COMMERCIAL RADIO AUSTRALIA’S FIRST BREAK MUSIC INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES FIVE FINALISTS

Five finalists have been announced today for the commercial radio
industry’s exciting new Australian Music initiative – First Break.

The final five are:

Adam Katz: fusion of pop, R&B and hip-hop

Burning Brooklyn: an alternative rock band, formed in 2008

Fairchild Republic: rock band from the Gold Coast

Kelsie Rimmer: a 20 year old singer, songwriter from the Sunshine Coast

The Vanns: Indie band originally from Kiama

The five finalists were chosen from 162 entries Judging is three phased
and in Phases 1 and 2 involved music and program directors from all
major commercial radio networks, Mushroom executives and music
journalists.

Judging in Phase 3 will see the final five performing live for Mushroom
executives and network music directors with the winner announced at the
end of the month.

Judge, Grant Tothill from Southern Cross Austereo said: “There is no
doubt local music is in good shape judging by the passion shown by those
who have entered First Break. The entries were varied and creative. It
is going to be great to see the final five perform live.”

Judge, Brett Nossiter from DMG Radio said: “I was really impressed by
the quality and depth of great artists that entered First Break and in
such a wide range of genres and styles. Culling to a Top 5 was a tough
process. I can’t wait to see them play live, and ultimately help an
artist take their career to the next level.”

Chief executive of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said First
Break was open to unsigned artists who have not charted in the top 100
Australian national airplay chart.

“The industry, which will provide airtime across major metropolitan and
regional networks to promote the new artist, has also joined forces with
the Mushroom Group to financially support the winner for the release of
two singles and touring and marketing – which is very exciting.”

Ms Warner said First Break is a revamp and expansion of the New Artists
2 Radio (NA2R) program which the industry ran for the past ten years.

First Break benefits include:

*        airplay support for two single releases and commercial radio
airtime support for touring and marketing over 12 months, conservatively
valued at $1.9 million;
*        joint financing by commercial radio and the Mushroom Group for
creating video clips social media activation and on-road support to
build a long term partnership with the chosen artist or band over twelve
months;
*        performing at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) in
Sydney on October 12 in front of around 1200 of the commercial radio and
music industry’s elite.

“Collaboration with Australia’s number one independent music group, the
Mushroom Group, headed by Michael Gudinski, adds another strong element
to the new initiative which will ensure a richer, deeper relationship
between commercial radio and the artist,” Ms Warner said.

Michael Gudinski said: “I’m excited to see what talent we can uncover
from the length and breadth of Australia and utilise this amazing
opportunity”.

To listen to the final five go to www.firstbreak.com.au and follow the
instructions.

Category: News