Media release: The search for new and emerging Australian music talent by the radio industry is on again with entries now open for the New Artist to Radio (NA2R) event, to be held at the Gold Coast on October 10.

The commercial radio industry initiative aims to discover the next big music star to be played on commercial radio throughout the country and is now in its seventh year. The event is open to unsigned Australian artists who have not charted in the top 100 Australian National airplay chart.


Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the initiative was one of the main ways in which the commercial radio sector helped nurture and support Australian musical talent.

“This is an industry-wide initiative which has helped launched some very successful music careers since its inception including artists like Delta Goodrem, Kid Courageous, Sarah Blasko, Thirsty Merc, Jade Macrae and the Sunpilots,” Ms Warner said.

Three winners are chosen – one each from three genres: rock, pop and adult contemporary. The three winners will perform at the NA2R event at the Gold Coast in front of key people from the commercial radio sector.

All the finalists also attend a workshop by leading radio program directors and music marketing experts about how to maximize radio airplay and exposure – a popular feature of the event aimed at helping artists.

The winners of the event will also share in $150,000 worth of advertising airtime on four of the major commercial radio networks: Australian Radio Network, Austereo, DMG Radio and Macquarie Southern Cross Media. In addition, the four networks will choose a genre winner to add to their network play list for early 2009.

Two new elements have been added for the winners this year. They are:

• MGM Distribution (MGM) will provide distribution for the winner in each category including digital online sales via ITunes. Each single will be submitted to ARIA for inclusion in the ARIA single chart survey.

• VGM Media and Marketing (VGM) will design the single cover and CD art for distribution. VGM will also provide the winners in each genre with advice regarding media and direction in relation to tracking each song at radio to ensure maximum exposure.


Ms Warner welcomed the new partnerships with MGM Distribution and VGM Media and Marketing.


“Unearthing new Australian music talent has always been one of the key roles played by commercial radio and the additional benefits provided to NA2R winners this year will help increase their chance of success and exposure – all very positive outcomes,” Ms Warner said.

NA2R entry packs can be downloaded from www.myspace.com/newartists2radio with the social interactive website supporting the event for the third year in a row.

Or people can enter at www.na2r.com.au allowing bands to upload their MP3 tracks and complete the details online. Entries will be accepted until July 18.

Submissions will be judged by a panel of commercial radio network program and music directors, based on their commercial radio play potential, and also with input from radio station listeners and MySpace members