Voting Opens For 2016 Melbourne Music Bank Competition

The Bank Of Melbourne has announced its finalists for this year's Melbourne Music Bank songwriting competition, with voting opening today for the third annual event.

Twelve acts were selected from 540 applications — a record number of entries for the nascent tournament — to create this year's finalist bracket, and a diverse array of artists from all over Victoria have made the cut, including Sal Wonder (Brunswick), Anna Oliphant Wright (Lake Gardens), Ayyoob Meeragani (Fawkner), B. Cardamone (Richmond), Batz (Collingwood), Birdhouse (Caulfield), BLOOM (McCrae), HeavyHeads (Balaclava), James Franklin (Dandenong), Sienna Wild (South Melbourne), Tempus Sun (Moonee Ponds) and Zii Music (Fawkner).

"We're thrilled with the record number of submissions this year," Bank Of Melbourne brand and marketing head Jac Phillips said in a statement. "It confirms what we've known all along: that there's an incredible amount of musical talent all over Victoria. We love supporting the arts and uncovering the next star to grace the Hamer Hall stage."

The finalist acts are in contention for some seriously impressive rewards worth a total of more than $60,000, including studio time at The Studios In The City, Melbourne, to record, mix and master an EP, as well the creation of two film clips, album artwork, printed CDs, styling, media training and a photoshoot. The winner of the Melbourne Music Bank competition will also receive management and mentoring from Matt O'Connor (The A&R Department), publicity from On The Map PR, radio publicity from Varrasso PR, booking from the 123 Agency, an opportunity to tour the east coast and a slot at this year's Beyond The Valley festival.

Not too bloody shabby, we know, but it's not just the artists who stand to gain — voters will also go into the running for a bunch of prizes, including a double pass to Beyond The Valley and subscription to Pandora.

Head to the Melbourne Music Bank website for more information or to cast your vote.