ELLA Hooper knows about grabbing an opportunity with both hands whenever it knocks.
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From Benalla High School to Australian musical stardom in the late 1990s, it’s little wonder the Violet Town songstress is so passionate about nurturing regional Victorian musical talent.
“I think I am the right person to spruik the program,” Hooper says, in her role as Melbourne Music Bank 2015 ambassador.
“A competition like that (Triple J’s Unearthed) gave me my first chance.
“I was so excited to get exposure, but this program gives you a team that would take five or six years in the industry to compile, it’s a huge opportunity to work with such a professional team.”
To be eligible, musicians must be from Victoria and submit an original song before August 23.
Four finalists will be voted by the public (from a shortlist of 12 entrants) who will then perform live on October 8 at Melbourne’s iconic Arts Centre’s State Theatre in front of a panel of industry experts who will choose the winner.
The winner will receive a “toolkit for success”, comprising two days of recording at Melbourne’s famous Sing Sing studios, a film clip by Oh Yeah Wow, album artwork, printed CDs and the chance of their winning song to feature in a Bank of Melbourne TV commercial.
“We really want to encourage regional entries,” Hooper says.
“I know there’s so much talent outside the cities, there were three or four bands at my high school who were probably better than we were.
“Now, more than ever, there’s a great opportunity for regional musicians to get that exposure.”
Hooper knows the music industry is hard work, and can be fickle, but loves being a part of it, and loves seeing new stars emerge.
Killing Heidi won the Goulburn Valley region Unearthed competition in 1996 with the song Kettle.
In 2000 Killing Heidi won four ARIA awards for their debut album Reflector, including album of the year and best group.
Hooper has continued to perform and is working on a new EP.
She is also a radio presenter in Melbourne and has appeared regularly on television.
The prize also includes the expertise of a dedicated A-team of the industry’s finest including management and mentoring by Chris Robinson, publicity by On The Map PR, radio plugging by Varrasso PR and gig bookings by 123 Agency.
