New South Wales’ search for the ultimate pub band is on again, with $15K and more up for grabs.
The AHA NSW Rockin’ the Puburbs comp has reinvented itself with a new format and prizes aimed at pushing the winner well and truly into the limelight.
The competition is on the lookout for NSW’s best pub music act – open to any pub act based in NSW that has at least one original song. Artists must be APRA AMCOS members.
A panel of industry experts will have the unenviable task of selecting the top five bands to play at the live ‘Grand Final’ at Selina’s, in Coogee Bay Hotel.
Live music is a major element to the Australian economy, employing 65K full-time and part-time workers. Expert studies report that for every dollar spent on live music, three dollars of benefit is returned to the wider community.
Each year over 75K live performances are hosted by NSW pubs, and AHA NSW CEO John Whelan says even more NSW pubs now host live music, due to the Minns Government’s vibrancy reforms.
“This competition is our way of recognising how much value live music can add to a great hotel, and a way to give the next generation of local talent a leg up,” he said.
John Graham, Minister for Music and the Nigh-Time Economy, says that pubs have always been at the heart of the live music scene.
“The NSW Government is offering up to two hours extended trading for those venues that feature live music.
“This has helped spark a music revival with pubs at its centre. From a low of 133 live music venues, we now have 435 around the state with music on their stages,” he said.
Winners also receive an interview on Triple M’s Homegrown, along with a support gig at one of the many Noisy Group venues.
Nominations close 30 June and finalists will be announced on 31 July, with the Grand Final show to be held 28 August.
Visit www.rockinthepuburbs.com.au for more information.
