Program gives western suburbs musos a chance to shine

Finding it hard to break into the music scene? This free program could be just the ticket. Here’s how to get involved.

Budding musicians in Wyndham have until May 17 to apply for the GRID Deep West program.

Budding musicians in Wyndham can gain vital industry experience and contacts as part of a program fostering talent in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

Applications are now open for GRID Deep West, a free program which supports emerging artists with one-on-one mentoring sessions with industry professionals, studio time to record a fully produced track, and a video to help promote their new release.

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The GRID (Grass Roots Indie Development) Series will culminate in a live performance in Wyndham.

Founder Ariel Blum told the Wyndham Leader a geographic and social divide often meant musicians in the outer suburbs were cut off from opportunities but GRID aimed to “shine a light on the amazing artists” in the west.

“There’s lots of hungry artists in that region who are eager to take the next step in their career,” he said.

“Our focus is on helping those artists who have stories but perhaps not the means to get them out there — whether that’s due to geography or finances or culture.

“It tends to be those who can afford to hire a studio and can afford to hire a producer and those who live close enough within networked areas where they can make (industry connections), who are getting their music heard.

“If you’re geographically outside that space and live a different kind of life that doesn’t enable you to do those kinds of things it becomes increasingly difficult to be excited by this new kind of independent music scene.”

If you’re a Wyndham-based musician aged 17 or older and want to be considered for this program, click here to apply.

A demo of an original song will also need to be uploaded as part of the application. Recordings taken on a smart phone are fine.

Blum said while the program — previously run in the southeast — had generally attracted a younger talent pool, older musicians should not be put off applying.

“We’re conscious they might not feel welcome at the table but we know it’s never too late to tell an amazing story,” he said.

Applications close on May 17.