Last chance for musicians to score a chance at the 'big time'

Media Release, 12 October 2012

Time is running out for independent musicians to enter one of Australia’s most recognised and long standing talent development programs; the Telstra Road to Discovery. This year, the Telstra Road to Discovery celebrates its 10th year of supporting emerging artists launch their careers in the music industry.

Local artists looking for their ‘big break’ in the Australian music industry have until midnight 14 October to enter the competition.

A 12-month music mentoring prize is up for grabs, including a return trip to Nashville and attendance to the world-renowned Americana Festival. The program puts emerging artists in touch with influential figures in the music industry; allow them to take their music to a wider audience and to increase their media exposure. 

Executive Director, Telstra Country Wide, Rebekah O’Flaherty said it is important to foster the individual talent of local independent artists and to provide this incredible platform to have their music heard.

“Over the past 10 years, the Telstra Road program has unearthed some extraordinary talent and each year it’s encouraging to see the strength and potential of our next generation of Australian musicians,” Ms O’Flaherty said.

Aspiring songwriters can enter the songwriter category, while performers are able to enter the digital heat of the Telstra Road to Discovery, with both options providing individuals with the potential opportunity to progress through to the next stage of the competition.

The winning digital heat performer and the four best songwriters will be flown to Melbourne in November joining the 12 other heat winners to take part in Boot Camp, a three day music mentoring workshop involving some of the biggest names in the music industry covering all sections of the music business – from publishing and touring, through to song construction, performance, and publicity. 

Following this, artists will compete in the Semi-final event at the Queenscliff Music Festival in Victoria on 24 November.  From here, the Top 10 artists will go through to the Final held during the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2013, where one winning performer and songwriter will be announced.

The ultimate performer and songwriter winners will each receive a highly sought after 12 month music mentorship consisting of a return trip to Nashville USA including a showcase gig at the Americana Festival, local gigs in Australia and New Zealand, and face time with some of the biggest names in Australian music.

For more details on how to enter visit www.telstra.com/trtd

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