fRETfEST

fRETfEST fRETfEST (Est 1997) is now based in Tamworth NSW and is home to BUSKING AT THE BOWLO and the original Regional Song Contest (Est 2014).

fRETfEST has operated as a music mentoring program providing holistic approaches to launching an indie music career, focusing on live performances, music industry insights and audience development through live music concert events. Established in 1997, the program attracted funding from all levels of government, curating showcase concerts and music development workshops widely across southeast Que

ensland for two decades. fRETfEST is now based in Tamworth NSW and has morphed into an online song contest known as the Regional Song Contest held annually, with connections to the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Entries to the contest are welcomed through our website via www.fretfest.com/regional-song-contest

04/06/2026

💛 GET INTO THE WOODS 💛
Here’s our pick for 2026, The Woods, from Nashville.
The Woods aren't just a band; they're a place where genres and generations overlap, blending the three-part harmonies of 1970s folk-rock with the hooks of modern-day country music. The result is a polished sound that's both fresh and familiar, created by a trio of Nashville-based singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists who breathe new life into old-school influences.
With the release of their upcoming debut EP, The Woods showcase not only the writing chops that sent their first single, "World's On Fire," into the Top 50 on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart, but also the stacked vocals and entwined guitarmonies that have earned the trio comparisons to acts like The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Produced by Grammy-winning producer Blake Chancey (The Dixie Chicks, Little Big Town) and recorded in the wake of The Woods' arena tour with Tim McGraw, this next chapter of music serves as a reintroduction to one of Nashville's most promising exports.

10/05/2026

Upcoming shows good people’s Apollonian Hotel QLD Lefty's Music Hall , The Nook, Cooroy

04/05/2026

For the past three years, Ireland has invested in 2,000 artists, paying them around $1,500 per month in basic income. Some may argue that it would be a waste of taxpayer money. However, after the three-year trial ended, the endeavor was a net positive for the Irish economy.

According to an external report, for every €1 of public money invested in the pilot, society received €1.39 in return. An external report found that the pilot program cost €72 million ($84 million) but generated nearly €80 million ($91 million) in total benefits to the Irish economy.

Other data showed that the program motivated artists to work an average of four hours more per week on their various projects. Not only was Ireland receiving more artistic work for the public to admire, enjoy, and possibly purchase, but the BIA program also reduced the amount of money spent on other social programs, such as job seeking and unemployment benefits.

"The positive economic impact this report has revealed is a very encouraging outcome for the sector and the general public. The economic return on this investment in Ireland’s artists and creative arts workers is immediately having a positive impact for the sector and the economy overall," Minister Patrick O’Donovan said in a statement. Learn more about the project below.

30/04/2026
20/04/2026

🎸 CONGRATULATIONS ETHAN 🎸
Winner of the inaugural Keith Urban Scholarship 2026 just announced, Ethan Calway 💛

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