Noongar rapper JAEQ has released his latest single 'Stay True,' with a short film premiering alongside the track as part of the GRID Series Outer Perth artist development program.

The artist from the South West of Western Australia, who is now based in Mandurah just south of Boorloo/Perth, has been developing his craft through the national program while working with mentors and producers across the industry.

Music has been part of JAEQ's life for as long as he can remember, he said, shaped by early influences and a love for hip-hop which started during his school years.

"I've always had a lot of love for music, JAEQ said.

"I grew up on old school music, like Eminem, 50 Cent, Dr Dre.

"I used to sit there in class and learn all the lyrics for songs real quickly and just sit there rapping them."

Freestyling with friends eventually turned that interest into something more serious, particularly after the loss of a close friend several years ago.

The experience pushed him to pursue the path they once talked about together.

"Since then I've just kind of tried to follow mine and his vision," JAEQ said.

"He always said he's seen something in me, so I've got to follow that vision and try to make him and everyone else proud."

Those experiences continue to shape the themes in his music.

Rather than focusing on image or popularity, JAEQ writes about mental health, personal struggles and the realities of his upbringing.

"A lot of my music is based on mental health, so I feel like I write my music for a reason," JAEQ said.

"I've got an actual story to tell."

The GRID Series Outer Perth program helped develop that voice further.

Delivered locally by First Nations Focus, the initiative connects emerging artists with industry mentors, producers and filmmakers.

For JAEQ, working alongside figures such as First Nations Focus founder Tani Walker (PNG) and Noongar hip-hop artist Flewnt (Josh Eggington) became an important part of that experience.

The mentorship extended beyond studio sessions and performances, offering guidance on how to grow both personally and professionally within the industry.

"It's been awesome and I'm beyond grateful for it [GRID]," JAEQ said.

"To have people that are deep in the industry actually sit down and give their time to me and believe in me.

"It's really opened up my eyes."

Working with Flewnt in particular left a strong impression.

The Noongar artist, who has gained national attention for his music and appearances including America's Got Talent, provided both mentorship and inspiration throughout the program.

As part of the GRID Series, artists were paired with producers to develop new music.

JAEQ worked with producer JCal, whose previous credits include work with artists such as Ziggy Ramo and Mali Jose.

Their collaboration resulted in 'Stay True', a track written during a period when the rapper was balancing work, personal challenges and trying to find direction in his life.

"I was juggling trying to make money and going through a pretty bad breakup at the time," JAEQ said.

"I was just really trying to find myself when I was writing that song."

The song reflects those struggles, exploring themes of identity, vulnerability and resilience.

JAEQ said the response from listeners has shown him that people connect with honest storytelling.

Alongside the single, a short film was produced through the program to visually explore the themes behind the music.

The film features people from JAEQ's life and locations that shaped his upbringing, giving viewers a closer look at the environment behind the lyrics.

"I felt like the film was good for people to actually see the environment and emotions behind the lyrics," JAEQ said.

Friends who grew up with him appear throughout the film, reflecting the tight support network that continues to influence his music and outlook.

"There's only really my brothers that I grew up with in it," he said.

"Loyalty makes you brothers."

The project marks another step in the artist's development as he continues building his career while staying grounded in the experiences that shaped him.

'Stay True' is available on all major streaming platforms now.