Q. Does it cost any money to enter the Telstra Road to Discovery competition?

A. No, entry to the competition.

 

Q. Who is eligible to enter?

A. Entry is open to all Australian residents who are Telstra customers aged 15 years and over at the time of entry, and have an immediate family member who is a Telstra customer at the time of entry with either a Telstra home phone, Telstra pre-paid or post paid mobile service or a fixed or wireless broadband internet service.

 

Q. How do I upload my videos and lyrics?

A. To enter the Telstra Road to Discovery you need to select which category you wish to enter; the Performer, Digital or Songwriter Category. Next, enter your personal details and click Browse to select the file where you have saved your video and/or lyrics. Make sure the file does not exceed the maximum file size and has been saved in a correct file format as listed on the entry form. Then complete the questions on the form and submit your entry - good luck!

 

Q. What does the Songwriter Category Competition Winner receive? What is the prize package?

A. The Songwriter Category Competition winner receives a Talent Development Prize package to help in launching their professional music career. Apart from a trip to Nashville, USA, the Talent Development Prize Package includes songwriting appointments, a professional studio recording, marketing and promotional support, media training, live performance opportunities and national and US publicity. For further information, please review the terms and conditions.

 

Q. What does the Performer Category Competition Winner receive? What is the prize package?

A. The Performer Category Competition winner receives a Talent Development Prize package to help in launching their professional music career. Apart from a trip to Nashville, USA, the Talent Development Prize Package includes a professional studio recording, production of a video clip, a professional photo shoot, marketing and promotional support, media training, live performance opportunities and national and US publicity. For further information, please review the terms and conditions.

 

Q. I have entered another competition which runs around the same time as Telstra Road to Discovery, can I enter both?

A. Yes, you can still enter Telstra Road to Discovery even if you have entered another competition which runs at the same time. Should it eventuate that both competitions require you to perform at times or in locations that make it impossible to do both performances, you will need to chose between the two options and you must notify the organisers as soon as possible.

 

Q. Does my song or performance have to fit a particular music genre?

A. To enter this competition your music style should be considered either folk, blues and roots, country or alternate country, and may include rock or pop influences

 

Q. If I have a recording contract or publishing deal, can I still enter either the Performer or Songwriter Categories of the competition?

A. No, if you already have a major or independent recording contract or publishing deal you are not able to enter this competition as outlined in the competition terms and conditions.

 

Q. I have self-funded my own CD, I am not under a recording or publishing contract. Can I enter either of the categories?

A. Yes, as you do not have a major or independent recording or publishing deal you are eligible to enter this competition.

 

Q. If I get offered a recording or publishing deal after entering the competition, do I need to withdraw from the competition?

A. Yes, unfortunately, if you receive a recording or publishing deal you would not be able to continue with this competition as outlined in the terms and conditions. You must advise the organisers immediately.

 

Songwriter Category

 

Q. I'm a singer/songwriter. Can I enter both the performer and songwriter categories?

A. Yes, you can enter both categories, however you will need to complete separate entry forms for each. Also, if you have been successful in winning a competition heat as a performer you will not be eligible to be selected as a songwriter finalist.

 

Q. How is the Songwriter Category judged? What is the judging criteria?

A. The songwriter competition will be judged on the most creative and original entry that has potential for the most crowd appeal. For more information review the Judging Criteria page.

 

Q. Can I enter a song in the Songwriter Category that has been co-written?

A. Yes, as long as you have written permission from the person you co-wrote the song with and the song is not part of a recording or publishing deal.

 

Q. Can I enter more than two (2) songs in the Songwriter Category Competition?

A. In order to be fair to all entrants, we cannot accept more than two (2) songs per entry, so you will need to select your 2 best songs for entry. If you are successful in making it to the next stage of the competition, we'll look forward to hearing more of your lyrics.

 

Q. I am a songwriter interested in entering, but I'm not a good performer/singer, can I still enter?

A. Yes, you do not have to perform your own songs if you enter the Songwriter Category Competition. The judges will determine the best musician to perform your song(s) if it is selected for the Semi-Final or Finals.

 

Q. If I submit an entry as part of the Songwriter Category, how long should my lyrics be when performed?

A. Each song must not exceed the four (4) minutes time limit.

 

Q. If I am entering lyrics and a melody in the Songwriter Category, do I need to upload a performance?

A. To enter the Songwriter Category competition, you must upload lyrics and audio files of your songs, and while we would love to see a video performance of your songs, it is not mandatory.

 

Q. If I am entering lyrics and a melody in the Songwriter Category, do I need to be the person singing the lyrics?

A.No, you do not have to be the singer. Please keep in mind you will not be judged on your vocal ability, it is purely to understand how you think the lyrics should fit with the melody. You may want to review the Judging Criteria for more information.

 

Q. How many Songwriter Category entrants are selected to perform at the Semi-Finals and Finals?

A. Four (4) Songwriter Category Heat winners are selected to perform at the Semi-Finals. Of these four, three (3) are chosen to proceed through to the Finals.

 

Q. When will I know if I've been selected in the Songwriter Category Competition?

A. If you are selected as one of the top four (4) songwriters in this category you will be notified by Monday 31 October 2011.

 

Performer Category

 

Q. I entered the Performer Category Competition and didn't get selected to perform at a Competition Heat, can I now enter the Songwriter Category?

A. Yes, you can enter the Songwriter Category as well as the Performer Category Competition.

 

Q. I was selected to take part in a Competition Heat but didn't get selected for the semi-finals, can I enter another Competition Heat in a different location?

A. Yes, you can enter a maximum of two (2) Competition Heats, providing you submit your entry before the closing date, and if selected to perform, be willing to travel to that location.

 

Q. If I am selected as a Performer at a Competition Heat, what is the longest song I can perform?

A. In order to give each entrant the same opportunity we have a four (4) minute maximum time limit for each song performed.

 

Q. If I am selected to perform at a Competition Heat, do I have to perform the same song that I submitted into the competition?

A. No, you are free to choose any song you wish as long as it is does not exceed the four (4) minute time limit.

 

Q. If I miss the entry deadline for the Competition Heat in my area, can I enter another Heat?

A. Yes you can, however you will need to submit your entry before the closing date and if selected to perform, be willing to travel to that location. Alternatively, you can enter the digital category provided you meet the entry criteria.

 

Q. I understand there is a Digital Heat in the Performer Category Competition. Can I enter both the Digital Heat and the normal 'physical' performance heats?

A. The digital heat has been created so all Australian residents can enter the Telstra Road to Discovery competition. You are eligible for entry to the digital heat if you live more than 300km from any of the heat locations. If there are exceptional circumstances which would prevent you from attending any of the 'physical' performance heats., we will consider your request and let you know if you are eligible.

 

Q. If I enter the Digital Heat and through unexpected circumstances closer to the date, discover I can get to one of the Performance Heats, can I change my entry from a Digital entry to a Performance entry?

A. Yes, you can as long as your entry into the Performance Heat is within the designated time frame and you notify us by email.

 

Q. When will I know if I have been selected to perform at a Competition Heat?

A. If you are selected to perform at a Competition Heat you will be notified after the closing date for your particular heat and will be given one (1) week's notice prior to the heat event date.

 

Q. When will I know if I've been selected as the Digital Heat winner?

A. If you are selected as the Digital Heat winner, you will be notified by Monday 31 October 2011.

 

Q. What is a Wildcard Entrant and how are they selected?

A. The Competition Heat judges and the Songwriter judges may in their absolute discretion select an Eligible Entrant from the Performer, Digital or Songwriter category who was unsuccessful in making it to the semi finals, and based on the judging criteria for the relevant category give them the opportunity to attend the Semi-Finals as a Semi-Finalist.

 

Q. If a Wildcard Entrant is selected to perform at the Semi-Finals,when will they be notified?

A. If you are selected as the Wildcard Entrant to perform at the Semi-Finals, you will be notified by Monday 31 October 2011.

 

Q. I don't play an instrument. Can I have someone accompany me on stage?

A. Yes, you can be accompanied on stage at a Competition Heat by one (1) acoustic guitarist; however they are not permitted to provide any backing vocals.

 

Q. Can I or my accompanist use special effects?

A. No. Any acoustic instrument may be played by you or your accompanying musician. An acoustic instrument is deemed to be any instrument whose sound is not electronically created and cannot be enabled to play any backing tracks and whose sound does not require electric enhancement or special effects or electrical accompaniment. That includes keyboards, guitar pedals or stomp boxes for example.

 

Q. If I am selected to perform at a Competition Heat and in the meantime find out I am unable to attend, what should I do?

A. You simply contact the relevant person who has been liaising with you regarding your appearance at the competition heat as soon as you become aware.

 

Q. If I am selected to perform at a Competition Heat but cannot attend on the day or I arrive late, will I lose my place in the competition?

A. We will do all we can to accommodate you if you are late on the day, however, we do request you arrive no less than 60 minutes before the event start time. Due to a tight schedule there is only so much that can be done. If you are unable to make the day of the heat in your area, in exceptional circumstances, you may be eligible to enter the Digital Heat. Please read through the terms and conditionsto be familiar with all dates you will need to be available for throughout the competition.

 

Q. If I am selected to perform at a Competition Heat can I bring my friends and family to see my performance in the show?

A. Yes, we encourage you to bring your family and friends along to enjoy your time in the spotlight. Please note that your family and friends will need to cover any applicable festival entry fees or may be asked to make a gold coin donation at select venues.

 

Q. If I make it through to the Semi-Finals, or the Finals in Tamworth do I have to perform one (1) of the same two (2) songs I performed at the Competition Heat?

A. No, you are free to choose any song you wish as long as it is does not exceed the four (4) minute time limit.

 

Q. I understand that if I'm selected for a Competition Heat, I need to make my own way to the venue, but if I win a place at Boot Camp or in the Final, I don't have to pay for myself to get there?

A. If you are selected for Boot Camp, travel from your nearest major city (except Sydney) will be paid for by Telstra, as well as your accommodation in Sydney. If you are successful in making it to the Final in Tamworth, you will receive $1,000towards your travel expenses but you will need to manage your own travel arrangements.

 

Q. How many Performer Category entrants are selected to perform at the Semi-Finals and Finals?

A. Twelve (12) 'physical' Performer Category Heat winners and one (1) Digital Heat winner are selected to perform at the Semi-Finals. Of these thirteen (13) Performer Category Semi-Finalists, seven (7) are chosen to proceed to the Finals.

 

Q. If I win one of the trips to Nashville can I take a friend or family member?

A. You are more than welcome to invite a friend or family member to Nashville, however Telstra will only provide one (1) return airfare and accommodation for your trip. Therefore all costs and travel arrangements are the responsibility of your friend or family member. Please note, if you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 years at all stages of the competition journey.

 

Q. Can my sister / brother enter the competition as well as me?

A. Yes, they certainly can.

If you have a question that was not outlined in the above, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it