Jessica Mauboy and Matt Corby both came as runners-up on Australian Idol. Ninajirachi and The Kid LAROI were finalists of the triple j Unearthed High competition. The Grogans and Miss Kaninna showcased at the first-ever SXSW in Sydney.
Breaking through as a new artist can be tough, but there are still plenty of opportunities out there if you know where to look.
So if you’ve run out of ideas, keep on reading. One of the initiatives featured in this post might open new doors to your music industry career in Australia.
PART 237 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE
Before anything else, let’s consider a pretty common scenario for an emerging act anywhere in the world.
You’ve been writing songs since you were [insert age here]. You live and breathe music. All your hard-earned money is spent either on gear or festival tix. Thanks to all the gigging around for peanuts your music is slowly getting some traction on streaming platforms. And networking like there’s no tomorrow has put you on the local promoters’ map.
The time is finally right to release a bigger project. But the earnings from your three side hustles are not nearly enough to even consider hiring a legit producer or a professional studio. So you are looking at other ways to get that money. At the same time, you know you’ll need somebody who can guide you through the (often) treacherous music business waters.
You surely know you’re not alone in that quest for out-of-the-box solutions, especially if you are an Australian artist. There’s a stack of promising acts in the Land Down Under, but not enough population to embrace them all. Competition is stiff. Just go to the triple J Unearthed website to see how much talent is still hiding in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.
But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Australia as a whole is becoming more aware of its local music scene’s potential. Hence, several industry bodies and other organisations offer generous grants and helpful programs, aiming to support future Australian music stars.
I’ve compiled a list of six of them that I consider particularly worth your while.
1. The VITAL Songwriting & Music Mentorship Program by KLP and Sound NSW
What: The program’s aim is “to uplift the next generation of diverse voices in the NSW music scene.” Its focus is on emerging female and gender-expansive artists. Ten chosen ones will avail of “high-level mentoring, collaborative songwriting sessions, and monthly industry development check-ins” with some industry heavyweights, KLP herself, and her peers from music management companies, Late Nite Business and BreezeCore Music, and a PR company, Ms.Fitz Communications.
When: The program will run for 12 months, from September 2025 to August 2026.
Why: In case you don’t recognise the artist moniker, KLP is Kristy Lee Peters – a pretty successful singer, songwriter, record producer, and DJ from Sydney. Additionally, during 2015 and 2018, she hosted the House Party on triple j. Her music CV also includes appearances at SITG (Splendour In The Grass) and Falls Festival, plus collaborations with Skrillex and Nicole Millar. So if there’s anybody qualified enough to spearhead this initiative, it’s definitely KLP. Oh, and the regional music body, Sound NSW, is throwing its support behind this initiative, too.
How to participate: Applications are already closed for the inaugural 2025/2026 edition. But if it’s successful, I’m fairly sure it will be continued in the coming years. So keep your eyes peeled for announcements on KLP’s channels.
2. Diana Torossian Emerging Songwriter Award by APRA AMCOS
What: This initiative by Australia’s music rights management organisation, APRA AMCOS, poses a simple question: Does a mentoring and songwriting session with some industry legends, AUD 5k to make your music dreams come true, or a career development course tickle your fancy? The recipients of this new award, Ama (1st prize) and Daisy Pring (2nd prize), thought so, too. And the winner definitely agrees that “It’s a moment of real validation that (she’s) on the right career path.”
When: It was announced in May and presented in July. So my guess is the organisers will stick to the same schedule in future editions.
Why: Diana Torossian was an artist manager who worked in virtually every influential music company in Australia. She had a lot to do with signing some of the beloved local acts, including Powderfinger and Hoodoo Gurus. Even though she passed away in 2024, her achievements live on. So not only is it a great opportunity for personal development in the music biz, but also an honour to celebrate her legacy.
How to participate: If you’re an Australia-based songwriter and APRA member with some commercial body of work, nothing should stop you from submitting your entry next year. For that, you’ll have to stay up to date with APRA AMCOS channels.
3. Unearthed High by triple j Unearthed
What: I covered this initiative in more detail in this post from 2023. But it continues to shine a light on awesome unsigned artists, so I feel like it deserves another mention. Especially since it’s designed exclusively for high school students (hence the comp’s name). And there’s nothing more rewarding than watching the finalists bloom and evolve in the biz once they break through. Time will tell if the 2025 winner, DRIZZZ, will join that elite club.
When: The annual competition is usually open for entries mid-year, with finalists announced in the second half of August.
Why: If a few extra AUD, a songwriting or mentoring session with one of your fave established artists (like The Jungle Giants, Nooky or Peach PRC), and the possibility to use triple j studios sound appealing enough, mark your calendar right now not to miss next year’s edition.
How to participate: You’ll find everything (like the eligibility criteria and link to apply) on the triple j Unearthed website.
4. Vanda and Young Global Songwriting Competition by APRA AMCOS and Sony Music Publishing
What: I found out about this competition from BELLA DEER, an indie artist I interviewed last year for my podcast. She was one of its finalists in 2023. Described as “a staple in the international songwriting calendar”, the comp is actually open to talent from anywhere in the world. It is named after the iconic songwriting and producing duo Harry Vanda and the late George Young, who performed as members of 1960s Australian rock group The Easybeats.
When: Songs can be submitted between the end of July and mid-October. But you’ll need to be patient – the results are not announced until January the following year.
Why: If joining the ranks of pretty famous Aussie acts who have been recognised in previous years, like King Stingray, MAY-A, Amy Shark, or Gang of Youths is not reason enough to consider it as your next move, maybe another, more noble argument will. Thanks to the competition $2 million has already been raised to support Noro Music Therapy. This organisation does important work in helping people reach their full potential through music.
How to participate: You’re still in time to submit your application for 2025. You’ll find all the essential info here on the comp’s website. Keep in mind there’s an entry fee of AUD 50 per song.
5. Export Development Fund by Music Australia
What: Okay, so this program is not only for emerging artists but for any Australian musician looking to take their music overseas. But in my view, its likely impact on an up-and-coming act’s career is definitely the greatest. Especially since you can score “up to $10,000 matched funding to support international promotional and content creation activities.”
When: Good news: this fund runs four times per year. You’ll need to check back for the actual dates on the dedicated website, though. They often fluctuate.
Why: As is frequently the case in the music biz these days, this initiative is a collaboration between two major players: Music Australia, the local peak industry body, and the Australian government. So if the authorities are stepping up their game to help you export your music, take it – don’t leave it.
How to participate: As far as checking eligibility goes, this is the most fun and straightforward way to determine if the program is for you. It’s called simply “Are you ready to export?” and it’s actually a little quiz. The rest of what you need to know is available on Creative Australia’s website.
6. First Voices Composer Program by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO)
What: While the grants and programs mentioned so far are meant for songwriters, there are also initiatives aimed at music composers. This one in particular offers two positions with the MSO. And it has been established “to strengthen capacity and enhance cultural vibrancy through collaborations and the nurturing of (the Indigenous) talent.”
When: This is an annual venture, running since 2023.
Why: First Nations creatives are hugely underestimated and largely underrepresented in the Aussie music biz. That’s not only my opinion, but a well-known fact. So I’m stoked to see that the initiative goes beyond mentoring emerging composers. They also get a real shot at developing their professional curriculum. A vital part of the program is a paid orchestral music commission and premiere performance by the MSO in a special showcase.
How to participate: Applications for the 2026 edition are now open. Do hurry up, though – they are only accepted till Monday, September 1st. Visit MSO’s website for more info on the eligibility criteria, entry requirements, and all other deets.
Last but not least, here’s a little initiative I run on my channels to support up-and-coming acts from Australia.
Bonus: #FoundYou by Silly McWiggles
What: This blog’s intention is to shout from the rooftops about Aussie music, especially when it comes to emerging artists. One way I do it is through my #FoundYou segment. You’ll learn more about it from this blog post. The idea is, basically, to feature up-and-coming artists from the Land Down Under I discover myself, regardless of the genre they rep.
When: I do my best to present a new act every week on Monday.
Why: From your perspective, this might be one of the very few opportunities to be mentioned anywhere when you start out. And from mine, it’s because I’m all about supporting you the best way I can. So I might not be able to offer you a grant. But I have a cool platform and I’m not afraid to use it to do some good. Oh, and your music gets added to a playlist, specially curated by Yours Truly.
How to participate: If you’re an emerging Aussie artist, reach out to me via any channel with a short bio and your recent release. And we’ll take it from there.
Cover photo: Hans Vivek on Unsplash
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