ENTRIES FOR NEEDLE IN THE HAY 2023 ARE NOW CLOSED

Needle in the Hay is an annual competition and event run by Happy Mag which champions and empowers emerging Australian and New Zealand bands and musicians at a time they need it most in their careers.

With a prize pool of over $30,000 including vinyl pressing, high quality recording gear, and plug-in packages, the competition has been carefully curated to give artists the shot in the arm their projects need.

Ben Lee

Ben Lee is a multifaceted Australian singer-songwriter, musician, and actor known for his distinctive musical talent, artistic versatility, and prominence in the international music scene.

Abbie Chatfield

Abbie Chatfield is a renowned Australian media personality, reality TV star, and feminist advocate who has gained an immense following for her incisive hot takes and outspoken personality.

Akala Newman

Akala Newman is a singer-songwriter from Wiradjuri and Gadigal lands, whose rich cultural heritage and evocative songwriting has rightfully earned her renown in the contemporary music scene. 

Andy Golledge

Andy Golledge is a singer-songwriter heralded for his captivating music, soulful storytelling and widespread acclaim within the Australian music scene. 

Jadey O’Regan

Jadey O’Regan is an esteemed music educator and Lecturer in Contemporary Music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, whose wealth of expertise has shaped the next generation of musicians.

Pam Thornback

Pam Thornback is a music, culture and youth marketing guru, with extensive experience in strategic branding, content, partnerships and events.

Dave Jenkins Jr.

Musician, writer and producer known for his work on Daniel John’s ARIA  chart-topping album FutureNever and his role music director and performing with artists like Ben Lee, Vera Blue and Kirin J Callinan

Ash McGregor

A multi talented radio presenter, producer, programmer, and author, is a devoted Australian music fan, acclaimed for her bi-weekly Triple J radio show, Home and Hosed.

Emmy Mack

Best known as the charismatic frontwoman of Sydney heavy alt-rock act RedHook, Emmy Mack is also a triple j presenter, media personality, music journalist and founder of the gender diversity-inspired festival brand, Usfest.

Tom Iansek

A multi-talented producer and songwriter, Tom Iansek is a member of Big Scary, #1 Dads, and No Mono. He is also a label director of Melbourne’s Pieater.

Lenka

As a solo artist, Lenka has had her music listened to by millions around the globe. In 2020 she released two EPs under her own label, Skipalong Records.

Andy Bull

A frequent presence at the ARIA Awards and in songwriting competitions around the world, Andy Bull is one of Australia’s most prolific alt-pop songwriters.

 James Milne

Best known as Lawrence Arabia, James Milne is a veteran of New Zealand’s indie scene. He has won multiple Aotearoa Music Awards and has also composed music for films including Taika Waititi’s Eagle vs Shark.