For the first time ever Sydney’s FBi Radio is launching a national competition. The station is taking one solo producer/artist and a band on an incredible adventure to Iceland Airwaves Festival. The prestigious music festival held in Reykjavik in November is a highlight of the international music industry calendar, renowned for its impressive lineup and showcasing of the best music from around the world. In 2011 and 2012 FBi Radio took two Sydney-based solo producers to Iceland Airwaves. This year they are extending the competition to a national call-out.
The partnership between FBi Radio and Iceland Airwaves began in 2011 as a result of an idea from philanthropist Mitchel Martin-Weber who has an interest in fostering and exposing Australian musicians and artists. Martin-Weber not only wanted to help provide winners with international music industry opportunities, but also expose them to stunning and inspiring landscapes not found in Australia.
Martin-Weber says “Iceland is a world away from sunny Australia and I thought what an amazing opportunity – send some of Australia’s best new musical talent to a spectacular location to play to the best in the business.”
Previous winners of Northern Lights include Oliver Tank, who recently supported Lorde on her national tour, and Rainbow Chan, who featured in the epic ‘Since I Left You’ Vivid/Live extravaganza at Sydney Opera House.
“It really changed my life that whole trip. It was so incredible. I got to play music overseas before I’d even done that many gigs in Australia. And there were people over there that were interested in my music and that just blew my mind. It was like a dream come true. It was such an experience.” – Oliver Tank
To coincide with the national call-out, FBi Radio will also be taking their Music Open Day on the road, in collaboration with community stations around the country. A long-standing monthly fixture on FBi’s calendar, Music Open Day gives local emerging musicians the opportunity to step inside the station and meet with the Music Director and music programming team behind FBi, and seek out advice from various other music industry representatives.
Goodhew states “Over 300 artists have been to Music Open Day in the last 12 months. Oliver Tank, Cloud Control, Gang of Youths, Movement are all examples of the kind of talent that have responded to and engaged with our Music Open Day in the past and gone on to establish themselves as prominent figures in the Australian music scene. It’s a great way to discover new talent and give emerging musicians some valuable advice about the industry.”
This year’s national campaign is the result of continued support from Martin-Weber and funding through the Australian Government as part of their drive to showcase Australian talent overseas.
Northern Lights is open for entries from June 26 to July 21. To be eligible to apply you must be an emerging solo artist/producer or band and an Australian resident. To enter visit fbiradio.com/northernlights
MUSIC OPEN DAY DETAILS
Music Open Day is on the road from the 11th-18th of July.
11 July – Brisbane’s 4ZZZ
15 July – Adelaide’s Fresh FM
16 July – Perth’s RTR FM
FBi Radio is Sydney’s largest independent youth broadcaster with over 227,000 weekly listeners. With 50% Australian music, half of that from Sydney, FBi is integral in discovering and supporting emerging and innovative Australian music.
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