Who will score their big break?..it could be the start of something amazing
After 3 months on the road, 12 locational shows, 8 states, 63 contestants and hundreds of entries, the Telstra Road to Discovery heats have officially finished for 2011. Our whirlwind journey across Australia delivered up a scoop of exciting new talent who go through to the next phase of the competition. 18 of our best fly to Sydney in the first week of December to take part in Boot Camp (3 days of music mentoring workshop across all facets of the industry).
From Boot Camp, contestants compete in the Semi Final as part of the entertainment line-up at the Sydney Telstra 500 V8 Supercars Saturday 3 December. The Top 10 finalists chosen, progress through to the Final at Tamworth Country Music Festival January 24, 2012 where our winning performer and songwriter will be announced, both walk away with a 12 month prize package including shows at The Americana Festival in Nashville 2012.
Our current winners, David Garnham (Songwriting Category) and Harry Hookey (Performer Category) have just returned from their prize package trip to Nashville, which included showcase gigs, co-writes and workshops during the Americana Music Festival. They established career-long connections in Nashville and with the Aussie contingent they travelled with, including the likes of James Blundell and Caitlin Harnett. On their return from Harry and Dave delivered stellar performances at the last Telstra Road to Discovery heat at the Sydney Blues and Roots Festival, alongside Marshall and The Fro.
Pictured: David Garnham, Dobe Newton, Catherine Britt, Bill Page, James Blundell and Harry at the Bluebird Cafe, Nashville.
Harry Hookey releases his first single “Don’t You Ever Treat Me Like a Fool” on November 25. Produced by 2011 Golden Guitar “Producer of the Year” Matt Fell; an EP follows in January 2012. Check the vid and hear the track from Nov 25 www.harryhookey.com.
David Garnham has just completed a series of scorching hot gigs including one with Charles Jenkins at the Union Hotel in October. Dave has a series of gigs coming up, check out www.davidgarnham.com for updates. Also stay tuned for news on a new album from Dave; produced by consummate craftsman Melbourne songwriter/musician and performer Charles Jenkins.
Catch Harry, Dave, The McClymonts, some very special surprise guests and 10 of Australia’s most exciting emerging artists in Tamworth at the Telstra Road Final, 7.00pm Tuesday January 24, 2012 It’s a must see highlight and the best value ticket of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, this year hosted by music legend James Blundell. Tickets on sale now from www.tcmf.com.au and www.ticketek.com.au
