Outset is a program by MusicNSW that brings together a Youth Committee to curate, create and deliver their own all ages gig, mentored by industry experts.
Committee members, all aged under 25 years, are involved in every aspect of event planning, gaining the hands-on experience, industry knowledge and connections needed to thrive in the live music industry on the Mid North Coast and beyond.
Throughout July 2025, 10 young people from across the Mid North Coast collaborated to create COASTAL GROWN - an all ages showcase of local trailblazing artists at Coffs Harbour’s Hoey Moey on 30 August. Artists aged 15 - 25 years based from across the region were invited to apply to perform, with Korderoy, Lily Hallawell, Autopilot, Rhetorical? & Temperate selected to play.
The 2025 Outset Youth Committee is: Amy Hughes, Annabelle Kerr, Arlo Smith, Brylee Eklund, Ethan Pursch, Isaiha Kelly, Jayden McDermid, Mahli Grant, Sam Duff and Scott Shrimpton.
The Outset team is: Andrew Davis (Outset Manager) and mentors Ben Lewis (Gig Big), Daniel Whiffen (Hoey Moey), Lisa Willows (RAWR Music Management/Rough Velvet Records), Lola Willows (The Cage) and Nanette Backhouse (saso.creative/Punk Arts Collective).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Outset Youth Committee?
The Outset Youth Committee was open to applications from people who are:
- Aged 15 - 25 years
- Based in Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey, or Port Macquarie
- Who are passionate about live music and exploring a career in the music industry
What will Youth Committee members do?
Youth Committee members:
- Worked in a team to create an epic all-ages event with guidance from inspirational music industry professionals
- Did 6 skill-building workshops covering everything from live music event planning, lineup curation and promotion
- Got hands-on experience working alongside professionals in audio production, lighting, photography, videography, stage management, and event coordination
Can I apply to play at the Outset event?
Artists and bands were invited to apply if:
- The majority (75% and over) of the act/band are aged 15–25
- The majority (75% and over) of the act/band are based in Coffs, Bello, Nambucca, Kempsey, or Port Macquarie
- Have performed previously and can perform a 30-minute set at the Outset event, including at least 4 original songs
- Are eager to learn, collaborate, and fully commit to skill-building workshops, and performance development
What do artists playing at the event get?
Selected artists:
- Go to stagecraft and performance workshops with expert rehearsal mentors
- Create content for your Electronic Press Kit, including a free professional photoshoot, professional multi-camera video shoot of your live performance, artist bio and more
- Be paid to perform in front of a supportive all-ages audience and industry professionals
For more information, email outset@musicnsw.com.
More about Arts Mid North Coast MiNi (digital) Concerts
MiNi (digital) Concerts is an online video series produced by Arts Mid North Coast to showcase some of the very best musicians emerging from the Mid North Coast. Delivered in partnership with MusicNSW, the program aims to lift the online presence of Mid North Coast artists and to provide professionally produced video recordings and images to help further their career and gig opportunities.
Image: Blind Pretty at the Pacific Palms Rec Club, MusicNSW Sister Cities tours 2023, photo by Lens Head