If you've participated in a Victorian SongMakers School Workshop or Holiday Program, you can apply for the first SongMakers Live
SongMakers Live 2025
From the many young songwriters who’ve taken part in SongMakers over the past two years, a standout group of emerging artists will showcase their original music live – proving that the future of Australian music is already here, and it’s growing in Victoria.
What is SongMakers Live?
For the first time ever, young songwriters from the SongMakers program will take the stage at The Espy in St Kilda — one of Australia’s most iconic live music venues.
With guidance from industry mentors who’ve performed around the globe, 16 bands will learn the art of taking their songs from the studio to the stage, proudly representing over 1000 young people from Victorian SongMakers programs in 2024/25.
Split across two weekends, bands will first join the mentors in professional rehearsal rooms for a full day to practise their skills, filling their live performance tool kit with all the behind-the-scenes essentials of planning and delivering a powerful live show.
From stage craft, setting up gear, sound checking and building confidence on stage, everyone will leave with the tools to build an unforgettable live show.
We’ll then step to the stage and celebrate all the incredible talent SongMakers has seen over the years, with each band playing their SongMakers track and a new original.
The Program
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Rehearsal days will run from 9:30am to 4:30pm, with half of the bands joining us at Bakehouse Studios on Sat 15 November and the other 8 bands on Sun 16 November.
Each band will have a space to rehearse their songs with the opportunity to lean on the SongMakers mentors to help refine their performance with real-time support.
Throughout the day, bands will collect some of the best tips of the trade when it comes to performing live, developing stagecraft and other super helpful industry knowledge and skills to boost their career.
At the end of the day we’ll do a production run through, so everyone is prepared and can go into the show day feeling confident and inspired.
We’ll then take the stage on Sunday 23 November 2025 at The Espy in St Kilda – one of Australia’s most iconic live music venues. In a true celebration of the emerging talent SongMakers has seen across the years, each artist will perform two original songs – their SongMakers track and a new original.
A standout group of SongMakers alumni have been selected to showcase their original music live at The Espy, proudly representing over a 1000 young people from Victorian SongMakers programs in 2024/25.
Join us for a huge afternoon of non-stop live music from the freshest emerging artists Victoria has to offer.
Unlicensed All Ages | Tickets $10
The future of Australian music is already here and thriving in Victoria!
If you have any questions about SongMakers LIVE, please email Kathryn Taylor at kathryn.taylor@songmakers.com.au.
Who can apply?
If your band has participated in a Victorian SongMakers School Workshop or Holiday Program in 2024 or 2025 and are between the ages of 16-19, you are eligible to apply for SongMakers LIVE!
Each band must have at least two members who have participated in the SongMakers program and all members must be between the ages of 16-19.
How to apply
Applications open 31 July 2025. To apply answer the questions in our SongMakers LIVE application form HERE before applications close on Sunday 19 October 2025.
To be successful, applications will need to include the following info:
– Band name
– Band bio (blurb about your band)
– Name of both songs you wish to perform
– Video of band performing/playing both songs you wish to perform
All of the songs performed at SongMakers LIVE, will need to be registered with APRA. This is because public performance of a song you have written or co-written generates royalties, and we want all songwriters to get paid!
Don’t worry if your songs are not registered yet, this can be done closer to the event date and if you have any questions, we’re here to help.
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If you’re stuck for inspo, you can always try a band name generator. Here’s a couple you could try Entertainment Now, Masterpiece
You’ll need to include a song title for each of the songs you’re planning to perform.
If you write a new song before the performance and decide you want to change this, no problem, just let us know.
Tell us a bit about your band. Who are you? What do you want everyone to know about you and your music? This doesn’t have to be long, 2 or 3 sentences is perfect!
You’ll need to have a video of your band performing each song you wish to perform.
The video doesn’t have to be high quality or on a stage, it’s just for us to get an idea of how your band sounds and how you perform together. Set up a phone while you’re rehearsing and that’s all we need!
If your band has any other recordings, (rough demos, released songs etc) it would be a great idea to include them too.
Tell us why your band wants to be part of SongMakers LIVE.
Learn More
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Catering will also be provided.
For more info on access information for each venue head to their websites – Bakehouse Studios and The Espy.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to discuss specific accessibility requirements for the program.
We’re here to make it a great program for all participants!
If you live in a regional area of Victoria and are successful in your application, SongMakers can support you with travel costs, including accommodation for you and your guardian for one night of the Rehearsal Day if needed.
If you are under 18 and require accommodation, your guardian must stay at the hotel with you for the full duration.
SongMakers Live @ The Espy
Join us for a huge afternoon of non-stop live music from the freshest emerging artists Victoria has to offer.
SONGMAKERS LIVE @ THE ESPY
Sun 23 November
Doors 1:30PM
Unlicensed All Ages | Tickets $10 via Oztix
Spend your Sunday afternoon at The Espy (St Kilda) on 23rd November for a stacked line-up of emerging artists, proudly representing over 1000 young people from Victorian SongMakers programs in 2024/25.
Each band will hit the stage with two songs – their SongMakers track and a new original.
Headlining SongMakers LIVE, is alt-pop powerhouse and incredible songwriter, Mia Wray joining the already stacked line-up to finish off the afternoon with a bang.
Featuring
ABC
Armonía
Caught in the Crossfire
Distasteful Microwaves
Electric Stardust
Eleutheromania
Felonys
Fox Bodies
Godspeed
group ONE
Problematic
The Masches
The Routine
THE VICEROYS
Vapour
and MIA WRAY
The future of Australian music is already here and thriving in Victoria!
Program Dates
Rehearsal Day: Sat 15 OR Sun 16 November 2025
SongMakers Live Event: Sunday, 23 November 2025
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Applications Open: Thursday, 31 July 2025
Applications Close: Sunday, 19 October 2025
Participants Notified: Before Friday, 24 October 2025
Rehearsal Day: Sat 15 OR Sun 16 November 2025
SongMakers Live Event: Sunday, 23 November 2025
