Sydney artist Iluka wins First Break

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

In September the final 5 were announced as being Adam Katz, Burning Brooklyn, Fairchild Republic, Kelsie Rimmer and The Vanns.

But unfortunately three of the finalists were unable to continue in the competition, so the judging panel had to undertake additional judging to find a new final 5. They were :-

Burning Brooklyn, Kelsie Rimmer, Ben Hazlewood, Ginger & Drum and Iluka.

Today, Sydney artist Iluka has been announced as the winner.

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

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

Judge and Chief Content Officer of Southern Cross Austereo, Guy Dobson, said:

“Iluka has an amazing sound about her and under the tutelage of the great music minds of the Mushroom Group and with the support of commercial radio in Australia we are confident she'll be adding to her already growing fan base very quickly!”

Chairman of the Mushroom Group, Michael Gudinski, said:

“I was delighted to be involved in the selection process for the First Break initiative. The First Break judges were unanimous in their belief that Iluka has all of the qualities that will endear her to commercial radio right across the country and to Australian music lovers of all ages. I’m really looking forward to The Mushroom Group being involved in the launch of her career.”

CRA CEO Joan Warner said:

“The industry, which will provide airtime across major metropolitan and regional networks to promote the new artist, has joined forces with the Mushroom Group to financially support the winner for the release of two singles and touring and marketing – which is very exciting."

Iluka is described as “effortlessly moving from swamp rock through doo-wop and into soaring balladry”

Find out more about Iluka at her website here or on Facebook here.

Listen to her song 'Paper Doll' here.