Emerging Victorian Artists to Shine at Inaugural SongMakers LIVE Event

APRA AMCOS’ SongMakers program, which pairs high school students with highly acclaimed artist and producer mentors, is going live for the first time ever, with a special night of performances next month.

The program, funded through Creative Victoria and the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund, gives high schoolers in years 10-12 the chance to showcase their passion for music, allowing them to compose and record original music with their mentors.

16 bands who have already participated in previous SongMakers programs will perform at SongMakers LIVE following training at Bakehouse Studios with industry mentors to get them stage-ready for the big event. Already confirmed to perform are Geelong punk rock trio Electric Stardust, Belmont pop-rockers The Routine, and grunge outfit THE VICEROYS.

Tickets are just $10 and the gig is open to all ages.

They’ll learn the behind-the-scenes essentials of planning and delivering a powerful live show, from stage craft to setting up gear, sound checking and building confidence on stage.

Mentors include songwriter and DJ Rromarin, or Claire Rayner, RAT!hammock songwriter Jackson Phelan, producer and rapper Joelistics, or Joel Ma, and indie artist Elizabeth M. Drummond.

“I am so excited to be a mentor for the very first Songmakers LIVE. I can’t imagine how transformative this experience would have been for me as a young person – to spend a full day at Bakehouse rehearsing with my friends, being mentored by professionals and learning how to build a great live show from scratch,” Drummond said.

“The young people will have access to all the gear and guidance they need in preparation for their gig at the iconic Espy. It will be super fun and I’m keen to see lasting and potentially life-changing friendships and collaborations form in real time.”

Katja Krstic, Victorian program manager for SongMakers, added: “SongMakers LIVE is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young Victorian songwriters to learn the art of taking their songs from the studio to the stage, with guidance from experienced industry mentors who’ve performed around the globe.

“We’re thrilled to be able to spotlight a standout group of emerging artists and showcase their original music live — proving that the future of Australian music is already here, and it’s growing in Victoria.”

Since launching in 2013, the program has taught over 5,000 young people and their teachers at more than 280 high schools nationally, and created more than 1,000 original songs. Famous alumni include Taka Perry, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, and Tia Gostelow.

For further information and to buy tickets, see here.