Draft:Needle In the Hay Music Competition

Needle In The Hay is an annual music competition run by Australian culture publication Happy Mag. Launched in 2017, it has become Australia's largest independent music competition, attracting thousands of entries each year.

Aim

The competition's aim is to champion and empower emerging Australian and New Zealand musicians by offering a platform for their music to be heard by industry professionals and the public. Winners receive prizes that can significantly boost their careers, including vinyl pressing of their music and high-quality recording equipment.

Prizes'''

The grand prize includes having 250 copies of the winner's album or EP pressed on vinyl by Zenith Records. Runner-up prizes can include studio time, mastering, recording equipment, and other music production essentials. The total prize pool can exceed $30,000.

Impact

Needle In The Hay has launched the careers of several successful Australian musicians, including Spacey Jane, Maple Glider, and Tones and I. Being a finalist or winner can lead to increased exposure, industry connections, and a significant boost in an artist's profile.

Competition Process

Musicians submit their music online for a small entry fee. Entries are judged by a panel of industry professionals, who select finalists and a winner. Past judges include Ben Lee and Abbie Chatfield.

Finalists may be invited to perform at a live showcase event.

Significance

Needle In The Hay is a significant platform for unearthing new musical talent in Australia and New Zealand. It plays a vital role in supporting the development of the independent music scene in these regions.

References

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