Star Maker 2023 – entries closing soon!

Emerging country artists ready to take the next step in their careers are being urged to apply for the 2023 Toyota Star Maker competition, with entries set to close on September 1.

As the nation’s longest and most respected country music talent search, Toyota Star Maker has been the launch pad for some of Australia’s most accomplished stars, including, Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Blake O’Connor, Gina Jeffreys, Kaylee Bell, Kirsty Lee Akers, Brad Cox and Travis Collins.

Toyota Star Maker coordinator, Cheryl Brown says this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone looking to make it in the industry.

“This competition is an amazing opportunity for emerging artists to take the next step! If you’re someone who is talented, determined and career focussed, get your entries in to take your music career to the next level, and make your mark in Australian country music,” said Ms Brown.

“It will involve hard work and dedication, but there are endless opportunities for the winner, who’ll become an ambassador for Australian country music, and be the lucky recipient of a prize package worth $100,000.”

Newcastle-local, Max Jackson was crowned the 42nd Toyota Star Maker at the 50th Toyota Country Music Festival in April.

It has been a whirlwind five-months for the star, who’s travelled and performed at Nashville’s CMA Fest as part of her prize package, and she’s also released her new single Runnin’, which was co-written with Rod McCormack for the 2022 Star Maker Grand Final.

“Life as the 2022 Toyota Star Maker has so far been the wildest ride!” said Max.

“I feel honoured to join the long list of previous Toyota Star Maker winners, some of whom have been my biggest inspirations.”

The 2023 Toyota Star Maker winner will have 12-months use of a brand-new fully serviced vehicle, thanks to Toyota.

Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo said Toyota is delighted to be supporting its 27th Toyota Star Maker, with the competition being one of the greatest opportunities for any budding country music star to fast-track their career.

“The Toyota Star Maker competition is proven to be a hugely successful platform for aspiring country musicians, providing an outstanding prize package to support the winner on their journey. It’s been fantastic to follow this year’s successful winner, Max Jackson, since the festival in April 2022 and to see her progress alongside other Star Maker alumni who have gone on to become country music stars both in Australia and internationally,” Mr Naidoo said.

“We encourage all ambitious musicians to enter the 43rd Toyota Star Maker competition, and look forward to listening to all the incredible entries we receive from across the country.”

Anyone wishing to enter the 2023 Toyota Star Maker competition must submit two original tracks, as well as a biography and list of career achievements, plus any other information that could assist them in becoming a finalist.

The top ten finalists who will be announced in October, will be invited to perform at the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final in Toyota Park on January 15, 2023 at the 51st Toyota Country Music Festival.

“Toyota Star Maker has truly been a once in a life time opportunity, that has supported me and encouraged me to grow as an artist,” said Max.

“If you’re an artist serious about music and ready to take the next step, then what are you waiting for? Get you application in!”

The 2023 Toyota Star Maker prize package includes:
• Use of the title 2023 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 2023 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 head to starmaker.com.au