Gomeroi singer-songwriter Kyla-Bell Roberts has been named the winner of the 2025 triple j Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative with her single 'Myself.'

The annual competition runs alongside triple j's Unearthed High, which searches for the best high school-aged artists from across Australia.

For the past decade, the Indigenous Initiative has highlighted outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent, with past winners including Becca Hatch, KAYPS, Tia Gostelow, Inkabee and 2024's winner, RIAH.

The 16-year-old from Moree performs a mix of alt-country and RnB-infused country, and has been steadily building her profile with performances across northern NSW.

Ms Roberts told National Indigenous Times she began singing at four years old and grew up surrounded by music.

"My parents were in a band, so I always remember going down to the Vic, which was a pub in Moree, and singing one song and getting like fifty bucks for it," she said.

"It used to be my highlight of the week."

As part of her prize, Ms Roberts' next track will be mixed and mastered by acclaimed producer Konstantin Kersting, whose credits include Tones and I, Mallrat, Spacey Jane, Budjerah and Peach PRC.

She will also receive career mentoring from triple j Blak Out host and artist Nooky.

By the age of twelve Ms Roberts was performing regular gigs.

Her first release came after attending the Junior Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, where she co-wrote a song with David Carter from Carter & Carter.

A year later, a message from manager David Caplice led to her first studio experience with producers Fabian and Don.

Her music now includes four main songs - 'Myself', 'Took a Turn', 'Scars' and 'Sweetheart'.

'Myself' is the centrepiece of her upcoming debut EP 'Took a Turn', which she wrote in full earlier this year while collaborating with producers in Sydney.

Ms Roberts draws inspiration from personal experiences and from artists she admires.

"It's so hard for me to write a song about normal things, I think it just really needs to be an experience," she said.

"I've always looked up to Thelma Plum… she's been a very big inspiration for me."

She also credits country artists Loren Ryan and Buddy Knox for offering guidance and opportunities in her early career.

Her track 'Scars', a soft and melodic RnB-country song, will also feature in the EP and will be performed at this year's NSW School Spectacular, where Ms Roberts is a featured soloist.

She continues to appear at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, performing on the Toyota stage with the Bushwackers and singing part of 'I Am Australian' in language.

Her father, Shane Roberts, said the past six months have been especially busy.

"With school spec, releasing a second single, entering Unearthed High, and getting her songs played on triple j, it's been pretty full on in our household. But we all love music, and I think that's how we get through it," he said.

Music has been part of Ms Roberts' life since birth.

"She grew up around it… we've got videos from when she was six or seven getting up at band practice, singing Michael Jackson and taking the limelight," Mr Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said seeing her write and perform her own material at such a young age is something the family is proud of.

Looking ahead, Ms Roberts wants to take her music as far as she can.

"I honestly do want to be at the top," she said.

"I really want to get my music out there, kind of get out of Moree, and be up there with all the greats."

Her message to other young Indigenous artists is simple.

"Don't worry about what other people think of you… just do what you want to do and don't worry about anyone else."