SOLE Music Academy in Ōtautahi is excited to announce the launch of its annual National Songwriting Competition! Open to solo songwriters across Aotearoa from all genres, aged 15 and above, this competition seeks to discover and cultivate emerging talent nationwide.
Submissions are open now and will close on 1st December 2024.
The competition will be judged by world class artists, including SOLE founder Sacha Vee, Sarena Close (Mousey), and Will McGillivray (Goodwill, nomad), who will apply their decades of expertise to select the most promising song. The winner will be announced on 10th December and will receive an exciting prize package valued at over $1000, to professionally produce, mix, and master their single, and receive a one-on-one artist development session with Sacha Vee to guide them through the release process and create a release strategy. Two runners up will also be chosen, receiving prizes valued at $300+ courtesy of SOLE Music Academy and Music Works Christchurch.
“We are thrilled to hold the competition again as we were amazed to hear all of the talent come out of nowhere! It is wonderful to give people from small towns across Aotearoa a chance to showcase their work and give them the opportunity to further their talent” – Sacha Vee, SOLE Music Academy
Previous winner Jaz Paterson from Geraldine has gone on to excel in her music career. Jaz went on to complete SOLE’s Artist Release Programme and received over 35k from NZ On Air Funding with the guidance of SOLE and has been releasing and performing ever since.
In addition, SOLE Music Academy is proud to announce the launch of a new scholarship for their 2025 Artist Development Programme, valued at $1000. This scholarship will be awarded to an aspiring artist aged 16+, providing financial support towards SOLE's comprehensive 1-year specialised programme. Specifically designed for skilled singers, songwriters, producers, and bands, this programme helps artists build their unique identity, image, and sound. Participants have the opportunity to create original music, elevate their performance skills, and gain professional-level knowledge, networks, and experience in the music industry. “SOLE’s main mission is to help ‘bridge the gap’ into the industry by helping people turn their talent into a business” explains Sacha.
With a proven track record in shaping the early careers of artists like Nat Hutton (There’s A Tuesday), Sam Heselwood, Jaz Paterson, Miranda Easten, Niamh Crooks and Castaway, SOLE is exceptionally equipped to offer winning participants the mentorship and tools they need to launch successful music careers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HERE
Applications are open now for both the Songwriting Competition and the 2025 Artist Development Programme and will close on 1st December. Don’t miss the chance to develop your music career and gain invaluable industry expertise!