This year’s FReeZACentral tour is set to bring the house down with three shows across Victoria featuring special guests House vs Hurricane, Confession and Heroes for Hire.
Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino today announced the tour – entitled Escape to Oz – would include three all-ages shows in August and he called on local metal, hardcore and rock bands in the Croydon, Geelong and Wodonga areas to express their interest in joining the tour locally.
“The Brumby Labor Government has provided $2.4 million over four years to run FReeZACentral – to help budding young artists kick start their music careers,” Mr Merlino said.
“With a collection of metal, hardcore and rock, this promises to be a great FReeZACentral tour and a young local act from each region has the chance to perform at their local show.
“If you’ve got a young hardcore, rock, metal, prog, emo or punk band in an area visited by the tour and you think you can rock the crowd, FReeZACentral wants to hear from you.”
Mr Merlino said local bands interested in performing in the Escape to Oz tour should email a bio, including their hometown and links to where music can be listened to online by Friday 23 July.
At least one band member must live, work or be involved in recreation in the town or surrounding area the tour is visiting, and be under 25 years of age. Winners will be announced 30 July.
Mr Merlino said the soon to be released Escape To Oz compilation CD will feature mentee acts including Ayera, The Deep End, Legacy and Exo Majesty and their mentors’ bands Carpathian, Jonesez, Pete Sounds and Walk The Earth.
“FReeZACentral supports young people to start a career in the music industry through a mentoring program with high profile music industry professionals who support them through the process of creating their own CD and going on tour,” Mr Merlino said.
“It’s a complete music industry experience for talented young people who have shown a strong interest and talent in music or any of the disciplines that make up the music industry.”
Excape to Oz will hit the stage on Friday, 27 August at EV’s Croydon, Saturday, 28 August at West Geelong Town Hall and Sunday, 29 August at Wodonga Civic Centre with FReeZACentral bands Ayera, The Deep End and Legacy and special guest appearances.
Local bands wishing to perform in the Escape to Oz tour should email a bio freezacentral@thepush.com.au by Friday 23 July.
For more information go to www.freezacentral.vic.gov.au.