Another Sydney artist wins First Break

'First Break' is a CRA initiative that is for unsigned artists who haven't had anything in the Top 100.

This years winner is Sydney indie rock band, Castlecomer. The band has played 118 shows this year with their live performances attracting a significant and growing fan base.

Radio and The Mushroom Group will support them for 12 months. This will include touring, marketing and airtime for Castlecomer's first 2 singles.

Judges included MD's and PD's from major networks, along with music journo's and Mushroom execs.

CRA CEO Joan Warner said: “The commercial radio industry is vital to local artists’ long term success in the music industry. First Break is just one iteration of the radio industry’s key role in supporting local talent.  With the support of the Mushroom Group, our winner will not only receive the substantial radio airplay to take them to the next level of public awareness, but also the assistance and mentorship necessary for a long career in music.”

Chairman of the Mushroom Group, Michael Gudinski, said: “I’ve been thrilled being involved in First Break once again. It’s only the second year, but the quality of the acts on display was incredible. Castlecomer has the ingredients necessary to be a real success story. They write solid, catchy songs, with a sound that’s unique to the musical landscape.”

Due to the exceptional quality of the entrants this year they also awarded a First Break Development Award. This went to Nova and The Experience (NATE). They will also receive support and guidance from Mushroom as well as $5000 provided by CRA to fund recording and/or equipment and creative services to aid in their development over the next year.

Find out more about Castlecomer here.

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