Talent abounds in the Australian music industry and the Gympie Music Muster is ready to highlight another 18 emerging artists through the Mothertone Talent Search.
“The Mothertone Talent Search is an integral part of the Gympie Music Muster program,” Program Co-ordinator Bec Anderson said.
“Our festival is committed to supporting emerging talent. We understand the value of providing a platform and opportunities for this next generation of artists.”
The 2024 finalists in the Open Section are Beth Lucas, Saralyn, Kaitlyn Thomas, Ella Hartwig, Tom Harrison, Jack Raymond, Katelann Maree, Tom Mac, Felicity Dowd, Jacob Vincent, Sarah Catania, and LJ Parks.
In the Junior Section, the finalists are Keely Ellen, Jamie Preston, Mackenzie Lee, Henry Catania, Amy Ryan, and Grace Alexandra.
The proof is in the pudding about how successful the talent search has been in uncovering emerging stars, with the winner of the Open Section in 2023, Denvah since making the top three of Australian Idol.
“Participating in the Gympie Muster talent search not only gave me an opportunity to compete but to attend the Muster for my first time,” she said.
“I’m grateful for the immense opportunities it’s given me and for the support I’ve been given from those involved in the running of the search. Being able to perform again at the Muster this year is an absolute blessing. It’s fast become one of my favourite festivals and I’m grateful to be playing at such a highly regarded festival.”
The Junior Section winner from 2023, Shanleigh Rose, said the talent search gave her the opportunity to introduce a wider audience to her songs.
“I wasn’t really thinking about winning so much as giving a good performance. It definitely gave me a taste of what it’s like to perform professionally, a chance to play with a band and great feedback from peers, judges and audience members,” she said.
“Winning it absolutely blew my mind and it definitely opened a lot of doors for me. One minute it’s announced and the next you’re sitting in the green room of the Hill Stage about to perform a song in front of thousands. One of the biggest things I got out of it was opportunities and recognition.”
“I’m so stoked to be back this year and playing my first official Gympie Music Muster show at the Kombi Keg bar on the Sunday! I can’t wait to get to share more of my music with the fantastic crowd there and I’ll definitely be in the audience cheering for all of the musicians in the Talent Search.”
Talent Search Co-ordinator Michael Turner said the number of entries and the level of talent this year reflected how country music was growing in Australia.
“It’s great to be amongst it and we’re going to need artists coming through for the future,” he said.
“This year, we have had quite a lot of new applicants which is exciting, and it’s also great to see applications come in from people who have applied in past years, and we see that they have been working on their craft and skillset since we saw them last.
“The prizes are tailored to give a real boost for an upcoming artist. However, just coming to the finals and playing at Muster will get you seen and recognised. It’s great street cred. All finalists win in that way.”
As well as the latest Open winner’s success, other finalists and winners have been releasing new music, touring and playing overseas.
“Winning this or any competition isn’t everything, but it’s sure a great move forward in the industry,” Mr Turner said.
The total prize pool for both category winners is $22,748 with prizes including a Nashville experience provided by Mothertone including artist showcase performances and six nights’ accommodation, mentoring and advice with Mothertone/Mothertone Artists, meetings with Nashville-based music publishers and a Ryman Auditorium tour.
Cash from NAB valued at $3500 is also included, assistance with a single release, promotion, performances at the Gympie Muster, the Deni Ute Muster and the EKKA, and much more.
The Junior winner will win mentoring from Mothertone/Mothertone artists, vocal coaching, photography and $1500 from NAB, a paid performance at next year’s Muster, as well as music gear and other prizes.
All finalists in Junior and Open categories win mentoring sessions and promotional assistance.
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