The St Kilda Festival New Music Competition is back for 2027, with entries now open to unsigned acts nationwide.
The New Music Competition has been part of St Kilda Festival since 2007, and it’s built a reputation for spotting talent early. Baker Boy, Missy Higgins and Client Liaison all came up through the contest before going on to bigger things across the country.
St Kilda Festival New Music Competition
- Entries close 5pm 10 August 2026
- New Music Stage sets 21 February 2027, St Kilda foreshore, St Kilda, Victoria
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For 2027, organisers are scouring the whole country for up to 10 emerging artists or groups. Each selected act lands a 30-minute set of original material on the New Music Stage at the event on 21 February 2027.
From there, one crowd favourite takes home the top prize: $5,000 in cash, plus an invitation to return and play one of the festival’s key stages in 2028.
That stage has become a proving ground for up-and-comers, and the format is simple – earn a place on the bill, play your set, and the crowd picks its favourite from the field.
Entries are open to unsigned acts only, with judges weighing up creative flair, quality and originality. The panel is also looking for a final lineup that reflects a broad cross-section of the musical spectrum and suits a festival crowd.
Every member of an act needs to live in Australia to be eligible, and applications go through the festival’s online form. Anyone thinking of throwing their hat in should read the full terms and conditions before entering.
St Kilda Festival itself is a free event, and one of the country’s oldest, held along the St Kilda foreshore.
For more information, head here.
