Triple J have been uncovering new and emerging talent nationwide for years through their national Unearthed program to find and “dig up” hidden talent throughout Australia.
Existing in three incarnations – first when they visited each region of Australia where Triple J had a transmitter – then visiting each state – and finally turning to the internet to discover new talent – the Unearthed project has culminated in the first national radio station dedicated to emerging Australian music.
Now the ABC is looking to run another nationwide band competition with a difference, taking a leaf out of Triple J’s handbook. ABC Local Radio stations across the country are calling for amateur bands to enter Exhumed, a funny play on the Unearthed moniker.
From Broome to Ballarat and every place in between, the competition with be launched on over 50 ABC stations these coming months.
But for Exhumed, the ABC isn’t looking for young bands looking for their big breaks. Instead they’re looking for people who play music for the sheer love of it who are over the age of 30. It’s also not for has-beens, bands that tried to make it in the 80s or 90s but never quite got there. According to the ABC, this competition is designed for the very much never-weres.
By tuning into ABC Radio you’ll hear many of the competing bands from your area, and be part of the countdown to select your local winner. That winner will be announced at an Exhumed event hosted by your station. From these local winners, six finalists will perform live at our Grand Final in Sydney.
So here’s how it works. Firstly, you have to be amateur. The ABC say it’s ok if you get paid occasionally to play the odd gig, but you shouldn’t be making a living off it. If you’ve somehow managed to rope in a has-been into your band that’s fine, as long as that isn’t the case for the rest of your band.
For Exhumed, the ABC isn’t looking for young bands looking for their big breaks.In addition, the majority of your band should be 30+. They’ll make exceptions if your kids support you on the guitar or drums or the like but the majority of your band needs to be over 30.
The competition is open to genres of music, except for classical, and you can play either originals, covers, or a mixture of both.
If you think that you fit that description, enter and listen to your Local ABC Radio to be part of Exhumed. You could hear your track on the radio, be interviewed on air, perform at your local Exhumed event and feature in an ABC Music release.
Each station across the country will choose a winner. Of those winners only six will go through as finalists but just one will take home the title ‘Exhumed Winner 2013’.
In November, Exhumed premieres on ABC1 and rolls out over 5 glorious weeks. Hosted by James Valentine, the television series for Exhumed will follow the epic search for ‘The Best Bands You’ve Never Heard Of’, including a nerve wracking live episode in December as the Final 6 bands perform in the Live Grand Final.
If you or a band you’ve ‘never heard of’ think you fit the bill, head over to the ABC website and fill in your details.
