ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR NEEDLE IN THE HAY 2025!
ENTER NOW TO WIN FROM OVER $50,000 IN PRIZES INCLUDING A 7″ PRESSING OF YOUR SINGLE
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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 $50,000 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.
2025 JUDGES
Dobby
DOBBY is an ARIA-winning hip-hop artist and drummer. His work blends sharp lyricism, cultural pride, and education—honouring Murrawarri roots through music, workshops, and mentorship.
Chloe Maddren
Chloe Maddren Comedian, musician and podcaster Chloe Maddren hosts The Friend Request, blending wit and heart in honest conversations about friendship with guests like Anisa Nandaula and Adam Hyde.
Jonathan Wilson
Jonathan Wilson Musician and curator Jonathan Wilson programs music at the Art Gallery of NSW. His Volume series redefines live art, recently releasing music as J.WLSN via Room40.
Anna Laverty
Producer and engineer Anna Laverty has worked with Florence and The Machine, Camp Cope and more. She also mentors artists and chairs MPEG, supporting industry growth.
Hayley Mary
Former Jezabels frontwoman Hayley Mary now flies solo with Roman XS, fusing indie, rock and pop. Known for powerful lyrics and performance, she’s an icon evolving.
Andrew Khedoori
A radio veteran, Andrew currently serves as manager of CBAA’s Amrap initiative, overseeing distribution of new Australian music to community radio stations nationwide.
L-Fresh The Lion
L-FRESH The LION blends hip-hop with activism, identity and resilience. With global shows, ARIA nods and tracks like WE THE KINGS, he’s a voice of purpose.
Mark Gerber
Oxford Art Factory founder Mark Gerber helped shape Sydney’s music scene. Since 2007, he’s supported emerging talent and iconic acts, including via the Music Makers Club.
Jannah Beth
Jannah Beth is an artist and co-founder of Offbeat Collective, blending hip-hop, soul and pop while championing collaboration, diversity and innovation through camps like ONE OFF TRAKS.
THE GRAND PRIZE POOL
250 x Your Single Pressed to 7″ vinyl by Zenith Records
RUNNER UP PRIZES
Over $50,000 in prizes to be announced!
FINALISTS
All finalists will have their submissions listened to by Needle In The Hay’s judging panel, composed of nine industry figureheads
All finalists have the chance to play the Needle In The Hay Finalists’ Party in November 2025
NEEDLE IN THE HAY
PRIZE PARTNERS
NEEDLE IN THE HAY
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, managers and labels can enter on behalf of artists.
Yes, signed artists can enter the comp.
Yes, your music will stay 100% private.
If you’ve already released your single on vinyl, or if it has featured on another release, that’s totally ok.
Yes, you can enter old singles.
Yes, you can enter as many singles as you like.
Yes, demos are a-ok.
Yes, your music will stay 100% private.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A $28 ENTRY FEE.
ALL PROCEEDS GO TOWARDS MAKING NEEDLE IN THE HAY AS AWESOME AS POSSIBLE!
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE FROM A AUSTRALIAN OR NEW ZEALAND BASED BAND
WE ACCEPT UNRELEASED TRACKS, OLDER TRACKS AND DEMOS PLUS YOU CAN ENTER ON SOMEONE ELSE’S BEHALF!
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