And the winner is…

MUSICIAN Dan Phipps won first prize at the Art of the Mind Surf Coast Song Contest with his song ‘Sweet Ocean View’.
The sold-out event featured 10 finalists showcasing their songs at Bells Beach Brewing in front of friends, family and punters.

The brief for the contest was ‘songs of hope and wellbeing’ and the response from the community exceeded expectation with three times more entrants than last year.

Mr Phipps, 39, said he wasn’t expecting to win the contest.

“I felt that I had a song that fit the criteria quite well, one that was personal to me. I entered and thought, ‘Oh – I hope I make the top 10 – that’d be nice’, when I hadn’t heard anything for a while I didn’t think I’d made it – I was stoked to win and just happy to be playing the song live,” he said.

The artist is currently working on his debut EP with a producer who has worked with Powderfinger.

“It’s got a positive-surfer vibe. I’ve got two singles on Spotify and the EP will be rele

ased at the end of this year or start of next,” he said.

Art of the Minds Festival president Jules Haddock commended each artist for their entry.

“If there’s one thing we know about song writing, there’s no telling when and where the inspiration will strike,” she said.

“I can’t thank all entrants enough for their participation and for having placed their trust in our Song Contest.

“It was a very close contest due to the very strong quality from all 30 entrants.

“Congratulations to all who participated and of course Dan Phipps, who came first!”

Ms Haddock said the positive relationship between music, emotions, memories and thoughts couldn’t be underestimated, “particularly when we talk about mental health and wellbeing”.

The winning song will now feature in next years festival program.

“We hope Dan’s song will be heard and his personal story of recovery told when we meet at the 2021 festival next October. See you all there!”