Entries open for Surf Coast Song Contest

MUSICIANS are invited to tune up their entries for this year’s Surf Coast Song Contest, with entries now open and set to close in less than a month.

The fourth edition of the annual contest – part of the Art of the Minds Festival – is returning this October and musicians can again have a go at claiming the grand prize: a recording of their winning song.

Songs must follow this year’s contest theme, “Songs of Hope and Wellbeing” and is open to a range of instruments and genres.

Art of the Minds president and principal mental health educator Jules Haddock knows of the positive effect music can have on mental health.

“Something that is assisting in bridging the stigma of mental illness is seeing artists using music to open up about their own mental health,” she said.

“Mental illness is something that affects us all. One in every five people live with mental illness each year.

“Attending the Song Contest will be a great way to connect with the community, while experiencing the talent on display by local musicians.”

The Surf Coast Song Contest will run at the Torquay Bowls Club on October 13.

Multiple prizes are on offer this year including a recording of the winning song at Oxygen College’s Don’t Poke The Bear Studios (valued at $800), gifts from Music Workshop, and other contributions from supporting local businesses.

The winning song will be featured in the 2023 Art of The Minds Festival and will be used to help create awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

The winner will also be offered the opportunity to perform at next year’s festival launch and Song Contest.

Registrations close on September 15.

For details on how to participate, head to artoftheminds.org.au.