ReCharge Band Contest 2023
Important Update
Submissions have ended on 15 Aug 2023 at 23:59 AEST. We have informed contestants that did not follow our guidelines so they could rework on their content. Contestants that did not re-submit before the deadline have been disqualified.
Results Out, See Who Are Winning →
To celebrate the highly anticipated return of the ReCharge Music Fest, we are thrilled to announce an exciting band contest that presents emerging artists with an extraordinary opportunity. This contest will allow talented musicians to showcase their skills and creativity on the renowned stage of The Vanguard, Newtown, one of Sydney's premier live music venues.
Not only will the qualifying bands have the chance to perform in front of a passionate audience, but they will also compete for impressive cash prizes totalling $2,300, with the top prize reaching $1,000. This contest is a testament to our commitment to supporting and nurturing emerging talent while adding an element of friendly competition to the fest. We believe it will add an additional layer of excitement and draw attention from both aspiring artists and music enthusiasts alike.
For enquiries, please complete the form at bottom of this page.
Prizes
Final Round
1st Place $1,000
2n Place $500
3rd Place $300
Online Voting Round
Top 5 Bands Will Also Each Receive $100
Key Dates
[Submission Phase] Now through 15 Aug 2023
Submit an electrifying performance video featuring your band's original and/or cover songs. Show us your passion, talent, and unique musical style. Submission Deadline is 15 Aug 2023 at 23:59 AEST.
[Online Voting Phase] From 28 Jul to 19 Aug 2023
As we publish your videos online, the power is in the hands of the fans. Rally your supporters, as online voting will determine the initial rankings. Spread the word, share your video, and encourage your fans to vote for your band.
[Expert Judging] From 20 to 31 Aug 2023
Once the online voting concludes, three highly respected judges from the music industry will join the fray. Their keen ears and discerning eyes will evaluate the top contenders, adding their scores to the mix.
[Winners Announcement] 1 Sep 2023
Brace yourself for the moment of truth! We will proudly unveil the top 5 winning bands with the highest combined scores. Each of these exceptional bands will receive a well-deserved reward of $100 cash.
[Grand Finale] 12 Oct 2023 // Get Your Tickets
Prepare to take center stage! The top 3 bands will be invited to perform live at the prestigious ReCharge Music Fest on 12th October 2023, with each band having their own 20 mins session. This electrifying event will be held at the renowned Vanguard in Newtown, Sydney. Showcase your talent, captivate the audience, and compete for the ultimate prize of $1,000 cash.
Judge Panel
Hugh Fraser
Hugh Fraser attended The Conservatorium of Music High School and has a Diploma in Jazz Studies from Conservatorium NSW as a professional Electric and Acoustic (Double) Bassist. He has studied Classical and Contemporary music and has performed with an enormous list of Australia’s finest performers especially in the Jazz and Musical Theatre Genres.
Jazz credits include American Jazz artists Bobby Shew, Richie Cole, Drummer Chester Thompson and Dewey Redman. Australian Musicians Don Burrows, Ten Part Invention, Guy Straz, Mike Nock, James Morrison, Ray Aldridge, Kevin Hunt, Lily Dior, Jeremy Sawkins, Dale Barlow, Matt McMahon and many more.
Theatre credits include the major Australian productions of ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘We Will Rock You’ (Australian-Japanese tour and Japanese recording), ‘Cabaret’ Australian tour, ‘Little Woman’, ‘Company’, ‘The Hatpin’ (Including the cast recording with Caroline O’Conner and Peter Cousens), ‘The Producers’, ‘The Lion Witch and The Wardrobe’, ‘Respect’, ‘The Mikado’ and ‘Pirates of Penzance’ (CD’s, DVD’s and Australian and New Zealand tours).
Hugh has performed with international Artists such as Lorna Luft (Daughter of Judy Garland), Tony award winning Singer Lilias White, Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, American Theatre Star Brad Little (Taiwan and Korean Tours and CD and DVD releases). He performs regularly with Rhonda Burchmore, Grace Knight, Jeff Duff and ‘The Ladies of Jazz’ (Grace Knight, Christine Anu, Deni Hines & Melinda Schnieder) and has recorded CD’s for Australian Theatre Legends Judy Connelli and Geraldine Turner, Jazz CD’s with Guy Strazz, Leonie Cohen, Richie Cole (US).
Hugh also contributed on Dwiki Dharmawan’s World Peace Orchestra CD Project.
Jason de Wilde
Jason de Wilde has been teaching professional sound engineering and music technology for over 30 years and has been a mentor to thousands of students across Australia, Asia and the Middle East. He has a Master of Music and currently teaches at multiple colleges in Sydney.
Jason also has a wealth of studio and recording experience and has produced hundreds of bands across his entire career.
With a keen ear for detail, Jason will create balanced mixes and productions that sound professional, even before the mastering process.
Jaco Gao
Jack Gao is a Co-founder of 3BY3 STUDIOS, head of production. Jack is a veteran of the Music industry with 13 years of experience as a multi-instrumental musician, senior music producer, sound engineer. Jack participated in many large-scale music concerts and record productions in Mainland China and Australia, and a member of the Audio Engineer Society.
Brighton Liu
Brighton Liu is the general manager at Chinatown Music and a partner at ReCharge Music. Being an artist and producer himself, Brighton is dedicated to helping young artists find their voice and uniqueness in the industry. Over the last decade, he was involved in hundreds of music events promoting cultural diversity, bring better cross-cultural entertainment experiences to the Sydney music scene. He also worked on and off stages at all scales, including the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Town Hall.
Check out the official page of ReCharge Music Fest
Got a Question? We’re Here to Assist
Organiser: ReCharge Music
Principal Partner: CMS of UNSW
Production Partners: Young Entertainment, Chinatown Music