Calling all emerging Aussie country artists – Ridin’ Hearts wants YOU! We’re beyond excited to launch Ridin’ Starts 2025. In partnership with APRA AMCOS, we’re searching nationwide for the brightest up-and-coming talent in Australian country music. After a record number of entries in 2024, Ridin’ Starts is bringing the premier artist-first program back, connecting local talent with top industry experts, offering exclusive experiences, insights, and career-shaping opportunities, along with a host of money-can’t-buy experiences.
Designed to spotlight the future stars of country, Ridin’ Starts equips artists with the tools, insights and connections they need to thrive in one of the fastest-growing genres on the planet. So saddle up – your moment starts here.
With an incredible prize package on offer, one lucky emerging star will win a 20-minute set on the Lone Spur Stage at Ridin’ Hearts 2025, one-on-one meetings with industry leaders like Michael Chugg (Chugg Entertainment & Chugg Music), artist James Johnston, songwriter Tom Jordan, Natalie Waller (ABC Music) and more, design a custom merch piece with Love Police, receive a $200 voucher from Ringers Western and walk away with professional press shots, a content package capturing their festival experience and a tour pass to see some of the biggest names in country music live. Plus, travel and accommodation provided thanks to APRA AMCOS!
Launched in 2024, the inaugural Ridin’ Starts winner was rising country singer-songwriter, Michael Honan. A local boy from Warrnambool, Victoria, it was Michael’s distinctive vocal tone and prolific song-writing abilities that caught the attention of the Ridin’ Starts judges, with the experience culminating in him releasing single ‘More Than I Can Tell’.
Speaking on the experience, Michael says: “Winning the Ridin’ Starts competition was a deeply rewarding experience. It connected me with influential leaders in the Australian music industry and provided invaluable mentoring sessions. These sessions answered my questions, offered guidance on my music career direction, and shared tips on avoiding common industry pitfalls. The Ridin’ Hearts team has been incredibly supportive throughout. As a key prize, I had the privilege of performing in the Lone Spur tent at the Ridin’ Hearts festival, playing for some of the best country music fans. The Ridin’ Starts win also lead to me performing in the Back Forty lineup at CMC Rocks 2025, which allowed me to showcase my music to the surrounding festival-goers and immerse myself in the incredible headlining acts. All in all, it’s been an extremely inspiring experience, that has me imagining myself on those stages one day!”
To enter, artists will need to upload a video of themselves performing an original song to Facebook or Instagram, tag @ridinheartsfest, then visit the Competition Page at ridinhearts.com/ridinstarts and complete all details in the entry form.
Entries are now open and close Friday 8 August at 5:00pm AEST. Five finalists will be chosen and announced via the Ridin’ Hearts and Frontier Touring social media pages before the winner is announced following a selection process held by an expert panel of judges.
Head to ridinhearts.com/ridinstarts for more information about how to enter, and to be in with the chance to kickstart your country music career.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW via ridinhearts.com
SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER
Sydney Showground | Sydney, NSW (18+)
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SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER
Caribbean Gardens | Melbourne, VIC (18+)
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