Think you can pen (or have already written) a killer song inspired by Australia’s live music capital, Melbourne? Well then you need to make a deposit into the newly launched Melbourne Music Bank.

Described as a “community-driven music initiative offering aspiring artists a chance to break into the music industry” launched by Bank of Melbourne, the Melbourne Music Bank is looking for the ‘next big thing’ in Aussie music, calling for local musicians and bands to submit an original composition inspired by Melbourne in order to win a once-in-a-lifetime career-making prize worth over $15,000.

The winner with the chops to pen an Aussie classic (think Paul Kelly’s ‘From St. Kilda To King’s Cross’), will earn the songwriter two full days of recording at Sing Sing Studios, album artwork and 500 pressed CDs, live gigs, a music video from creative filmmakers Wilk, PR and marketing advice from On The Map PR, and the tune will also be featured in a future Bank Of Melbourne ad campaign.

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Taking on the role of Melbourne Music Bank Ambassador is former Killing Heidi singer turned solo musician Ella Hooper. The ARIA Award winning songwriter says the competition is all about supporting local talent and offering a major leg-up into the music industry.

“It’s so important that we encourage and celebrate our local talent, and this is exactly what this project is all about,” says Hooper. “I got my big break after being discovered at a local fete in Violet Town. It led to free studio
time to record and now here I am today!”


The competition is open to all songwriters, musicians, and composers currently residing, working, or studying in Victoria who can write “an affirmative ode demonstrating your fondness for Melbourne.” Applicants have until Sunday 7th September, 2014 to submit an mp3 of their Melbourne-influenced number (along with lyrics and some details).

Twelve finalists will then be selected and shortlisted on 15th September with the public asked to select their favourite song and vote by 12th October. From there, the top four public-voted artists will perform live at a special concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre on 29th October where the final winner will be chosen.

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The Melbourne Music Bank judging panel is comprised of Ella Hooper, Kirsten Siddle of the Melbourne Recital Centre, PBS 106.7fm’s Chelsea Wilson, Beat Magazine’s Cara Williams, and Jac Phillips, Bank Of Melbourne’s Head of Brand and Marketing.

“Melbourne is undoubtedly Australia’s arts and culture capital,” says Bank of Melbourne Chief Executive Scott Tanner of the intiative. “Bank of Melbourne is delighted to help celebrate and support local music talent with this exciting program.”

To enter, musicians should visit www.bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank

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