UNDSCVRD — Samsung Galaxy’s search for Australia’s hottest new music superstar has found its final five
The adrenaline-inducing applause from a crowd-filled venue; the uplifting sight of fans gazing at you adoringly; and the beauty in knowing that your music is providing the soundtrack to countless lives — it’s easy to see the appeal of a career as a chart-topping musician.
However, while having the power to move people across the world with your words and music is undoubtedly profound, the realities of really making it as a performer — and making a living as one — are tough. Successfully navigating the highly competitive musical playing field is a journey that’s complex and, quite often, filled with more downs than ups.
But, for a handful of independent Aussie music makers, we have created a fast track route to help them cut through the seemingly impenetrable industry barriers, and to help them realise their stage dreams.
UNCOVERING TALENT
Presented by Samsung Galaxy — Australia’s premiere mobile brand, UNDSCVRD has been designed to discover emerging and unsigned artists and to help them thrive.
Following a nationwide search earlier this year, five up-and-coming recording artists have been selected from across the country as potential ‘next big things’ and are now about to embark on the next step of their quest to turn their dreams and aspirations into a reality.
UNDSCVRD spotlights the rising music talent in the country, and will document the finalists as they work to produce their very own original single and accompanying music video alongside industry pros, including homegrown pop-rock icons The Veronicas.
PRO PRODUCERS
One of the country’s most iconic acts, the Brisbane-born pop duo — comprised of identical twin sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso — have been making waves since forming in 2004.
“As songwriters and artists in the thick of the music industry for over 16 years, it’s an honour to work with and guide rising, independent artists who share a love for music and creativity,” say The Veronicas of their involvement in the competition.
“Samsung’s support for independent artists with UNDSCVRD is a huge opportunity for up- and-coming musicians to forge their own path, and we can’t wait to see what happens!”
MEET THE MUSIC MAKERS
Following the announcement of the competition earlier this year, The Veronicas went through a rigorous selection process before coming up with their final five. Budding, independent musos, who hail from the length and breadth of the country, and reflect a diverse range of musical genres, from pop and indie, to blues and rap.
The finalists comprise: Perth-based singer-songwriter, Taigh Wade. Originally born in South Africa, Taigh moved to Australia 13 years ago picked up the guitar soon after an injury signalled the premature end to his professional rugby career ambitions. With music as a new passion, the aspiring star attended the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and went on to teach himself how to play the piano before releasing his first single, independently, on Spotify a year ago.
A skilled singer-songwriter and multi-talented musician — one who plays piano, guitar, ukulele and saxophone — Sydney-based, Jade Stegbauer, discovered her love of music when living in the NSW country. And the genres the soulful singer covers in her music is as diverse as the instruments she plays, with blues, country and jazz all featuring in her work.
Already boasting plays on Triple J, indie-pop singer-songwriter, Jordyn Richards, performed to her first audience at the tender age of 11, when she began gigging at open mic nights at local clubs. Now aged 18, the Sydney-based musician has committed to her passion and last year graduated from the prestigious Talent Development Project.
Melbourne-based up-and-coming rap artist, Felix ‘Checko’ Pacheco, might be new to the music scene, but over the last two years the 17-year-old has taught himself audio engineering skills, which he’s used to both produce his own music, and to help friends with their own production.
Last, but by no means least is 17-year-old Victorian, Rhian Aoun. Passionate about music her entire life, the fledgling Soprano’s enviable vocal range has made her a go-to performer for all of her school productions. Inspired by a fusion of electronic production and memorable vocals, the wannabe pop singer-songwriter wants to follow in the footsteps of her superstar role models, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande.
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
They've made it through nerve-wracking auditions, impressed with their singing skills, and have earned their place in the final five. But now the real work begins.
Over the next few weeks, the aspiring musicians will work with The Veronicas and other industry professionals — including award-winning Platinum accredited producer, James Angus, who worked on the Veronicas latest record — to produce their own single and accompanying music video.
Vying for their chance to make it big, each contestant’s journey will be documented and presented on TikTok through a vertical video series will be broadcast exclusively on the platform. And uniquely, regardless of who wins, each contestant will retain complete ownership of their music and associated content and be able to release their music as part of the UNDSCVRD series.
The competition will culminate in an Industry showcase event, which will be live streamed on TikTok, during which each contestant will perform their song on stage to a select panel of industry judges alongside The Veronicas, giving them their very first taste of the big time.
TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY
But, as with any competition, there can only be one winner. The UNDSCVRD champion will be selected by The Veronicas, along with input from industry colleagues. And their prize? A fast track ticket to their dreams.
In addition to the winner performing as a support act to The Veronincas for their 3 sold out shows in Melbourne for January 2022, they will go on to record a five-track EP and will be given an A to Z of professional music industry tools and contacts, from distribution to press, and marketing to ongoing talent management — everything that it takes to turn a fledgling musician into a bona fide star.
Who do YOU think deserves their big musical break? Follow the five finalists on their journey during the four-week vertical video series, which will be broadcast exclusively on the @UNDSCVRD_artist TikTok channel now!
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