Australia has produced some sensational songwriters over the years. Names like Vanda and Young, Don Walker, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, and Sia barely scratch the surface. Discover the next great songwriting talent at the Listen Up Music: Songwriters’ Festival.
Each year entrants create a song which spreads positive messages about mental health and suits the annual theme; in 2018 that theme is “I am here.” Three finalists have been chosen from each event in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, along with three wildcard artists. The final 12 songwriters, are as follows (in alphabetical order):
- Abbey Gardner – “War Child” (NSW)
- Ben Leece – “Stuck To My Guns” (NSW)
- Ben Stafford – “Breaking Point” (WA)
- Chelsea Cullen – “Edge of Myself” (WA)
- Jess Stillone – “Fall” (NSW)
- Leonie Kingdom – “Night Terrors” (QLD)
- Old Cities – “Again” (NSW)
- Romisounds – “Inclination” (NSW)
- Seb Mont – “Who I Am” (VIC)
- SPENCER – “Another Girl” (NSW)
- Sung Loh – “Someday” (VIC)
- Talitha – “I’m Right Here” (QLD)
See all these talented acts perform their songs at the Listen Up Music: Songwriters’ Festival grand final at the Factory Floor in Marrickville on November 15. Listen Up Music Ambassador Mitch Garling will MC the night, which will be judged by an all-star panel featuring Alfie Arcuri, Imogen Clark, LANKS, and Socratis Otto. Tickets are on sale now from the Factory Theatre website. The event helps support R U OK Day, so it’s a great opportunity to support some up-and-coming talent and a great cause.
Image used with permission from Listen Up Music