SOUND WEST and Sony Music Australia are joining forces to discover and develop new artists at the inaugural music and technology festival this 23-28 August in Parramatta. The initiative, which aims to boost career opportunities for local artists, will see one emerging artist receive a six-month A&R mentorship program with Sony Music Australia, home to global success stories Amy Shark, The Kid Laroi and Tones And I.
The artist-development initiative will offer creative and business mentoring, as well as studio recording time to an aspiring new artist or band. Recording artists who want to take part in the competition can submit links of up to three samples of their work online at soundwest.com.au
A panel of industry representatives will choose 10 semi-finalists who will be invited to attend SOUND WEST on Thursday 25 August for a mentorship session with Sony Music Australia’s Senior Director of A&R and Creative Development Alexander Franco, including a 30-minute listening and A&R session with Sony Music experts and an artists and repertoire creative and business session with experts.
The winner selected will receive a free six-month A&R mentorship program with Sony Music Australia that includes:
● Four free studio sessions at Sony Music studios with an in-house engineer.
● Two in-person mentoring sessions with Sony Music Australia A&R.
● Support with building their networks in the music industry through introductions to local producers that suit the artist and genre.
Minister for Tourism and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government was committed to supporting businesses and industries to recover from the impact of COVID-19, especially those in Western Sydney.
“Western Sydney is a hub for great ideas, food, creativity and music, so it’s fitting that this will be where we uncover Australia’s next big musical talent. SOUND WEST will be a fantastic celebration in Western Sydney, and as we continue on our roadmap to recovery it will provide a significant boost to the local visitor economy – attracting performers, organisers and fans to local businesses.” Mr Ayres said.
“Sound West is going to be a landmark event for Parramatta, and a career-defining moment for one talented artist through this incredible initiative.” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.
“SOUND WEST presents a great opportunity to find emerging talent from Western Sydney.” added Franco.
“This partnership is a great way for our team to help emerging Australian talent by giving them access to our global reach and decades of expertise to help kick-start their music careers,” Franco said.
The program is open to artists across Australia, who will be assessed for the program according to their overall creative proposition and sound, as well as a demonstrated ability to create professional music.
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