Surf Coast Song Contest to rock the stage again this year

MANY Surf Coast musicians will again flex their creative abilities for one of the Art of the Minds Festival’s most popular events later this year.

The Surf Coast Song Contest returns this year, and a panel of musicians are now receiving submissions to decide the top 10 that will perform live at the Art of the Minds Festival in October.

The theme of this year’s song contest will be “Songs of Hope and Wellbeing” and organisers are again expecting a huge audience turnout to experience the same raw passion, shared emotion and community spirit that was on display at last year’s event.

Surf Coast Marketing’s Judith Ortmann says the song contest is always a major drawcard of the festival, especially when it comes to discussions about mental health and awareness.

“Music breaks down the barrier for people to come together and face the conversation around mental illness,” Ms Ortmann said.

“There is still a big stigma around mental illness and mental health and people aren’t quite sure about when to talk about this or share for whatever reason.

“But music provides a common ground where we all feel comfortable and can share a drink or meal, while listening to music in a safe space.

“Music and art gives us a platform to connect.”

Last year’s winner Dan Phipps said the Surf Coast Song Contest changed his life and helped shape his music career.

Mr Phipps’ music has a strong emphasis on mental health after battling mental illness and addiction before entering the song contest.

“The song I chose to enter was my first single I released called Sweet Ocean View,” Mr Phipps said.

“It’s basically a song of gratitude and hope with a focus on Mother Nature and all the beauty in the world particularly the ocean.

“I strongly suggest entering the competition, back yourself and enter, you may be pleasantly surprised like I was.

“It’s a great event and a great time to share a bit about yourself and get vulnerable, because after all we are all in this together and we are all human and nothing touches the soul like a well written song.”

All songs submitted must reflect the theme of “Hope and Wellbeing” by September 20 with an entry fee of $30 to be paid to artoftheminds.org.au/songcontest.

The top 10 songs will perform live at the Torquay Bows Club on Friday, October 8.

The winning song will be featured in the 2022 Art of The Minds Festival and used to help create awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

The winner will also be given the opportunity to perform at the 2022 Festival Launch and Song Contest.