Applications have closed and judging is about to begin for this year’s New Artists 2 Radio (NA2R) competition, the commercial radio industry initiative which aims to discover the next big unsigned, independent music artist to be played on radio. Ten finalists will be announced on August 18 and two winners will then be chosen and announced at the Radio Festival in Melbourne on September 10.

There have been 294 entries received this year, a similar number to last year.

CRA’s Joan Warner says entrants will be judged by a panel of commercial radio network program and music directors, with finalists and winners chosen based on their commercial radio play potential.

This year the two winning acts will receive a longer period of guaranteed radio airplay, six weeks, to ensure maximum exposure and the opportunity to really crack the national market.

“Both winners will receive guaranteed airplay, across the day, on the major metropolitan and regional commercial radio networks for their new single valued at $1.3 million, a fantastic opportunity for new and emerging bands or artists.

“This is an industry-wide initiative which has helped launched some very successful music careers since its inception including artists like Faker, Cassie Davis, Delta Goodrem, Sarah Blasko, Thirsty Merc, Jade McRae, The Sunpilots and Ashleigh Mannix,”

Now in its ninth year, the NA2R competition aims to discover the next big music star to be played on commercial radio throughout the country. The event is open to unsigned, independent Australian artists who have not charted in the top 100 Australian National airplay chart.

Last year’s NA2R winner, Finabah, was the most successful winner so far, gaining impressive chart success with their single “Everyone Jump”, including debuting at #9 on the Air Independent Singles sales chart and peaking at #5 in the Australian artists Top 20 airplay chart. Its second single is currently being supported by major metropolitan commercial radio stations.

This year, the two winning acts will perform at the NA2R showcase event to be held in Melbourne on October 15 in front of key music and program directors from the commercial radio sector.

All finalists will also attend a radio workshop with leading program and music directors and music marketing professionals.