Finalists crowned for Surf Coast Song Contest

ART of the Minds has selected its 10 finalists for the Surf Coast Song Contest, with a live show set to determine an overall winner this October.

Lachy Hurrell, Dave Newington, Jasmine Jade, Hazel Ray, Jeremy Beggs, Andy Pob Joy, Benji Miu, Cammi Kol, Daniel Czyz and Zane Tullio were deemed finalists from more than 40 singer-songwriters from across the state.

Designed to engage and inspire through creativity and self-expression, The Surf Coast Song Contest annually searches for musicians who reflect on hope and wellbeing in their submitted material.

 

Contest co-organiser Lukey Luke said the judges were thrilled with their 2024 selections.

“You can really feel each of the songwriters’ mental health journey in their song, and the hope and resolution of getting through those troubles.

“They are a great group and we are looking forward to putting on the show and having the contestants do their thing!”

Finalist Lachy Hurrell said any concept which puts creativity at the forefront is worth supporting.

“I’m super grateful to be a finalist and to be part of this initiative which showcases the arts, music and wellbeing.

“It’s good for community as a whole. The more art and music we have, the more the community gather.”

His song “The Clouds” examines how going to nature is the best medicine for your wellbeing.

“Nature is the best friend we can have in life,” Hurrell added.

“For me, my song is about those epiphanies you have in the ocean or in the garden, and how important it is for us.

“It’s all part of a healthy life.”

The 10 finalists will perform in front of a live audience at the Torquay Bowls Club on October 8.

The event will be held during The Art of the Minds Festival, in conjunction with National Mental Health Week from October 6 to October 13.

Following the performance of all 10 shortlisted artists/bands, three will be shortlisted on the night to perform again to select the winning artist.

The winning song and artist will be featured in the 2025 Art of the Minds Festival to help create awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

The winner of the Surf Coast Song Contest will take home $1,000 cash, a full day in the professional Medici Studio with producer Tim Henwood to record the winning song, eight hours of studio time with an audio engineer at Don’t Poke The Bear, and a $200 voucher from Music Workshop.

Head to facebook.com/surfcoastsongcontest