Therese Murray – Central Coast Gosford Express Advocate
At just 13, an unknown by the name of Nikki Webster became the darling of the Sydney Olympic Games when she performed at the opening ceremony.
Her career has led her to the Central Coast where she opened Dance @ Nikki Webster at Erina and she is now helping youngsters achieve the same dreams she had as a 13 year old.
It’s no wonder that Innov8Central Music snapped Webster up as part of The Coast Sessions competition which teams up-and-coming Coast performers with the seasoned ones living here.
“There is so much talent here on the Central Coast and we need to recognise it,” Webster said.
“That’s why I got on board with The Coast Sessions. I’ve been doing this sort of thing with my students for a long time so The Coast Sessions is an extension of that work and an incentive for my students.
“It’s a very exciting program and I can’t wait to hear the results.”
Entries to The Coast Sessions were scheduled to close on October 18 but Innov8Central Music has announced an extension until 9am on Friday.
Innov8Central Music chairman David Bacon said the change came in response to a huge surge of last minute entries.
“The quality and variety of entries to date has simply blown us away. We are thrilled that so many of our great local songwriters, musicians, vocalists and groups have submitted tracks for consideration,” Mr Bacon said.
“Over the last week entries have peaked and we have received feedback from studio owners and entrants that the demand has meant that studio time has been hard to come by.”
The Coast Sessions album will be released for sale early next year.
It intends to provide a platform to elevate local artists and shine a light on the whole region – putting the Central Coast music scene on the map.
Mr Bacon said the competition was part of a larger vision and long-term approach to the Central Coast music industry, seeking to establish a collaborative industry that facilitates innovative ideas, sustainable growth, jobs and pathways for aspiring artists.
“This the last chance for local musicians and artists enter a track into the competition,” he said.
WHAT: Innov8Central Music involves all elements of the music industry across the Central Coast
HOW: It aims to develop a more formal industry model to create economic and cultural opportunities on the coast for the music industry and emerging musical talent
WHO: Innov8Central Music operates under the governance structures of Innov8Central, a federal government initiative, to foster innovation across the Central Coast
FORMS: All entry forms must be provided to the competition administrator, Brilliant Logic, and all digital material must be uploaded to the competition website (BigPulse)
TO ENTER: Artists/acts must be over 16 years old, be unsigned, have an original track and live on the Central Coast
ENTRIES: Submit to www.innov8music.com.au/
thecoastsessions or Brilliant Logic, PO Box 4427, East Gosford 2250
DEADLINE: Entries close at 9am on November 1. No late entries will be received
Source: The Daily Telegraph