Big Day Out Announce New Stage And Band Comp

Big Day Out have unwrapped a brand new initiative with youth mental health foundation headspace, this morning announcing the headspace Stage and 2014 national band comp in the name of the foundation.

The exciting partnership between both entities will now provide fantastic new opportunities for up-and-coming, 15+ musicians, giving bands the chance to win one of four playing times on the new look headspace Stage – formerly the Red Stage – at this year's Big Day Out.

The competition launches today, with acts having four weeks to submit an original piece of music online for a public vote, a shortlist then placed before expert panel of Aussie music gurus who choose the winners for each state - with one of the four playing times decided by the comp's supporter, Triple M.

CEO of headspace Chris Tanti is incredibly optimistic about the great initiative, stage redesign and competition, providing fantastic opportunities to make a difference in young people's lives.

"We know that music is a really important part of young people's lives, so extending our involvement with Big Day Out will help us reach thousands of young people and put mental health on the agenda in a way that makes sense for them,” Tanti said.

“We want to improve the lives of young Australians, so we need to make sure they know there's youth friendly support available for them and their friends."

CEO of Adam Zammit agrees, and is pleased to shed some recognition on headspace.

"When I was I 16 playing bad bass in a bad band I could have only dreamt of the opportunity to play alongside the worlds biggest bands at the Big Day Out festival. It is so exciting to be in the position to offer this opportunity to bands around Australia,” he said.

“Not only are we giving young musicians a chance to shine nationally and internationally, we are also driving attention to headspace centres and the critical the work they do for the state of youth mental health in this country."

The competition allows musicians from every state and territory, aged 15+ to enter, with the opportunity to play on the same bill as colossal acts like Pearl Jam and Arcade Fire – check out theGuide for all the dates.

Mental health is the biggest issue facing young Australians and headspace, through 55 (and growing) centres around the country, are fighting to break the stigma, prevent suicide and let young people know that it's okay to talk about mental health. For more information on headspace, head to their website or check out the Big Day Out page for comp details.