Growing talent at the grassroots is what Mullum Music Festival is all about. Northern NSW is a region that strongly identifies as music focused, many of the kids have grown up at festivals. Some were even conceived there! Their parents are musicians. They grow up listening to live music. Sleeping behind the PA at gigs out in the hills. Or at 5 years old they’re up the front dancing at a Sunday arvo live band at the pub. When your love for music is seeded like this, the breadth and depth of young talent in the area is no surprise. Mullum Music Festival is dedicated to supporting the next generation of artists from across Australia. These will be the artists to watch in the next decade. The artists you’ll be able to see at the very start of their careers at Mullum Music Festival.
Mullum Music Festival’s Youth Mentorship Program is now in its 7th year. Previous winners include TORA, who now spend most of their year touring internationally, Gabriel & Cecelia (who came to national acclaim on The Voice), Merryn Jeann & Parcels (formerly Potato Potato – rising stars on the international circuit), Children of Moscow, and Squeak Lemaire.
“The Youth Mentorship Program is at the heart of what we do at Mullum Music Festival,” says Festival Director Glenn Wright “For young musicians seeking to find a path in the music industry, a mentor can be life changing. The connections made between young artists and their mentors often last long after the festival and the Youth Mentorship performances are always a festival highlight.”
The Mullum Youth Mentorship program is open to all young musicians across Australia, aged 21 years or younger. Winners in each category receive a mentorship session with their category mentor, backstage access to their mentor’s show, festival passes, and will perform at the festival, introduced on stage by their mentor. With hundreds of applications each year, this is a huge opportunity for anyone wanting to make their mark. Applications open on Wednesday 14 September at www.mullummusicfestival.com
The 2016 Youth Mentorship Entry Categories & Mentors are:
Band – Mentor: Natalli Rize (AUS/JAM)
From the streets of Byron to the hearts of the world, Natalli Rize is the woman Rolling Stone called ‘One of the nation’s most refreshing voices’. Dynamic, inspired and on message, Nattali is known for her high energy, thought provoking and uplifting live performances, whether it be fronting her electric band, performing solo, unplugged, or accapella. Her new international band is a Jamaican / Global Mash up of raw energy and vibe that has been rocking hearts, hips and minds since they launched onto the scene in 2015. Rize will have something life changing to offer to the Band Category winners.
Singer Songwriter – Mentor: Suzannah Espie
Mullum’s festival patron, much loved by artists and the industry alike, Suzannah Espie has been casting spells over audiences across the globe since she first took to the stage with ‘GIT’ in 1997. Honesty and directness, as well as superb songwriting and beautiful melodies reinforces Suzannah’s standing as one of Australia’s finest singer/songwriters.
Vocal – Mentor: Shelly Brown
Northern Rivers local singer/songwriter, vocal teacher, soul & RNB inspired musical force. With a vocal that is subtle and sweet like honey, but powerful like the tides. Shelly knows how to pick a voice that will stand out in a crowd.
Under 15 – Mentor: Chris Mallory
Half of award winning folk & roots band Two Lions, a Dustyesky vocalist, teacher, inspired new father, and local musician – Chris Mallory brings his broad knowledge and musicianship to Mullum’s 2016 Youth Mentorship Program.
For the first time this year, a WILD CARD Entrant will also be selected. One outstanding young artist, regardless of genre or category will be picked alongside the official category winners to take part in this year’s program. We’re thrilled to announce Iain Shedden, Music Editor for The Australian will select the new Wild Card category winner. Winners in each of the other categories will be selected by the category mentor.
So, if you’re a budding musician 21yrs or under apply for the 2016 Mullum Music Festival Youth Mentorship Program. Applications will be open from 14 September at www.mullummusicfestival.com
The 2016 Mullum Music Festival Youth Mentorship Program is proudly sponsored by SAE Byron Bay, BAYFM & The Byron Shire Echo.
About Mullum Music Festival 2016
The 9th Mullum Music Festival (17-20 Nov) takes over the pubs, clubs, halls and streets of the NSW north coast town of Mullumbimby (15 mins north of Byron Bay). This year’s line-up includes Eilen Jewell, Julien Baker, Tash Sultana, Olympia, Gareth Liddiard, Henry Wagons, Lior and many more.
17-20 November, 2016
Mullumbimby NSW
Tickets on sale now
mullummusicfestival.com