YOUNG SONGWRITERS BATTLE TO BE FIND OF THE YEAR

Ten of south-east Queensland’s most talented young singer-songwriters will vie for the title of Under 18 Fretfest Find of the Year in the competition’s first final tomorrow (18 August).

Arts Minister Rod Welford urged people to get along to support the budding musicians at the free event, at Cascade Court in the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) from 5pm.

“The Fretfest Find of the Year series aims to uncover and develop Queensland’s emerging singer-songwriters,” Mr Welford said.

“Fretfest has a strong history of supporting original artists, including Pete Murray, Bobby Flynn, Women in Docs, Rob Longstaff, Sarah Watson and Liz Flynn.

“Beginning in 2004, the Find of the Year competition gives talented musicians who play acoustic guitar and write their own material the chance to perform publicly, make important industry contacts and access developmental programs.

“Queensland is now widely acknowledged as one of the international hotspots for new music and initiatives such as the Fretfest Find of the Year are essential to create an environment where emerging musicians flourish.

“The Beattie Government is pleased to be able to support this event through QPAC.”

Fretfest director Alan Buchan said the 2007 competition had attracted a strong field, reflecting the vitality of the state’s music scene.

“Audience reactions to the performances have been amazing, with the heats drawing in crowds of passers-by,” Mr Buchan said.

“This competition is unique as it’s more an induction than a talent quest with all participants taking part in workshops and music industry education programs – the emphasis is on the experience rather than the prizes.”

The 10 Under 18 finalists are: Brooke Yarnold (Ferny Hills);Bernie Carson (Harrisville); David Di Marco (Stafford Heights); Peter Tep (Kuraby); Olivia Jeffery (Tingoora);Jonno Garcia (Bracken Ridge);Rachael Fulton (Upper Coomera);Yolande Schefe (Upper Mt Gravatt); Vlada Edirippulige (Auchenflower); and Aaron Muscat (Kallangur).

The four-month series is divided into four age categories: August – Under 18s; September – 18 to 25-year-olds; October – 26 to 40-year-olds; and November – Over 40s. The grand final takes place on Saturday 17 November at QPAC’s Playhouse Theatre.

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336