Over $10K Up For Grabs In New Singing Competition

A new singing competition has been launched today that will give aspiring young artists the opportunity to have their music heard on a global scale.

Music Entourage, a Sydney-based recording studio, production house and record label, are behind the new initiative that asks emerging or would-be singers to submit a cover song of their choice by uploading it to YouTube. Applicants can submit up to three songs, with an accompanying online form to fill out also. There are two categories: Junior (all ages up to 12) and Open (from 13 years). The competition isn't only on offer nationally though, with international acts also encouraged to apply.

The comp stipulates that while there can be editing to the video, there should be no editing to the actual vocals on the track. There are also fees to submit your work: One cover is $40, two will cost $80 and three will be $95.

The prizes on offer total over $10,000, with first prize for the Open category worth $4,246. That prize includes an acoustic music video, songwriting session with Music Entourage's Senior Producer Nathan Eshman and a strategy and planning meeting with the team at Music Entourage. Second prize is worth $2,156 and third is $1,691. The Junior winner's first prize pack is worth $3,201, with second getting $1,880 worth of prizes and $450 worth for third. More details on the prizes as well as the terms and conditions of entering can be found at the Music Entourage website.

Entries close for the comp at 12pm, Friday, 1 May, with the winners announced at 12pm, Monday, 11 May. A judging panel comprised by a number of local musicians and industry figures including Uncle Jed member Laura Stitt, vocal teacher Lara TenHoorn and Music Entourage Creative Director Rowan Tombs.