NSW North Coast singer songwriter Matt Henry has won the annual Play Mullum Songwriting competition with his song ‘The Best That They Could Do’ responding to this year’s theme of ‘Break Up Songs’.
With his tale of heartache and growth, Matt has won a performance slot at the 9th Mullum Music Festival, festival tickets, and promotion and publicity opportunities care of festival friends at Rhythms, Australia’s Roots Music Magazine.
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to win this year’s “Play Mullum” comp,” said northern NSW musician Matty Rogers “Mainly because it is a festival that I respect so much for it’s quality and diversity. Not only do I get to play, but I also get free tickets – in a year with such an amazing line-up”
“All of the finalists were outstanding and hard to choose from,” said Catherine Britt, Managing Editor of Rhythms and judging panelist, “Matt’s song was the one that I could relate to the most. I felt what it must have been like going through that breakup, and how they felt, and it made me feel like I was in it with him. I like when songs invite you in and ask you to stay for tea, and this is what Matt’s breakup song did for me. Special mentions awarded to Danielle Decker and Domini Forster, who were both also outstanding songwriters and singers, and I just loved their songs. It was very tough to decide I must say!”
“There was a record number of entries this year – almost three times as many as last year,” said Nin Haggith, General Manager of Mullum Music Festival “The quality of artists and song entries this year were all incredible and very competitive. It was extremely difficult to present Rhythms with a final shortlist. Congrats to all who applied!”