BaySounds – SAE x BAYFM Songwriting Competition
For our third year in row, BayFM and SAE University College Byron Bay are thrilled to bring you BaySounds – a local songwriting competition that celebrates the incredible talent right in our backyard in the NSW Northern Rivers Region.
Submissions open 9am Monday 13 April
Whether you’re a budding lyricist or a seasoned performer, BaySounds could be your gateway to the next chapter of your musical journey. We’re all about celebrating the hidden talents and irresistible beats of our local artists, and we can’t wait to spotlight your songwriting skills to the Northern Rivers and beyond.
About the competition
There are two age-based BaySounds competition categories:
- The Youth BaySounds competition is open to participants aged 12 to 17 years as of 31 December 2025. Youth entrants must have their parent or guardian sign the application form.
- The Adult BaySounds competition is open to individuals aged 18 years and older as of 31 December 2025.
Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts including:
- BayFM host of the Northern Rivers Music Box, Ange Kent
- BayFM host of Living Your Arts Off, Nathan Kaye
- SAE Faculty Lead Dirk Terrill, a multi-award-winning composer, producer and engineer
The winner will be announced on BayFM’s local music show Northern Rivers Music Box on Friday 14 August at 5pm. The winner will also be notified by email.
Applications open 9AM Monday 13 April and close at midnight on Sunday 12 July.
About the prize
One lucky Youth and one Adult winner of the BaySounds Songwriting Competition will have their original song recorded and mastered at SAE by final-year Audio Engineering students in the state-of-the-art recording studio through the amazing Neve analogue desk (winner must be available to record in September 2026). Plus you’ll also receive four weeks of guaranteed airplay rotation on BayFM 99.9.
The best of our Adult entries will also have the opportunity to perform at the BaySounds Live Event on Saturday 21 November 2026 featuring a live broadcast on BayFM 99.9.
And the best of our Youth entries will have an opportunity to perform at an all ages showcase at Howl and Moan Records in Byron Bay in September 2026.
Your recording session and BaySounds Live and Howl and Moan Records Showcase performances will be filmed for promotion on BayFM and SAE’s social media platforms to showcase your talents even further.
How to enter
Ready to share your musical talents with the world? To enter your song into the competition, submit one original track created by you via a link (e.g. Bandcamp, Soundcloud, DropBox, Google Drive – check sharing permissions).
Along with your track and lyrics, you’ll be required to submit a portfolio which includes a short bio with an image of yourself plus a 100-word statement telling us what your song is about and what it means to you.
Submit your song at the SAE website, scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the form along with the submission of your song.
Who is SAE?
As the only University College delivering creative and technology courses nationwide, SAE stands out from the crowd. With almost 50 years of experience in education, our unique approach to tech and creative media equips you with the practical skills, real-world experience and industry connections you need to make your mark.
Our courses are locally accredited and internationally recognised, unlocking global opportunities for SAE graduates. Our University College status gives you a competitive edge, backed by strong industry relationships and a reputation for producing confident, competent graduates.
Who is BayFM 99.9?
BayFM is a powerhouse of community spirit, fueled by the energy of the people. Since 1991, BayFM has been the heartbeat of the Northern Rivers, proudly amplifying the diverse voices and vibrant views of our unique region. With a focus on inclusion and respect, BayFM is all about celebrating local talent, especially the amazing music scene that makes the Northern Rivers’ community shine.
Terms and conditions
Competition rules at a glance:
All entrants must:
- Be aged 12 and over
- Be independent artists, not signed to a label
- Reside in the Northern Rivers (Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed Shire council areas)
- Be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen/Permanent Resident.
Your competition entry must:
- Include one original track (song), including the lyrics, per entry
- Not exceed 5 minutes duration
- Not be a DJ track, instrumental, cover or parody/spoof song
- Be performable, live, on stage
- AI generated music will not be accepted
By entering the BaySounds Songwriting Competition, you accept the full Terms and Conditions.
To submit your song, head on over the SAE website, scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the form along with the submission of your song.
Have a question?
Chances are, we’ve got you covered with the Frequently Asked Questions document!
Check out our FAQ doc for more info.
Pictured 📸 The Flukes of Sendington
Published on 24 April 2026