zella and would work with her again anytime. The whole process was enjoyable, and both Zella and Naomi are incredibly easy-going, lovely people.”