09/12/2024

Calling all shredders, shoegazers and hip-hop beat makers! Georges River Council is on the hunt for the best young amateur musicians to battle it out head-to-head at the third Battle of the Beats youth music competition in April 2025.
 
In partnership with 3Bridges Community, expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open for young amateur musical acts aged 12 to 24 who have a connection to the Georges River area.
 
Five musical acts will be selected to compete in the 2025 GRYFest (Georges River Youth Festival) Battle of the Beats competition.
 
The event will be held at 3Bridges Youth Zone, Penshurst Park on Friday 11 April 2025 and Council will provide professional sound and lighting for all competing musicians.
 
Every artist can do with an upgrade to their gear, software, or system to advance their musical journey. We want to make this possible by supporting your passion with a prize pool share of close to $5,000:

• First place – prize to the value of $2,500.00.
• Second place – prize to the value of $1,500.00.
• Third place – prize to the value of $500.00.
• Fourth place – prize to the value of $250.00.
• Fifth place – prize to the value of $150.00.

Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said the Battle of the Beats competition is a great gig for up-and-coming musicians to gain confidence and exposure.
 
“In our three years of putting this event on, we’ve received incredible submissions from around Georges River - but we're yet to receive submissions from hip-hop artists, rappers or DJs; I encourage everyone to spread the word to local young musicians on this wonderful opportunity as the crowds are always after variety,” she said.
 
“Get involved and help us showcase some of Georges River’s best up-and-coming musical talent.”
 
Musical acts will be judged by a panel of community judges and/or young people in accordance with five criteria: creativity, showmanship, audience engagement, musicality, crowd response.
 
GRYFest is an annual celebration held during Youth Week by Georges River Council with events for – and planned by – young people, including members of Council’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).
 
The Battle of the Beats competition creates an opportunity for acts to perform at Battle of the Bridges – a subsequent event held annually in partnership with Sutherland Shire Council showcasing the top three acts from each Council’s respective Youth Week event.
 
Expressions of interest are open until 21 February 2025.
 
To submit an EOI, visit the Battle of the Beats Expression of Interest Your Say page.