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Young songwriters shine at Breakneck Records’ uplifting showcase

By Jaci Hicken

Aug 11, 2026

Thirty-two students participated in a three-day workshop and concert at the Kyabram Plaza Theatre, organised by Breakneck Records Songwriters Studio in collaboration with APRA and the Winter Blues Festival. pictured are Lucy Hendry, Macy O’Dwyer and Scarlett Pogue. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Thirty-two students wrote and performed 23 original songs over two days at the Breakneck Records Songwriters Studio, a three-day workshop and concert held July 21 to 23 at the Kyabram Plaza Theatre, in association with the Australia Performing Rights Association and the Winter Blues Festival.

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Songwriters Studio co-leader Michael Pollitt described the final concert on Thursday, July 23, as remarkable.

“It was an overwhelming showcase of talent, community and passion, and all of the good energy that we put into the world,” he said.

“It was an uplifting performance that I challenge anyone not to witness what those young people did on stage last night and be overwhelmed and uplifted.”

The students performed all their 23 new songs live at the Plaza Theatre, supported by four program tutors, two lead teachers, six support teachers and two venue staff.

Riley Walsh, Scarlett Pogue, Tarsha Baensch and Vaeda Williams. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Mr Pollitt said the workshop structure ensured every participant performed in at least five numbers.

“The way we run the workshop is on day one, we get together and put together an ensemble piece where everyone is on stage,” he said.

“All of the primary instrumentalists and primary singers get to showcase their work, and we write that song first.

“We then get together and we do an a capella piece, where everyone sings.

“After that we break into the four tutor groups, and we write an individual tutor group song.

“By lunch on the first day, we have written six original songs where everyone has a chance to play an instrument and everyone is singing in at least one number.”

APRA attended the workshop to speak to participants about music royalties and rights management.

“APRA have been a sponsor and a supporter of this program for the 16 years we have been running it, since 2010,” Mr Pollitt said.

The final concert on July 23 was described as remarkable and uplifting by co-leader Michael Pollitt. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Participants registered their original works with APRA in accordance with the agreed splits and submitted performance reports to receive payment.

Four students received the Peter Williams Prize, named in honour of the late founder of the Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival.

“Peter passed away several years ago and we named this prize in honour of him,” Mr Pollitt said.

Prize recipients Sarah Mackenzie Ross, Darius Hearn, Scarlett Pogue and ensemble group The Window Jumpers each received a performance spot at the Winter Blues Festival.

They played half-hour sets on the Hopwood Gardens stage on Saturday and Sunday of the Winter Blues Festival.

Songwriters Studio Showcase prize recipients played at the Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival on Sunday, July 26 in Hopwood Gardens Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Mr Pollitt thanked sponsors including Campaspe Shire Youth Action Group, the state Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, EMFM’s John McLaughlin and Kirky, festival chair Laurelin Berick, festival booker Jon Howell and the Kyabram Plaza Theatre’s Lisa and Ray.