CRA RELEASE: The search for new and emerging Australian independent artists is on again with entries now open for the New Artists 2 Radio (NA2R) competition. The program has been evolving over its nine years of operation. The initiative aims to discover the next big music star to be played on commercial radio throughout the country. The event is open to unsigned, independent Australian artists who have not charted in the top 100 Australian National airplay chart.

Chief executive of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said this year the winning acts would receive a longer period of guaranteed commercial radio airplay – six weeks – to ensure maximum exposure.

“This year, ten finalists will be selected with two winners being announced. Winners will have the chance of 6 weeks guaranteed airplay, across the day, on the major metropolitan and regional commercial radio networks valued at $1.3 million – a fantastic opportunity for new and emerging bands or artists,” Ms Warner said.

With the offer last year, for the first time in the program’s history, of access to 4 weeks guaranteed airplay across the day she said last year’s winner, Finabah was the most successful NA2R winner so far, gaining impressive chart success with its single “Everyone Jump”, including debuting at #9 on the Air Independent Singles sales chart and peaking at #5 in the Australian artists Top 20 airplay chart.

“The NA2R initiative is just one of the many ways in which the commercial radio sector helps to nurture and support Australian musical talent,” Ms Warner said.

“This is an industry-wide initiative which has helped launched some very successful music careers since its inception including artists like Faker, Cassie Davis, Delta Goodrem, Sarah Blasko, Thirsty Merc, Jade McRae, The Sunpilots and Ashleigh Mannix,” Ms Warner said.

This year two acts will perform at the NA2R showcase event to be held in Melbourne on October 15 in front of key music and program directors from the commercial radio sector.

All finalists will also attend a radio workshop with leading program and music directors and music marketing professionals.

The NA2R workshop offers invaluable insight about how to maximize commercial radio airplay and exposure – a popular feature of the program aimed at helping all finalists. The workshop will be held in Melbourne on September 10.

This NA2R entrants will be in the running for:

• Six weeks of airplay on the Australian Radio Network, Austereo, DMG Radio, Southern Cross Media, ACE Radio, Prime Radio, Grant Broadcasters, and Super Network worth around $1.3 million.

• A digital single distribution deal with MGM Distribution submitted to ARIA & AIR for chart survey.

• Advice from VGM (Media & Marketing) regarding mainstream media, electronic and digital marketing and artist management as well as design of their single cover for digital radio servicing.

• Opportunity to perform live in front of key people from the commercial radio and music industries.

• Full page advertisement feature in The Music Network magazine and online

“Unearthing new Australian talent has always been one of the key roles played by commercial radio and this initiative now provides some fantastic tools for unsigned artists to help them break into commercial radio and the music industry,” Ms Warner said.

Artists and bands can enter online at www.na2r.com.au by uploading two of their best commercial radio ready tracks, a biography and photo. Entries will be accepted until June 4.

Submissions will be judged by a panel of commercial radio network program and music directors, based on commercial radio play potential.

Media contact: Jenny Stevenson Ph: (0402) 214 039
For more information on NA2R visit www.na2r.com.au