Gympie Muster Talent Search Finalists Revealed

Finalists in the Open and Junior categories of the Mothertone Gympie Muster Talent Search have been revealed, with judges describing the talent presented at this year’s competition as the “strongest” in its history.

Twelve artists are in the Open category, and six are in the Junior category. Each performer will appear at this year’s Gympie Music Muster – already a phenomenal opportunity – and compete for a prize pool worth more than $35,000.

This year’s Mothertone Muster Talent Search Finalists are:

OPEN CATEGORY

 

• Amberley Maryellen (Bunbury, WA)

• Clayton Jay (Warwick, QLD)

• Georgia Scarlett (Brisbane, QLD)

• Imogen Hall (Muswellbrook, NSW)

• Keely Ellen (Bundaberg, QLD)

• Nikisha Priest (Lake Macquarie, NSW)

• Sam Snape (Boggabri, NSW)

• Tatum Furniss (Bli Bli, QLD)

• Tom Brown (Bridgewater, VIC)

• Trent Richardson (Yeppoon, QLD)

• Zac Weeks (Smithton, TAS)

• Zara Lindeman (Belgian Gardens, QLD)

JUNIOR CATEGORY

 

• Fin Zerner (Buderim, QLD)

• Grace Alexandra (Caboolture, QLD)

• Jacob Turner (Buderim, QLD)

• Milenka (Agnes Water, QLD)

• Tia Hannah (Kangy Angy, NSW)

• Will Charles (Cambooya, QLD)

This year’s Open Category winner will take home a Nashville experience that includes showcases, recording sessions, mentoring, and industry meetings. They’ll also receive a full scholarship to attend the CMAA Academy of Country Music next year, along with a cash prize and additional career development opportunities.

The Junior Category winner also receives an impressive prize: mentoring, coaching, recording opportunities, and a cash prize. An Encouragement Award will also be awarded to an emerging artist.

The Mothertone Muster Talent Search semi-finals will take place during this year’s Gympie Music Muster from Thursday, 27 August, to Saturday, 29 August. The Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday, 30 August.

The Mothertone Muster Talent Search has long been Australia’s launching pad for country music talent, with previous winners and finalists including Brooke and Samantha McClymont, Mark O’Shea, Drew McAlister and Brooke Schubert. Mackenzie Lee won last year’s competition – and she just returned to Australia following a prize trip to Nashville.

“I cherished every moment I spent in Nashville and am deeply grateful to Mothertone and the Gympie Music Muster for the incredible opportunities I've experienced since winning the Open Talent Search,” Lee commented in a statement.

She continued, “The atmosphere in Nashville was truly magical, and collaborating with Michael Flanders Productions on my recording was an unforgettable experience. I can't wait for my new song to be released later this year.

“Additionally, I had the chance to co-write with some exceptionally talented songwriters, which has definitely inspired me and reignited my passion for songwriting.”

Talent Search Coordinator Michael Turner said of this year’s talent, “The thing we noted when looking at all the entrants was that the overall standard this year is the highest we’ve seen.

“We could easily have had 25 artists coming to the Gympie Muster in the Open category instead of the 12 selected. They’re already making the judges’ decisions hard, which is great to see.

“The Juniors will be strong this year, too. There are some exciting talents we’re looking forward to seeing. It’s great to see new faces coming into this event in both categories, showing just how many new talents are coming through.”

Gympie Music Muster Program Director Bec Anderson added, “The Talent Search continues to provide an important platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent in front of festival audiences and industry representatives.

“We are proud to continue supporting Australian country music and helping create pathways for the next generation of artists.”

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