Song contest opens entries for 2024

ENTRIES to the Surf Coast’s annual song competition have officially opened, with aspiring artists urged to submit their names and music to potentially feature in this year’s event.

The sixth annual Surf Coast Song Contest will be held on October 8 at the Torquay Bowls Club, with artists now able to make their submissions to perform at the live night later this year.

Art of the Minds vice-president Sarah Molnar said there are many incredible artists on the Surf Coast, evidenced by previous winners of the contest.

“From the contests, these artists are now developing themselves into artists of their own right, our contest is almost like a local ‘Unearthed’ competition,” Ms Molnar said.

“So we now have those credentials within the music scene, but as a night out in itself, it’s beautiful for the community to head down and listen to what new local artists are producing.”

To enter, artists must send a maximum five-minute song representing this year’s theme of “Hope and Wellbeing” with lyrics of inspiration drawn from nature to the contest’s administration team via email.

An artist must also send a biography of themselves and a song description in a word document, as well as a headshot prior to the contest cut-off date of September 8.

The top 10 submissions will be shortlisted to perform at this year’s Surf Coast Song Contest during the Art of the Minds Festival running from October 6 to October 13.

Art of the Minds committee member and musician Lukey Luke said he was proud of the impact the contest has made over the past half-decade.

“It’s a great showcase for musicians and songwriters, who actually get to write their own compositions and there isn’t many opportunities like this around.

“This year our winner will be lucky enough to get a special recording done of the winning song valued at $1,000 with professional producer Tim Henwood, in addition to the $1,000 cash prize and other prizes too.”

All song submissions are to be sent to [email protected] and all songs require a $30 entry fee.

For more information on this year’s Surf Coast Contest, head to https://artoftheminds.org.au/event/2024-song-contest