Queenscliff battle of the bands rocks online

As they say in show business, ‘the show must go on’ – or in this instance, online for Queenscliff Music Festival’s 2020 FOOT-in-the-DOOR competition.

The ‘battle of the bands’ style competition and vibrant youth program, supported by FReeZA (a Victoria state government initiative) will take place online, ensuring budding musicians are still given an opportunity to share original music, despite the pandemic.
Taylor Crotty from QMF said they’re also removing previous restrictions, with entrants now able to apply from anywhere in Victoria, and across any style/genre of music, the only stipulation – the music is their own.
“I came on board the team last year, this year we (alongside the FReeZA committee) had to figure out how we were going to adapt the program given the restrictions.
“We decided to tap into live streaming, we thought by taking the competition online, we can really target the youth community.”
Crotty said the FReeZA committee made up of youths (as part of the state government funding) help plan events throughout the year.
“The committee is open to anyone between 12-25 years of age in the Burough for those who want to be involved. It’s an opportunity to learn about the music industry and get a ‘foot in the door’.
“At the moment we have people on the committee ranging from their mid to late teens. They’re getting hands on experience, they run everything and we oversee it. They get involved as much as possible from picking the bands, to the locations.”
Crotty said last year they had about 20-30 entrants but are hoping this year with the competition now state-wide, they’ll attract more acts.
“We’re not having genres, normally we have rock and then folk and blues. We’re hoping to be a bit more accessible for people, so even from their lounge rooms they’re able to produce a video recording.”
For last year’s folk category winner Matilda Hassall, she said while the performers might be a little disappointed to not get the live audience, they’ll still get greater exposure.
“I do feel for this year’s artists that they’re not performing on stage but in saying that, they’ll be exposed to a greater audience and people that might not have been able to come to the festival in the first place.
“Last year when I applied I didn’t think I would win. There were so many amazing, talented musicians, a huge crowd and it was such a great opportunity. I used the cash prize to make more music.
“I was hoping to perform this year after winning last year. You’re not guaranteed a spot on the program but it increases your chances, that’s why it’s called a ‘foot in the door’.
Entrants must upload a new video of their music to YouTube before August 31, and fill in an online application form; five acts will be shortlisted and their videos show across the QMF social channels in September with the winner announced by an industry judging panel by September 30.
For more information, head to qmf.net.au.