Saralyn, Keely Ellen Win Awards At Gympie Music Muster Talent Search

While the Gympie Music Muster secures some of Australia’s finest established acts for a multi-day music festival experience, its Mothertone Gympie Music Muster Talent Search offers even more to the event: the discovery and nurturing of new talent.

Last year’s winner, Denvah (pictured above), performed her new single at the Muster and enjoyed success on Australian Idol earlier this year.

This year, Saralyn, hailing from the Hunter Valley region, attended her first Muster and was crowned the Open Winner. Bundaberg’s Keely Ellen is this year’s Junior Winner, with Mackenzie Lee receiving the Encouragement Award.

Mothertone's Michael Turner and Kate Hathaway with Keely Ellen and Mackenzie Lee (Supplied)

In the Open category, the talented finalists who joined Saralyn in the nominations included Kaitlyn Thomas, Tom Mac, Sarah Catania, and Beth Lucas. Meanwhile, the junior category grand finalists were Mackenzie Lee and Keely Ellen.

As part of her prize, Saralyn has won mentoring, career development assistance, and a trip to Nashville, all to develop her songwriting and networking opportunities. She topped her win by performing her breakthrough single, White Butterfly, on the Optus Hill stage.

Saralyn said of the win, “I can’t believe it; I’m in shock because there were so many incredible artists in the Mothertone Talent Search.”

She continued, “I have released four singles, and a fifth comes out at the end of October, so I want to soak it all in like a sponge now that I have won.

“These guys have been in the industry for so long, and I appreciate their wisdom and knowledge, and to see Nashville and the US has always been on my list. I think it’s going to be an incredible experience for growth, and I want to take it all in.”

Keely Ellen, who applied for the Talent Search three times and got in twice, said of winning the Junior category: “I’m so grateful to have won the junior section of the Mothertone Gympie Music Muster Talent Search.

“What an incredible opportunity. I’m looking forward to being mentored by Mothertone and producing new music over the next 12 months.”

Mothertone’s Michael Turner said of this year’s impressive finalists and winners, “The Finalists this year sure didn’t make it easy for us given every one of them were excellent.

“The most remarkable thing about this event is the genuine support and camaraderie they show towards each other. It’s a credit to the culture within the Australian country music industry.”