BENDIGO AUTUMN MUSIC FESTIVAL
IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE
THE YOUTH MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
CALLING YOUNG MUSICIANS, SINGERS & SONGWRITERS
IN BENDIGO & SURROUNDS
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The Bendigo Autumn Music (BAM) Festival Youth Mentorship Program offers young artists starting out in the music industry a rare opportunity to be paired up with established artists for one on one expert advice and guidance to help them on their way.
Applications are open now and artists under the age of 19 can apply in one of the categories (band, vocal, jazz and blues, under 15, and songwriter) to receive:
• a rehearsal session with their mentor
• a 20-minute performance at the festival with their mentor backstage
• the opportunity to watch their mentor perform from backstage
• a weekend pass to the festival
BAM’s 2019 mentors are:
• HARRY JAMES ANGUS – THE CAT EMPIRE (Jazz & Blues category)
• NKECHI ANELE and LIAM McGORRY – SASKWATCH, (Under 15 category)
• THANDO (Vocal category)
• LAMINE SONKO – LAMINE SONKO & THE AFRICAN INTELLIGENCE (Band category)
• Local favourite SKYSCRAPER STAN (Songwriter category)
Applications for the BAM Festival Youth Mentorship Program will be judged by Norman Parkhill, Music Supervisor for Film and TV, who are excited by the possibilities for young artists in the Goldfields region.
“A unique feature of Bendigo Autumn Music is the Youth Mentorship Program. This inspiring initiative gives emerging artists the opportunity to play alongside world-class international and local acts. BAM is an extraordinary international music and arts festival, and its Youth Mentorship Program opens doors for young artists to learn first-hand from some of its best acts.”
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MORE ABOUT THE 2019 MENTORS
HARRY JAMES ANGUS
Harry James Angus, the explosive trumpet-playing singer from the ARIA Award-winning, The Cat Empire, is known for his deeply original live performances, in which the highest standards of musical craftsmanship are thrown into chaos, uncertainty, and ultimately transcendence. Harry James Angus will be presenting his new gospel production ‘Struggle With Glory’ at BAM in 2019. Complete with some of Australia’s finest jazz soloists, horns, vocal chorus and Angus’s soaring trumpet, Struggle With Glory is a new project that explores the archetypal stories of Ancient Greek mythology — the savage and beautiful world of the Olympian Gods, of Achilles and Odysseus, of Sea Nymphs and of the Minotaur, re-imagined through the swoop and holler of traditional Gospel music.
NKECHI ANELE and LIAM McGORRY – SASKWATCH
One of Australia’s premier live acts Saskwatch bring their fourth album, ‘Manual Override’ to Bendigo Autumn Music, a sonic kaleidoscope where ever-changing soundscapes and colourful patterns neatly evoke elements of neo-psychedelic, indie- pop and soul. ‘Manual Override’ marks a special moment for the band as it’s the first time the six-piece outfit have co-produced & mixed their own work, alongside sound engineer and long-term friend Cal Barter in Newmarket Studios, Melbourne.
THANDO
Zimbabwean-born songstress Thando has been gracing stages around Australia with electric presence and powerhouse vocal. Heralded as a commanding performer, her ability to tell a story takes her audience on a journey of loving oneself and reflection. Thando grew up feasting on the musical offerings of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, QUEEN and TLC. Along the way, she found Jill Scott and crafted her genre-bending sound with an electric live set. Her 2016 debut EP ‘Digital Love Letters’ paved the road to a slew of festival appearances such as Strawberry Fields and Woodford Folk Festival and NYE on The Hill. With the highly anticipated release of her brand new single ‘NUMB’, this multi-dimensional performer is solidifying her status as Melbourne’s newest first lady of R&B.
LAMINE SONKO
Lamine Sonko & The African Intelligence burst onto the Australian music scene back in 2014 delivering a crowd-stopping performance to over 50,000 at Federation Square. A big band sound of African roots music, jazz and reggae, the 10-piece ensemble captures ancient pulsing rhythms accented by talking drum and virtuosic electric guitar. The band is fronted by the charismatic, Lamine Sonko, one of Australia’s most accomplished African artists. Praised for his compelling melodies and distinct percussive blend of the traditional and contemporary, Lamine is modernising West African music while maintaining the essence of ancient sounds and stories. Through The African Intelligence, Lamine brings together the different styles of afro-beat, afro-classical soul, reggae and funk. The band have recently performed at WOMADelaide, Port Fairy Folk Festival, White Night Melbourne, Fed Square NYE, and Arts Centre Melbourne.
SKYSCRAPER STAN – LOCAL MENTOR
“Skyscraper” Stan Woodhouse is a songwriter lauded for his observational lyricism — a cocktail of wit and grit delivered in a versatile baritone. His debut studio album, ‘Last Year’s Tune’, received 4 stars in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age. His sophomore album, ‘Golden Boy’, is due for release in February 2019. As a touring musician based out of Central Victoria, Stan spends upwards of half the year on the road. His regional tours have taken him to every state and territory in Australia. He has shared bills with artists such as Marlon Williams, The Troggs, The Animals, The Church and C W Stoneking and has appeared at major festivals around Australia. “Skyscraper Stan Woodhouse is a revelation”- Sydney Morning Herald.
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APPLICATIONS FOR THE YOUTH MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ARE NOW OPEN
Apply at HERE
Applications close 31 March 2019
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For the FULL LINE UP for BAM visit HERE.
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Connect with BAM
WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
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