Get those creative juices flowing!
The Ridin' Starts 2026 winner will receive one day of access to The Lock In, Mushroom Music's professional writing room in Sydney, giving them the opportunity to write, create and develop their original music in a dedicated creative environment.
Equipped with professional audio gear, studio monitors, microphones and bass guitar, The Lock In provides an inspiring space to bring new musical ideas to life.
Room Equipment Includes:
– Audio Interface: Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen II
– Studio Monitors: ADAM T5V
– Microphones: Audio-Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone and Shure SM7B
– Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO
– MIDI Controller: Arturia KeyLab Essential III 49-Key
– Bass Guitar: Fender Player II Precision Bass
Discover more about The Lock In.
Your music tells a story. Now it's time to tell yours.
The Ridin' Starts 2026 winner will receive an artist development and media coaching session with True South, focused on building confidence, developing their artist story and communicating authentically across media and industry opportunities.
From interviews and storytelling to understanding how to present yourself as an artist, this session is designed to help emerging talent feel prepared for the opportunities ahead.
Picture your future! Every artist needs a great shot (or two)!
The Ridin' Starts 2026 winner will receive a professional artist photography session, helping them build their visual identity and capture images that reflect their music, personality and style.
From promoting new releases and upcoming shows to building their online presence, professional photography is an essential part of an artist's toolkit.
With fresh imagery to help tell their story, the winner will be one step closer to looking the part as they take their music to the next level.
Your music. Your name. Your merch!
The Ridin' Starts 2026 winner will receive a $500 merchandise creation package from Love Police ATM, one of Australia's most experienced music merchandise companies.
With over 40 years of experience bringing artist merch to life, Love Police ATM will also provide expert advice and design support to help the winner create merchandise that reflects their music, style and artist identity.
From the first creative ideas through to the finished product, this prize is all about helping the winner build their brand and create merch their fans will love to wear.
Ready to get your music out into the world?
The Ridin' Starts 2026 winner will receive a G.Y.R.O. Legacy Package, including music distribution for three singles and one EP or album.
As a leading Australian-owned independent music distribution and artist services company, G.Y.R.O. helps artists release their music, reach new listeners and grow their fan base.
The winner will also receive a one-on-one release strategy session with the G.Y.R.O. team, offering valuable industry guidance on planning their releases, building momentum and giving their music the best chance of success.
Prize Includes:
– Music distribution for three singles
– Music distribution for one EP or album
– One-on-one release strategy session with G.Y.R.O.
We've got your Sydney trip sorted!
The Ridin' Starts 2026 winner will receive return flights, accommodation and transfers to Sydney, helping them make the most of their industry development opportunities and connect with some of the best in the music biz.
Proudly provided by Ridin' Starts partner APRA AMCOS, this prize takes care of the travel arrangements so the winner can focus on making connections, gaining valuable experience and taking the next steps in their music career.
A little live music inspiration never hurts!
The Ridin' Starts 2026 winner will receive two double passes to Frontier Touring country music shows, giving them and a mate the chance to experience two incredible live shows.
From the music and performances to the energy of a live crowd, it's an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere, find a little inspiration and see some of their favourite country artists in action.
Get in the room with some of the best in the music biz!
The Ridin' Starts 2026 winner will have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with leading industry professionals and artists, gaining valuable insights into artist development, songwriting, touring, record labels, marketing, music business and more.
From the people working behind the scenes to artists making their mark on the world stage, these sessions offer a rare opportunity to ask questions, make connections and learn from those who know the music industry inside out.
Whether you're looking to grow your audience, build your career or better understand the business behind the music, this is your chance to gain valuable advice to help take your next steps.
With over 13 years of music industry experience, Katie Rynne is one of Australia's leading booking agents, working across country, folk, Americana and contemporary music.
As Head of Wheelhouse Agency, Katie represents some of Australia's exciting country talent, including Wade Forster, Shannon Noll, Lane Pittman, Hayley Jensen and Ella Hooper. She also works as a Senior Booking Agent at Select Music, representing artists across a diverse range of genres.
In 2024, Katie was appointed Co-Programmer of BIGSOUND, Australia's leading music industry showcase, helping spotlight the country's next generation of talent.
With extensive experience in artist bookings, touring and live music, Katie brings invaluable industry knowledge and insight to Ridin' Starts 2026.
From small-town New Zealand to some of the world's biggest stages, Kaylee Bell has become one of Australasia's most successful country artists, building an international career as an independent artist.
With over 100 million catalogue streams, Kaylee has shared stages with Ed Sheeran, Keith Urban, The Chicks and Kane Brown, while her viral hit *Keith* has reached millions of fans around the world. In 2023, she made history as the first New Zealand artist to win a CMA Award, taking home the Jeff Walker Global Country Music Artist Award in Nashville.
Having built her career across Australia, New Zealand and the United States, Kaylee brings invaluable first-hand experience in songwriting, touring, releasing music and connecting with audiences internationally.
Passionate about championing country music and paving the way for the next generation, Kaylee brings a unique artist perspective to Ridin' Starts 2026.
With almost 30 years of music industry experience, Natalie Waller is one of Australia's most respected music executives and a driving force behind the growth of Australian country music.
As Head of ABC Music, Natalie leads one of Australia's largest independent music labels, working with some of the country's biggest artists and championing Australian talent across a diverse range of genres, with a strong focus on country music.
Alongside her role at ABC Music, Natalie serves as Chair of the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and sits on the board of the Country Music Association (CMA) in the United States, helping strengthen opportunities for Australian artists both at home and internationally.
With extensive experience in record labels, artist development and the global country music industry, Natalie brings a wealth of knowledge and invaluable insight to Ridin' Starts 2026.
