ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR NEEDLE IN THE HAY 2026

ENTER NOW TO WIN FROM OVER $50,000 IN PRIZES INCLUDING A 7″ PRESSING OF YOUR SINGLE

Needle in the Hay is an annual competition and event run by Happy Mag which champions and empowers emerging 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.

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.

Travis De Vries

Travis De Vries is a Gamilaroi and Darug artist, founder of Awesome Black, and creator of Source Decay. He blends visual art, sound, and storytelling to spotlight First Nations talent. 

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.