Telstra Road to Discovery Open For Entries

Entries are now open for unsigned and independent musicians to take advantage of artist friendly platform Telstra Road To Discovery.

Telstra are offerings two artists a $15,000 music development fund and a trip to the United States to perform at the Americana Music Festival as well as ongoing performance and education opportunities.

The launch of the 12th Telstra Road To Discovery competition was held at Studio Neon in Sydney last night; artist and media personality Ella Hooper and electronic producer Andy Bull kicked off proceedings and both performed alongside last year’s winners Christopher Coleman and Helen Shanahan.

“As a songwriter trying to break into the industry, it’s rare that you’ll have the chance to network with such a high calibre of influential people in the music industry. Telstra Road to Discovery makes that connection happen and that’s one of the great things that makes this program so special,” said Hooper.

Last year, Coleman released his debut album, Christopher Coleman Collective and performed to sold-out venues in four capital cities on his album tour, while winner Shanahan performed at the Canadian Music Festival.

The program has helped launch the careers of the likes of Neda, Imogen Clark, Gena Rose Bruce, Dave Garnham, Angie McMahon and Melody Pool.

Telstra Consumer Group Managing Director, Karsten Wildberger, said: “In 2014, we have adapted the program to focus purely on original music to support and foster the talents of emerging artists from across the country with last year’s winners Christopher Coleman and Helen Shanahan perfect examples of the high calibre of talent Australia has to offer.  This year we are also offering musicians from all over Australia the opportunity to connect and collaborate with each other, share their music and receive mentoring from industry professionals online at telstra.com/trtd.”

Emerging songwriters looking to get their foot in the door of the music industry can enter at telstra.com/trtd.

Physical heats will be held in each state at a number of events including Brisbane’s BigSound, Perth’s Fly by Night, Melbourne’s The Toff in Town and Adelaide’s Wheatsheaf Hotel.