A website dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Australian |
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Arch Kerr – pioneer record producer Australia's College of Country Music Brief History of the Golden Guitar Awards Brief History of Star Maker Country Music Capital Meets Music City History of the College of Country Music How Tamworth became Country Music Capital How the College of Country Music Works Origins of the Tamworth Country Music Festival For more information Contact: Max Ellis Email info@historyofcountrymusic.com.au Disclaimer All matters relating to the conduct of this site remain under the total control of Max Ellis or his nominees who will endeavour to ensure the accuracy and balance of the content and proper conduct of the site but, subject to legal requirements, cannot be held responsible for any digression or non-compliance in respect of these matters. |
Brief History of Star Maker Star Maker is Australia's best known, most successful and most prestigious talent quest for young Australian country music singers.
In contrast to the Awards, which were aimed at recognising established professional artists, Star Maker was conceived as a means of offering emerging talent the opportunity to advance their experience in country music as professionals.
Star Maker winners have an instant profile and are widely sought after as entertainers. They do not receive cash. Their prize is image and opportunity. They are given a "big budget" production of their own 2 track CD, which is released through a national record company (ABC Music). This is a vital part of the promotional process. Winners are given the opportunity to perform at many major country music events and since 1998 the sponsor, Toyota, provides winners with the use of a new vehicle for their 12 month "reign". Gary Robertson and then Terry Hill were two of the BALM staff most associated with Star Maker winners over the years. Since Star Maker's inception in 1979, the event and associated activity has had an incredible effect on Australian country music, establishing the careers of a number of today's high profile stars. These include Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan (pictured here with Max Ellis, left, and Gary Robertson in 1982.Click the image for a larger picture), Gina Jeffreys, James Blundell, Beccy Cole, Brendon Walmsley, Grand Junction (pictured above, from the top, Dave Tyne, John Fraser, Alan Trudinger, Lance Clarke and Peter Johnson) and many others. Dates Held on the October long weekend until 1983, Star Maker was moved in 1985 to the first weekend of the Festival in January. Judging Since it started it has been judged by a panel of 6 industry experts. Twenty Finalists are selected from the many entries. These finalists come to Tamworth and the judging panel selects the top 10 grand finalists. The Grand Finals are normally held on the Sunday night on the first week end of the Festival. Venue Originally staged in the Tamworth Town Hall Star Maker later moved to the Tamworth Workmans Club before returning to the Town Hall. In 2004 Star Maker moved to the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre. Entry Criteria These have changed only slightly over the years. For example originally bands were allowed to enter. Today entrants must be solo performers over 18 years old who have never had a record release that was not personally funded and are not entrants or previous winners in the Country Music Awards of Australia. Since 1995 Star Maker has been organised and staged by Rural Press Events in Tamworth.
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It was started in 1979 by Radio 2TM's country music division BAL Marketing which, at that time, was organising the already highly successful Australasian Country Music Awards.
Compiled and produced in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital © Copyright 2006 GM Ellis Material on this site can be down loaded. Where copyrights on pictures or other content are known to exist, approvals for use have been obtained. If you have any query regarding material on the site please contact the site manager