Sydney indie rock band Castlecomer is the winner of the commercial radio industry’s annual new Australian artist program, First Break. The First Break program represents a significant commitment to the development and success of the winning artist by both the Mushroom Group and the Australian commercial radio industry.
 
Castlecomer, an harmonic five-piece band from Drummoyne, was chosen by a judging panel comprised of senior music and program directors from all major commercial radio networks and Mushroom executives after performing alongside four other finalists in Sydney earlier this month.
 
Castlecomer has played 118 shows this year alone with their live performances attracting a significant and growing fan base.
 
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia Joan Warner said: “The commercial radio industry is vital to local artists’ long term success in the music industry. First Break is just one iteration of the radio industry’s key role in supporting local talent. With the support of the Mushroom Group, our winner will not only receive the substantial radio airplay to take them to the next level of public awareness, but also the assistance and mentorship necessary for a long career in music.”
 
Chairman of the Mushroom Group Michael Gudinski said: “I’ve been thrilled being involved in First Break once again. It’s only the second year, but the quality of the acts on display was incredible. Castlecomer has the ingredients necessary to be a real success story. They write solid, catchy songs, with a sound that’s unique to the musical landscape.”
 
Due to the exceptional quality of the entrants this year and indicative of the difficult job the judging panel had, is the creation this year of the inaugural First Break Development Award. This has been awarded to brother/sister fronted four-piece Nova and The Experience (NATE). Their exceptional songwriting skills and excellent live performance at the First Break final, prompted the judges to decision that they will receive support and guidance from Mushroom as well as $5000 provided by CRA to fund recording and/or equipment and creative services to aid in their development over the next 12 months.
 
First Break is open to unsigned acts who have not charted in the top 100 Australian national airplay chart. The winner receives:

• airplay support for two single releases and commercial radio airtime support for touring and marketing over 12 months, valued at more than $2 million
• joint financing by commercial radio and the Mushroom Group for creating video clips, social media activation and on-road support to build a long term partnership with the chosen artist or band over twelve months
• the opportunity to perform at the 2014 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) in front of 1200 radio and music industry figures.

Winner of the 2012 competition Iluka, will launch her first radio-supported single early next year, after releasing her “Glory Days” EP in August and performing at the 2013 ACRAs in Brisbane in October.