AHA NSW LAUNCHES ‘ROCKIN’ THE PUBURBS’ COMP

Pubs across NSW are on the lookout for the next big thing in live music as part of the first Rockin’ the Puburbs competition.

The competition is an initiative of the Australian Hotels Association NSW (AHA NSW), in partnership with APRA AMCOS and the Live Music Office.

Many live acts start out their careers in pubs, and the AHA NSW has launched the competition to do their part in supporting and promoting local acts, said AHA CEO John Whelan.

They are calling for NSW-based original live bands and artists to enter the competition for the opportunity to win a headline tour of some of the state’s leading pubs, while they will also receive a dedicated tour publicist and mentorship from APRA AMCOS ambassador Mark Lizotte (Diesel), valued up to $15,000.  The winners first gig will take place at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence on Tuesday, 21 November.

“I’ve been playing in pubs since the age of 14, and they’ve played an integral part in my development as a musician, providing an environment in which to work on my craft,” Lizotte said.

“Live music in pubs is part of the Australian landscape and in 2017, more than ever, we need to acknowledge and nurture the culture we have created for the future.”

AMCOS APRA Director Member Relations, Milly Petriella, said, “This is the perfect leg up for emerging songwriters in NSW.

“You only have to look at music icons Cold Chisel and The Angels who started out in pubs across the country to see where this can lead. This is about creating live opportunities and developing the next generation of Australian songwriters, and hopefully something we can open up to other states in the future.”

Nominations are open now and will close 25 August. The entries will be judged by an industry panel, and the winner will be announced on 8 November.

For more information and entry submission, head to www.rockinthepuburbs.com

Sources:  The Music, APRA/AMCOS, The Shout, The Industry Observer