Local musicians take note: you have the chance to have your original song professionally recorded, mixed and mastered, as well as receive airplay on the Byron Bay community radio station BayFM.

'BaySounds' is a new song-writing competition aimed at showcasing the incredible emerging musical talent we have in Lismore and Northern Rivers. It is the brainchild of SAE Creative Media Institute and BayFM.

The competition is open to musicians aged 16 and over, and invites musos to submit their original compositions on the SAE website by Sunday, 16 June 2024. 

In addition to the recording and airplay major prize for the winner, they will have the unique chance to perform at SAE's Open Day event on Saturday, 17 August, which will be played live simultaneously on BayFM. The competition is being judged by SAE Senior Lecturer Dirk Terrill, BayFM President and broadcaster Ange Kent, and BayFM broadcaster and musician Nathan Kaye. 

SAE General Manager, Dr Luke McMillan detailed the importance of the collaboration: “As leaders in creative media education, SAE is proud to have produced graduates who have made a name for themselves in the music industry like Sampa The Great, and studio experts who have won Grammy awards while working alongside iconic artists like Drake, Justin Bieber, and Hans Zimmer. BaySounds represents a shared commitment by SAE and BayFM to foster local talent and support the growth of the music industry in our community.” 

Dirk Terrill expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming competition: “It is exciting as it provides young up-and-coming artists exposure to community radio and a local university college like SAE, while giving artists an insight into a career in the music industry. It’s also an opportunity for our final-year students to work with a real-world client, and for the winning artist to obtain a quality recording from our talented student body who will utilise SAE’s world class facilities.” 

Ange Kent highlighted how the station is supporting local music throughout the competition period. “BayFM and SAE are both passionate about the music industry and our local community, and helping it grow. Throughout the competition we will be playing song submissions from local artists, with the top 10 songs played on a special show once the competition period is over. There is nothing better than live radio, so for the winner to have the opportunity to perform at SAE’s Open Day, and be broadcast live on BayFM, is very exciting.” 

Nathan Kaye said that he anticipates “incredible artists” from the competition: “I’m looking forward to hearing the plethora of talent that exists in our region. The BaySounds application process will guide artists with what they have to do in relation to festival and grant applications. Being able to communicate what you do to music industry professionals, media, and the wider community is an important skill to have at your disposal.” 

Entries for BaySounds are now open until Sunday, 16 June 2024. 

To enter visit sae.edu.au/baysounds .