EMERGING ARTISTS ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO ENTER THE 42ND TOYOTA STAR MAKER WITH THE COMPETITION NOW EXTENDED BY TWO WEEKS AND SET TO CLOSE ON OCTOBER 7.
Toyota Star Maker is the nation’s longest running and most respected country music competition, making an impact on the musical landscape for the past 42 years.
The competition has been a launch pad for some of Australia’s biggest country music stars, including Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Sam McClymont, Lyn Bowtell, Kirsty Lee Akers, Kaylee Bell, Brad Cox, and Blake O’Connor.
Star Maker coordinator, Cheryl Brown is urging emerging artists who are ready for a professional career in the Australian country music scene to enter now!
“We’ve already had a number of great entries and now those who want to take their music career to the next level have two extra weeks to apply,” says Cheryl.
“We appreciate the current COVID-19 situation has had a huge impact on people’s lives and we want to ensure anyone who wants to enter, has that opportunity.”
“Not only will the Star Maker winner become an ambassador for the Australian country music industry, but they will also receive a prize package worth $100,000.”
Singer-songwriter Sammy White, became the 41st Star Maker winner in 2020, with her reign extended by 12 months after COVID-19 cancelled the 2021 event.
Since then, the former Townsville, now Rockhampton local has released her Star Maker album Undone and three singles Lay It On Me, Home (Feels Like You) and Running Away Tonight.
Although it has been a couple of years like no other, with a lot of the planned events and festivals cancelled because of COVID-19, Toyota Star Maker has still been able to assist Sammy with her Toyota RAV4 and fuel card as she finds alternative activities including a big focus on song writing.
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer John Pappas said Toyota was proud to support such a successful competition and he encouraged all aspiring country musicians to enter the 42nd Toyota Star Maker.
“For 28 years Toyota has supported Star Maker and it has been proven to give talented musicians a real boost to their careers, as is evident by the incredible lineup of Star Maker alumni that have gone onto become Australian and international country music stars,” Mr Pappas said.
“This fantastic prize package will give the winner a unique opportunity to record, perform and immerse themselves in the industry to help keep driving their career forward,” he said.
To enter Toyota Star Maker, artists must send in two tracks of their choice, a biography and a list of their career achievements, as well as provide any additional information that might help them over the line to become a finalist.
This year, to give more entrants an opportunity to sell themselves, 20 semi-finalists will be interviewed individually and privately via zoom.
A panel of judges will then select ten finalists, who will be invited to perform at the Toyota Star Maker Final at the opening weekend of the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2022, where the winner will be crowned.
New Zealand country artist, 2013 Toyota Star Maker Kaylee Bell said; “Winning Star Maker was an introduction for me into the Australian country music industry and the door opener that allowed me to play the festivals, tour with the artists I admired like The McClymonts and Morgan Evans, perform with superstar Keith Urban, release an album and solidified me in country music history in Australia.”
The prize package includes:
• Use of the title 2022 Toyota Star Maker
• 12 months use of a brand new, fully-serviced Toyota motor vehicle
• A fuel card for the length of reign
• Return air flight including 4-nights’ accommodation for one to Nashville for the CMA Festival in June 2022 courtesy of Chris Watson Travel
• Photographic portfolio with Andrew Pearson Photography Tamworth
• A Maton acoustic guitar
• Fender products
• Shure products from Jands Australia
• A recording session with Australia’s top musicians and producer
• Recording, distribution and promotion of a four-track EP
• Production of two professional video clips by an award-winning director
• 12 months media promotion in Australia’s only country music magazine Country Music Capital News
• Full colour promotional material including posters, a pull-up and more
• Direct and personal introductions to industry based on the organisers 40+ years history
• Guidance and support by HSF Artist Services
• Media promotion including radio, print and television
• Hair and make-up styling by Plush Hair Designs & Make-up of Tamworth for photographic portfolio
• A designated list of events for Toyota
• Guaranteed paid performances at a designated list of festivals and events
*Travel and festival appearances are subject to up-to-date COVID-19 health guidelines.
Artists wishing to enter can click here.
Toyota Star Maker is organised and promoted by Tamworth Regional Council, publishers of Country Music Capital News and the Official Guide to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.