By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE INAUGURAL winner of a music competition with a difference is urging his fellow Geelong region musos to have a go.
Composer Simon Watt said winning the first Melbourne Music Bank two years ago provided a timely boost to his career.
Watt now has a business working in film scoring, corporate video, TV, games and advertising services.
“It’s a great competition and certainly helped me along to the point where I’ve been able to run my own business since,” he said.
“It always looks good on the resume and the opportunity to work on projects is wonderful.”
The challenge for regional artists is familiar to Melbourne Music Bank ambassador and judge Ella Hooper, of Killing Heidi fame.
Melbourne-born but raised in Violet Town, Hooper said Killing Heidi’s break came through radio’s JJJ Unearthed.
“It’s so hard to make money as a new artist and I know the value of getting ahead start,” she said.
“When I see the corporates helping out I’m all for it. Collaboration will be the way of the future.
“For anyone ready to go with a song and take a leap in their career, this gives them such a supercharged entry into the industry.”
Hooper offered some advice for prospective local entrants: “If you have a range of songs to choose from, pick one with immediate impact.
“Enter the piece that is unique, that really sounds like you, the signature song, the one where no one else can sound like that.”
Hooper said the range of entries was broad, from folk or rock to pop and instrumental.
“We have people from all parts of the industry represented, including radio, management, venue owners and promoters.
“This is a seriously good prize offering the opportunity to work with high calibre people.”
The prize includes two days of recording at Melbourne’s famous Sing Sing studios, a film clip by Oh Yeah Wow, album artwork, printed CDs and the chance for the winning song to feature in a TV ad.
This year the prize also includes the expertise of a dedicated A-team of the industry’s finest in management, publicity, public relations and gig bookings.
The competition is open to Victorian musicians submitting original songs before 23 August.
A public vote will choose four finalists to perform at Melbourne Arts Centre’s State Theatre in October.
Entries have opened at bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank.
