Ridin' Hearts Festival ProfileWhile Ridin’ Hearts Festival has taken a break from hosting its annual event this year, its emerging artist competition, Ridin’ Starts, returns.
For the competition, the festival’s tour promoters, Frontier Touring, join forces with APRA AMCOS and leading music industry professionals to find an artist who will receive exclusive industry development opportunities.
The initiative gives an emerging Australian country artist access to industry expertise, professional development, and a phenomenal money-can’t-buy prize package to support their next steps.
The prize package includes one-on-one meetings with industry professionals including Katie Rynne (Wheelhouse Agency), singer Kaylee Bell, ABC Music’s Natalie Waller, the Ridin’ Hearts Marketing & Communications Team, and Frontier Touring’s Legal Team.
The winning artist will also receive music distribution and release strategy support from G.Y.R.O, artist development sessions, songwriting sessions, a merchandise creation voucher, and more, plus double passes to two Frontier Touring country shows.
To enter the competition, artists must upload a video of themselves performing an original song to Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, tag @ridinheartsfest, and complete the entry form on the Ridin’ Hearts website.
To meet eligibility criteria, Australian artists must be 18 or older, be a current APRA member (free membership is available for eligible applicants), have a valid social media account to share their video, and be independent or unsigned.
Entries are now open and close on Sunday, 6 December, at 11:59 pm AEDT. Ten finalists will be chosen by an expert panel of judges and announced on the Ridin’ Hearts and Frontier Touring social media pages. You can apply for the competition here.
“Australia is home to some of the best up-and-coming country music talent,” said Frontier Touring Chief Operating Officer, Susan Heymann. “Ridin’ Starts was developed to help shine a spotlight on the next generation.”
Heymann continued, “While the festival is taking this year off, we wanted to continue to support these local artists. We are excited to once again provide an emerging artist with the industry insights and experiences to help them build their career in these important early days.”
Michael Honan won the first round of Ridin’ Starts in 2024; last year, Ruby Jane took the prize. Jane said of the win, “Ridin’ Starts has given me opportunities and exposure that money can’t buy. As an independent artist, being given a platform to share my music, connect with new audiences AND do what I love most is invaluable.
“The prizes were incredible, but the opportunities and support that have come from winning have meant just as much. I’m so grateful to the Ridin’ Hearts team for supporting emerging artists and helping me chase my dream!”
