25,000 reasons to rock out

EMERGING musicians have the chance to share in $25,000 worth of prizes as part of a new competition aimed at helping artists forge a career in the music industry.
Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino encouraged artists of all genres to apply for the Victorian Government’s Get Equipped competition, which provides artists with an opportunity to showcase their talents.
The Get Equipped competition is open to Victorians aged between 15 and 21 years, who will need to submit a short video performance of an original or cover song.
The entries will be split into five categories, with three prizes available in each group including best young artist, best emerging young artist and standout young artist.
“We don’t discriminate against style – whether it’s jazz, hip-hop, heavy metal, pop or indie – we want young Victorian musicians to be as creative as they can,” Mr Merlino said.
Entrants can apply as an individual or a band.
Mushroom Marketing managing director Carl Gardiner said Get Equipped gave young musicians a chance to further their careers and improve the quality of their live performances.
“The fact that musicians have the chance to use digital technology to enter live video performances means it is readily accessible to musicians wherever they live.”
Get Equipped is part of the Victorian Government’s $7.1 million Victoria Rocks initiative and is open until Friday 28 May.
For details visit www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au.