Names like Powderfinger, Ed Kuepper and The Go-Betweens have put Brisbane's independent music scene on the map. Now a groundbreaking initiative from Queensland University of Technology (QUT)'s Independent Music Project may well uncover Brisbane's next big acts. The event is called "100 Songs", and applications have opened this week.
"Our aim is to record 100 songs in 100 hours from the best talent in the Brisbane music scene," said project co-director Professor Julian Knowles, who will be one of the engineers / producers working at the recording sessions.
"From May 15 to May 20, we will occupy all three recording studios in QUT's Gasworks Studios complex in Newstead and have bands coming in and out of studios to record for the duration of the project."
Professor Knowles said that emerging artists would have the chance to work alongside established acts and technicians during the project - providing the opportunity for some interesting networking and collaboration.
"The Triple J radio network has come on board to broadcast songs and profile the event and acts throughout the week on national radio. Material will also be broadcast on leading local independent radio station 4ZZZ," he said.
"It will act as a platform to raise the profile of Brisbane acts and independent labels, putting them before significant national audiences and potential industry stakeholders.
"Following the event, we will produce a 'best-of' compilation album which will be released nationally via an arrangement with MGM Distribution.
"The album shortlisting process will be carried out in collaboration with some of Australia's most influential music industry figures including MGM's Sebastian Chase and ARIA award-winning producer and vice president of A&R (artist and repertoire) for EMI Australia, Scott Horscroft."
Some of the acts for "100 songs" will be put forward by Sounds Like Brisbane (SLB) - a collective of independent labels. Already Inland Sea and The Blackwater Fever - both part of the SLB collective - have agreed to take part in the project.
Another group of participants will be identified from QUT's Bachelor of Music course, allowing talented students a unique opportunity to work alongside established acts and gain exposure to national audiences and the music industry.
In addition, there will be an open application process for a limited number of places and anyone can apply. From now until April 22, there will be an online submission process facilitated by project partners Q Music. Go to www.implabs.net/events/100-songs to get started.
"This project provides a significant platform to have your music heard by labels, A&R directors and a national radio audience. It could kick start a serious career or significantly accelerate the career of artists both emerging and established," Professor Knowles said.
All songs recorded during the event will be new (previously unrecorded/unreleased). Professor Knowles said that the primary selection criteria would be the quality of the songs and the distinctiveness of the material.
"It is important to understand that success as an artist not only depends on having high quality material, but also on having a distinctive angle and presence within the field," he said.
"If you are too derivative or formulaic in your approach, then you are unlikely to succeed. My advice would be to be bold, take risks and give people a reason to want to listen to you."
The Independent Music Project is an initiative of QUT's Institute for Creative Industries and Innovation. For more information go to http://www.ici.qut.edu.au
Media contact: Michaela Ryan, QUT media officer, 07 3138 4494 or michaela.ryan@qut.edu.au
