Ridin' Hearts Festival launches Ridin' Starts 2025 to spotlight the next wave of Australian country stars.
In partnership with APRA AMCOS, Ridin’ Hearts Festival is searching nationwide for the brightest up-and-coming talent in Australian country music through its premier artist-first program. After a record number of entries in 2024, Ridin’ Starts 2025 returns to connect local talent with top industry experts, offering exclusive experiences, insights and career-shaping opportunities.
Designed to spotlight the future stars of country music, Ridin’ Starts equips artists with the tools, insights and connections they need to thrive in one of the fastest-growing genres on the planet. The competition offers a comprehensive prize package to help launch the career of one lucky emerging star.
Ridin’ Hearts Festival
- Saturday, 25 October: Sydney Showground, Sydney
- Sunday, 26 October: Caribbean Gardens, Melbourne
Check out our gig guide here.
The winner will receive a 20-minute set on the Lone Spur Stage at Ridin’ Hearts 2025, one-on-one meetings with industry leaders including Michael Chugg from Chugg Entertainment, artist James Johnston, songwriter Tom Jordan and Natalie Waller from ABC Music. Additional prizes include a custom merchandise piece with Love Police, a $200 voucher from Ringers Western, professional press shots, a content package capturing their festival experience and a tour pass to see some of the biggest names in country music live.
The inaugural Ridin’ Starts winner in 2024 was rising country singer-songwriter Michael Honan from Warrnambool, Victoria. His distinctive vocal tone and prolific songwriting abilities caught the attention of judges, with the experience culminating in him releasing single More Than I Can Tell and performing at CMC Rocks 2025.
To enter, artists need to upload a video of themselves performing an original song to Facebook or Instagram, tag @ridinheartsfest, then visit the competition page and complete all details in the entry form. Entries are now open and close Friday, 8 August at 5pm AEST. Five finalists will be chosen and announced via social media before the winner is selected by an expert panel of judges.
Ridin’ Hearts Festival returns for its third year featuring headliner Megan Moroney from the USA, along with Nate Smith, Avery Anna, Waylon Wyatt, Lane Pittman, Blake Whiten, Sara Berki, Karley Scott Collins and Lewis Love.
For more information, head here.
