Aspiring songwriters, take note! The fRETfEST® Regional Song Contest is back for its 10th year and there’s still time to get your entry in.
This exciting competition offers a unique opportunity for new musical talent to shine on the big stage at the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2025. But you have to get your entry in by January 1!
The fRETfEST® contest has become a renowned platform for discovering Australia’s next generation of songwriters and musicians, with past winners going on to great success in the industry. As one of the most highly anticipated events on the Australian music calendar, the fRETfEST® contest not only promises the chance to win a brand-new guitar and cash prizes but also the opportunity to perform live on stage in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
“It’s a great platform for emerging artists. I’ve seen so many young musicians benefit from it,” said Sam Cutler, former Tour Manager for the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead, and supporter of the contest.
“Having worked with legends like Eric Clapton and Pink Floyd, I believe in the power of fRETfEST® to help develop talent and get it noticed.”
The competition is open to anyone, regardless of age or musical style, including instrumental compositions. Whether you’re a solo artist or part of a band, this is your chance to showcase your work and gain exposure at one of the most prestigious country music events in Australia.
Participants can enter across several categories: Best Song, Best Lyric, Best Voice, and Best Guitarist, with each category offering valuable prizes, including high-quality guitars from TAKAMINE and ARIA, as well as cash awards. The judges, which include industry professionals, will be looking for originality, talent, and passion in every performance.
The deadline for online submissions is fast approaching—1st January 2025—so there’s no time to waste. Simply visit the fRETfEST website at www.fretfest.com to complete your registration and submit your entry.
Once you’ve entered, you’ll need to be available to perform live during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The live competition will be held on Friday, 24th January and Saturday, 25th January 2025, providing a prime opportunity to perform in front of industry experts, fellow musicians, and festivalgoers.
Now in its 10th year, the fRETfEST® Regional Song Contest continues to uphold its legacy of finding exceptional new talent. Past winners, including 2023 Tamworth StarMaker winner Loren Ryan, and superstar Pete Murray, have launched successful careers after their success in the competition.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’ve got a song you’ve been dying to share with the world, or if you know someone who’s ready to take their music to the next level, don’t miss this chance to be part of fRETfEST® 2025. Register today, and you could be performing live at one of Australia’s most exciting music festivals.
To Enter:
- Register Online: www.fretfest.com/regional-song-contest
- Submit your entry by: 1st January 2025
- Live Competition Dates: Friday, 24th January and Saturday, 25th January 2025
Make sure you get your entry in before it’s too late—this could be your big break!
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