Mushroom's Commercial Radio Band Comp Reveals Finalists

The five finalists of reinvented band competition First Break, run by the commercial radio industry and the Mushroom Group, have been announced today.

Three rock bands, a pop/R&B artists and a singer/songwriter have made the cut to 'phase three' of the competition's process, which will see them play live in front of Mushroom executives and network music directors. The overall winner will receive airplay on commercial networks as well as support from Mushroom for the release of two singles, touring and marketing.

The five finalists are:

Adam Katz (pop/R&B)
Burning Brooklyn (alt.rock)
Fairchild Republic (rock)
Kelsie Rimmer (singer/singwriter)
The Vanns (indie rock)

Southern Cross Austereo's Grant Tothill said that, “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.”

DMG Radio's Brett Nossiter added, “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.”

The competition was open to unsigned acts who have not charted in the top 100 Australian national airplay chart. Michael Gudinski's Mushroom Group is home to companies like Liberation, Premier and Frontier. The winner will be announced at the end of the month.

Adam Katz:

Burning Brooklyn:

Fairchild Republic

Kelsie Rimmer:

The Vanns