The Mothertone Gympie Music Muster Talent Search is now officially open, inviting entries from the next generation of gifted country music artists. Recognised as one of Australia’s most respected talent competitions, this event has launched the careers of many well-known artists and continues to be a key stepping stone for emerging talent.
Former winners include Brooke and Sam McClymont, Mark O’Shea, Drew McAlister, Ruby Gilbert, and Brooke Schubert, demonstrating the impact of this talent search.
Entries for the 2025 competition close at 11:59 pm AEST on Sunday, April 20, 2025
Last year’s Open Category winner, Saralyn, said the competition gave her a major career boost.
“I had seen previously that beautiful Denvah had done so well,” she said.
“The Gympie Muster is one of the biggest country music festivals in Australia—I knew it would be an incredible opportunity. I was in shock—so thrilled, proud, and excited! Walking away with the win showed me I can do the hard things. It has elevated my career a lot. It was something I was able to put on my bio and include in press releases, which is really important. It has definitely opened doors for me.”
Saralyn, from Paterson, NSW, is now working on an EP, planning an acoustic tour, and gearing up for her next release.
“It takes hard work and initiative, but winning gives you that ammunition to keep moving forward,” she said.
Junior Category winner Keely Ellen, 17, has also gained recognition since her win.
“I’ve always wanted to win the Gympie Music Muster Talent Search and it definitely gave me the push to do more with my career and confirmed that I was doing something right,” she said.
“To be able to sing there was really great and since then, I’ve secured more gigs, played at festivals, and continued recording. I’d definitely recommend others enter and get involved.”
Having recently made the Top 21 of Australian Idol, Keely returns to the Muster in 2025, excited to perform again.
Mothertone’s Michael Turner, the talent search coordinator, said the competition consistently produces strong talent.
“What is great is that consistently, whether they’re the Open or Junior winners, or even an Encouragement Award recipient, they have all gone on to do well,” he said.
“The competition has genuine credibility because this event selects real talent. We want to see great raw talent through live video submissions. The entrants need to be able to perform well and have that something special.”
Gympie Music Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh said the opportunities for winners are invaluable.
“They get a fantastic opportunity to play at the 2026 Muster and share in more than $26,000 worth of prizes,” he said.
“The talent search and its prizes are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the industry, foster invaluable industry connections, and receive mentorship from some of the industry’s finest. At the Gympie Muster, we are dedicated to nurturing outstanding emerging Australian talent. The Muster serves as a springboard for launching careers in the music industry and remains a strong supporter of Australian music and artists.”
The Open Category is for artists aged 18 and over by August 28, 2025. It covers all styles of country music, from traditional and rock country to blues & roots and Australiana. Competitors are encouraged to perform original songs. The grand prize includes a trip to Nashville for one person, featuring mentoring sessions, performance opportunities, and invaluable industry networking.
The Junior Category is open to artists aged 12 to 17, with the same broad range of country music styles encouraged. Junior competitors can also perform original songs.
Twelve Open Category and six Junior Category semi-finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and invited to perform at the Gympie Music Muster in August 2025. The semi-finals take place from Thursday, August 28, to Saturday, August 30, 2025, between 11:00 am – 1:00 pm AEST. The Grand Final will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, with the overall winners performing on the Hill Stage that afternoon.
To enter, eligible entrants (or a parent/guardian if under 18) must visit muster.com.au/talent-search/ and submit an application before Sunday, April 20, 2025.
