What’s Happening?
The Mothertone Gympie Music Muster Talent Search is officially open for 2025, inviting emerging country music artists to showcase their talent. Recognised as one of the most prestigious music competitions in Australia, the event has launched the careers of well-known artists like Brooke and Sam McClymont, Mark O’Shea, Drew McAlister, Ruby Gilbert, and Brooke Schubert.
The competition features two categories:
- Open Category (18+), where the winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville for mentoring and industry networking.
- Junior Category (12–17 years old), providing young artists with a career-building experience and mentorship opportunities.
Submissions close on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 11:59 pm AEST. From there, 18 semi-finalists (12 Open, 6 Junior) will be chosen to perform live at the 2025 Gympie Music Muster, running from August 28–31.
Why It Matters?
This competition is more than just a talent search—it’s a gateway to a professional music career. Winning gives artists industry credibility, mentorship, exposure to major audiences, and career-boosting opportunities.
Local Impact
Artists from regional Queensland have long benefited from this competition. Last year’s Open Category winner, Saralyn, described it as a career-changing moment.
“I had seen previously that beautiful Denvah had done so well,” she said. “The Gympie Muster is one of the biggest country music festivals in Australia—I knew it would be an incredible opportunity. I was in shock—so thrilled, proud, and excited! Walking away with the win showed me I can do the hard things. It has elevated my career a lot. It was something I was able to put on my bio and include in press releases, which is really important. It has definitely opened doors for me.”
Now, Saralyn is working on her first EP, planning an acoustic tour, and preparing new music releases.
Junior winner Keely Ellen, 17, also saw a major career boost.
“I’ve always wanted to win the Gympie Music Muster Talent Search, and it definitely gave me the push to do more with my career and confirmed that I was doing something right,” she said. “To be able to sing there was really great and since then, I’ve secured more gigs, played at festivals, and continued recording. I’d definitely recommend others enter and get involved.”
Since then, Keely has reached the Top 21 of Australian Idol and will return to perform at the 2025 Gympie Muster.
By the Numbers:
- $26,000+ in prizes are up for grabs.
- 12 Open Category and 6 Junior Category semi-finalists will be selected to perform live at the Gympie Muster.
- The Grand Final is on August 31, 2025, with winners performing on the Hill Stage.
- The Open Category winner secures a trip to Nashville for professional mentoring and performance opportunities.
Zoom In
Mothertone’s Michael Turner, the competition’s talent search coordinator, explained what makes this competition stand out.
“The competition has genuine credibility because this event selects real talent. We want to see great raw talent through live video submissions. The entrants need to be able to perform well and have that something special.”
Gympie Music Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh added:
“The winners gain industry exposure, mentorship from some of the best in the business, and a fantastic opportunity to play at the 2026 Muster. The Muster serves as a springboard for launching careers in the music industry and remains a strong supporter of Australian music and artists.”
Zoom Out
The Gympie Music Muster Talent Search sets itself apart from other competitions through its focus on live performance ability. Unlike reality TV competitions, which rely heavily on audience votes, this competition is judged by industry professionals who look for true stage presence, originality, and talent.
The competition welcomes all styles of country music, including traditional country, rock country, blues & roots, and Australiana.
What to Look For Next?
Entries close on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 11:59 pm AEST. Semi-finals take place August 28–30, with the Grand Final on August 31.
To enter, visit muster.com.au/talent-search.
