WA Muso’s Invited To Step Into The Spotlight

For the third consecutive year, RAC Arena is once again giving local musicians the chance to step into the spotlight with the return of Limelight, a hyper local music support fund presented by RAC Arena and supported by West Australian Music (WAM).

Continuing the venue’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, Limelight provides financial, performance and promotional opportunities to the winning Western Australian act over a 12-month period.

First introduced in 2022 as part of the Arena’s 10th anniversary celebrations, WA rising stars Alter Boy, Angie Colman, Riley Pearce and Those Who Dream have received support from the initiative.

One lucky musician will be awarded the main package worth over $20,000, with two runner ups also receiving a financial and promotional support valued at $3,000 each.

The main prize includes:

• $5,000 financial assistance
• Radio campaign thanks to Nova Entertainment
• Music equipment thanks to Kosmic
• Recording studio time and rehearsal space thanks to Vision Studios
• Inclusion in the WAMFest 2025 line-up
• Promotional support via RAC Arena’s marketing channels

Emerging WA musicians aged 18 and older are invited to apply from November 11-25, outlining their goals for 2025, and how the fund will assist them in achieving this outcome.

The 2024 winners will be selected by a panel of local and interstate industry professionals, including RAC Arena’s general manager Michael Scott and WAM board member Kristina West, alongside artist manager Hayley Ayres from 360 Artist Logistics, RTRFM producer and presenter Pamela Boland and Kam Dheda, general manager of touring for TEG Dainty (ANZ and Asia).

The recipient of last year’s main prize, Angie Colman, is grateful for the positive impact it’s already had on her career:

“Working with the RAC Arena has been one of the coolest and most exciting experiences of my career so far. The Limelight grant covered my expenses to press my first vinyl, which was so exciting and I’m so grateful for their support and commitment to Western Australian music. I was lucky enough to play at the Arena for Telethon also which was so much fun and a big step for me to be a part of such a massive event.

Alongside the vinyl pressing, the Arena also provided me with loads of PR and media opportunities, documented the making of my EP’s, promoted my music and shows on their social media, and invited me to represent the Arena at events. It’s been an amazing year and I can’t wait to see who works with them next year! Best of luck to all the entrants!” said Angie.

WAM’s board member, Kristina West says: “It was a privilege to represent WAM as a judge in last year’s Limelight competition. There was a real diversity in the applications, and it was great to spend time listening to all of their music as part of the selection process before choosing Angie Colman as our worthy winner. I know that whoever the lucky 2024 winner is will enjoy the promotional and performance opportunities that Limelight will provide them.”

RAC Arena general manager Michael Scott says, “It’s been wonderful seeing this year’s winners releasing new music and making great strides in building a successful career in music. Times are especially tough in this industry right now and we’re incredibly proud to be able to help support these talented artists.”

Michael elaborates, “Our venue was built for the people of Western Australia, and it’s been thrilling to witness the music community thrive in our state. I’m thankful that we can once again invite applications for support in 2025 and encourage all aspiring musicians to apply through our website.”

Applications are now open. To enter the Limelight music support fund for 2025, head to RAC Arena’s website www.racarena.com.au.

Applications close at 9am AWST on November 25, 2024, and the winner of Limelight will be announced in early December 2024.